Water
History
The City of Yreka was settled in 1851 and incorporated in 1857 during the gold rush of the late 1840s and 1850s. Prior to 1970, the City's water sources included a number of wells and reservoirs. The Greenhorn Dam and Reservoir was a major source of water to the City, but the quantity of water available during drought conditions was questionable. The North Well and Boston Shaft Well were actually infiltration galleries and either pumped to storage reservoirs or directly into the distribution system.
As the City grew, droughts and water shortages began to have greater impacts, and there were critical water shortages during the summers of 1944, 1955, 1957, 1959, and 1966. In 1966, the City commissioned a feasibility study to find alternative water sources. The report recommended that the City install a water conduit from Fall Creek, at a location about 23 miles northeast of the City.
Pipeline Construction
Construction of the 24-inch pipeline from the following was completed in 1968, giving the City a safe reliable water supply:
- City Ranch
- Evergreen
- Fall Creek
- Fall Creek Pump Station
- Klamath Pass Reservoirs
- Water Treatment Plant (WTP)
Water Treatment Plant
The initial WTP consisted of six 8-feet diameters by 22 feet long pressure filters. Then in about 1995, the WTP was expanded with the addition of two more pressure filters. Currently, the City obtains its normal water supply from Fall Creek based on a State water right that allows withdrawal of up to 15 CFS (9.7 MGD).
Water Rates
Effective October 1, 2008, the City of Yreka increased the utility billing rates for residential, multi-family residential and commercial accounts. The City's water utilities pay for their own operating, maintenance and replacement costs through user fees and charges. Currently, those fees and charges are not a sufficient source of revenue to cover the overall operating costs, particularly deferred maintenance costs and the growing population. Through a series of public hearings and a water and wastewater system study, the City has adopted a five-year rate increase plan.
For 2012 to 2013, effective October 1, 2012, these rate increases include: an increase in water meter charge based on the water meter size starting at $31.60; a flow rate charge based on consumption starting at $1.86 per 1,000 gallons; and an increase in the sewer charge to $42. However, the City has also adopted a policy to encourage conservation by which customers can apply for a reduction in water meter size so long as the reduction will conform to the California Plumbing Code. Applications are available at City Hall.
Water Quality Reports
Water quality reports are designed to inform the public about the quality of water and services we deliver every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water.