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The pipelines and support structure over the Mad River Slough were constructed in 1966. These two essential water lines are part of the regional water transmission system. They supply water for public health and fire-fighting to residents and businesses on the Samoa Peninsula and the Humboldt Community…

Water Our Most Valuable Resource

Drinking water delivered by the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD) is drawn from wells located in the Mad River northeast of Arcata, California. These wells, called Ranney Wells, draw water from the sands and gravel of the aquifer under the riverbed at depths of 60 to 90 feet. The gravel and sands…

Barbara and Lloyd L. Hecathorn Turbidity Reduction Facility

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Department of Health Services (DHS) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The District’s source water has…

Beautiful Ruth Lake

R. W. Matthews Dam forms Ruth Lake in southern Trinity County. It impounds runoff from the upper quarter of the Mad River basin, an area of approximately 121 square miles. Its capacity is 48,030 acre-feet (AF).

HBMWD Crew Hard At Work!

HBMWD Crew hard at work maintaining the District's infrastructure system. The system is over 50 years old and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, we provide high quality drinking water to over 88,000 customers.

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Agendas and Board Packets

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Ruth Lake

Team Site

Notice for Park 4 closure for maintenance from June 15-19 and July 6-10, 2026, by Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District.

TEMPORARY PARK 4 CLOSURE - FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

The image outlines the mission and vision statements of the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, focused on sustainable water leadership.

Mission & Vision Statement

Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District safeguards and sustainably delivers clean and reliable water to our community while protecting our natural resources and providing a resilient water supply for…

Public hearing on May 14, 2026, about Directors’ Compensation at Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Eureka, California.

Public Meeting - Ordinance 17

Public statement about a 30-day quarantine for watercraft at Ruth Lake, effective April 3, 2026, to protect water resources.

JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT - HBMWD & RLCSD

JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT

Ruth Lake's Quarantine Program aims to prevent invasive species by using a 30-day quarantine for certain watercraft.

Ruth Lake Watercraft Quarantine Program

Link to RLCSD Website - Quarantine Information

Accessibility and ADA Compliance Notice

The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District is committed to making our website accessible and user-friendly for everyone. We are actively working to improve accessibility and achieve full compliance…

Two golden mussels next to a ruler for scale; one larger, one smaller.

PRESS RELEASE - Help Stop the Spread of Golden Mussels

Ruth Lake Level 2653.87 feet Volume 100% (5/21/2026)

NOTE: NOT VALIDATED, NOT FOR OFFICIAL REPORTING

Board of Directors Meetings

Most Recent Agenda

June 15-19 and July 6-10, 2026

Mad River

Mad River Slough Crossing