The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) is committed to stewardship by protecting natural resources and supporting community resilience. Through proactive forest management and fire prevention initiatives, PCWA helps safeguard water supplies and reduce wildfire risks and their aftereffects. PCWA fosters strong relationships with local agencies, supports local water system consolidations to improve service reliability, and champions sustainable practices to balance environmental health with community needs. This commitment ensures the long-term vitality of the area's water and natural resources.
Wildfire & Watershed Resilience
Forest Resilience
French Meadows Restoration Heads Into Its Seventh Season
With California’s fire seasons growing hotter and drier, crews are returning to the high country for the seventh season of work on the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project—a pioneering public-private effort to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the American River watershed, a critical water supply for the region.
Read News Release
Watershed Impact
Healthy forests protect the water system long before it reaches your tap
Severe wildfire can send ash, sediment, and debris into rivers and reservoirs, disrupting water quality, storage, hydropower, recreation, and downstream operations across the watershed.
Why It Matters
Healthy Forests, Reliable Water
Why does a water agency spend so much time thinking about trees?
Because forest health and water reliability are directly connected. Managing fuels, restoring habitat, and reducing catastrophic wildfire risk helps protect the watershed that supplies Placer County.
Explore a few resources that explain the connection and help share the message.
Why Does PCWA invest in recreation projects
Recreation is important to the Middle Fork Project (MFP) because federal law requires that hydroelectric projects provide broad public benefits – not just electricity. FERC requirements ensure that each project serves a broad range of public interests, including power generation, environmental protection, water supply, recreation, and others. The construction of the Middle Fork Project created many valuable public recreation opportunities, including reservoir boating, reservoir and stream fishing, camping, and whitewater boating. Middle Fork Project surveys have shown that the majority of visitors are from Placer and adjoining counties, and many families have been fishing and camping in the MFP for decades. The Middle Fork Project, including its recreation facilities, was built for the people of Placer County by the people of Placer County.
2025 Stewardship Projects
The Indian Bar Recreation Improvements Project enhances the popular river access site on the Middle Fork American River. Located just downstream of Ralston Afterbay and Dam, also known as Oxbow Reservoir, the site serves as a key destination for whitewater rafters. Planned upgrades include earthwork for better access and parking, new raft staging areas, and a low railing to assist with safe raft transport. Additional vault toilets, signage, and facility upgrades are also planned to meet Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements. These improvements reflect PCWA's commitment to responsible stewardship and recreational access under the Middle Fork American River Project. The project was completed and open to the public in summer of 2025.
Reservoir Fish Stocking Update
French Meadows and Hell Hole reservoirs got fishier in time for summer recreation. As part of our FERC license commitments for the Middle Fork Project, PCWA stocked rainbow trout to support recreational fishing and public enjoyment. 2025 was the first year Hell Hole was stocked.
Supporting Regional Success
Financial Assistance Program
Funding local water reliability projects across Placer County
Program Overview:
PCWA’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides grants and loans to eligible public and local water purveyors for projects that improve water supply, reliability, and stewardship across Placer County. Funding comes from agency-wide revenues including property taxes, Middle Fork Project water sales, and Middle Fork Project Finance Authority distributions of net energy sales revenue.
Learn more about the 2025 FAP partnerships in News Release 2025-05-28 on pcwa.net.
Consolidation Projects in the Community
At PCWA, we are dedicated to delivering sustainable water service to all Placer County residents. We recognize the challenges faced by smaller water providers, such as meeting regulatory requirements and addressing the costs associated with aging infrastructure. Consequently, consolidation has emerged as a practical solution.
Click here to learn more about PCWA's consolidation program.
This project supports PCWA's long-term planning efforts outlined in the County Wide Master Plan.
