Nicasio Flooding Blamed on 65-Year-Old Reservoir Decision

Nicasio, California, faces escalating flood concerns linked to the Nicasio Reservoir, built in 1961. Residents report that sediment accumulation, exacerbated by back pressure from the reservoir, has raised the local creek bed by approximately 9 feet over the past 65 years. This has resulted in significant portions of private properties, including homes and businesses, becoming inundated during atmospheric river events and heavy rainfall.

Residents are pushing for immediate dredging of the accumulated sediment to create a deeper, more confined channel for water flow. Contract hydrologists have warned of extensive inundation, affecting local landmarks like Nicasio Elementary School. Despite a state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom to expedite such projects, Marin Water has no immediate plans for sediment removal this year, leaving the community anxious as potentially damaging storms approach.