A Town on the Edge
Potter Valley, a small Mendocino County town, is facing a water crisis that threatens farms, homes, and local businesses. Rich Brazil, a 38-year veterinarian who has lived in the area his entire life, explains the gravity of the situation. “This area is completely dependent on that water,” Brazil says. “Now, the dams that supply it are at risk of being torn down.”
The Potter Valley Project, completed in 1908, diverts water from the Eel River to the Russian River basin, powering local agriculture and households. Without it, domestic wells could run dry, farms would collapse, and property values would plummet.
The Real Stakes for Fish and People
Some environmental groups argue that removing the dams will help fish populations. Brazil clarifies the reality: “The diversion accounts for less than 0.5% of the Eel River flow. Fish numbers have declined due to predatory species and other factors, not our water use.”
He warns that removing the dams could release 20–40 million cubic yards of sediment, devastating salmon spawning habitats. “This isn’t about fish over people,” Brazil emphasizes. “It’s about wise water management and sustaining communities.”
Advocacy and Federal Support
Brazil credits his daughter, Keely Brazil Covello, for bringing national attention to the issue. Her Instagram account, America Unwon (U-N-W-O-N), helped spark awareness and engagement. “Just a little person with a little voice,” Brazil says. “Our voices do matter. If we tell this story, good things can happen.”
Federal officials, including Secretary Brooke Rollins, have also stepped in to support Potter Valley. Brazil praises their engagement, noting that protecting this community sets a precedent for rural America: “If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
Educating and Mobilizing the Public
The Potter Valley crisis highlights a broader need for public education on California’s water and food systems. Many residents take grocery stores for granted without understanding the complex networks that sustain agriculture and communities. Brazil urges people to speak up: contact congressmen, write letters to editors, and use social media to share the story.
A Call to Action
Potter Valley’s future depends on awareness, advocacy, and persistence. Brazil encourages residents and supporters to stay engaged: “The more we tell our story; the better things can happen. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the truth is on our side.”
📻 Listen to the full interview with Rich Brazil and the Ag Meter to hear firsthand accounts of the Potter Valley water crisis, the history of the dams, and how local voices are making a national impact.