Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District

Mad River

Mad River Slough Crossing

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.

Humboldt Bay Water District starts seismic upgrades to a 2-million gallon tank, increasing chlorine temporarily for water safety.

Seismic Reliability Project Press Release

Regulatory Analyst

We are seeking a qualified professional to join our high energy Eureka office as a Regulatory Analyst – I or II.
The ideal candidate will possess a solid educational foundation which includes a…

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

PRESS RELEASE - Help Stop the Spread of Golden Mussels

Golden mussels clog a pipe. "Don't Move a Mussel" board meeting on AIS at Humboldt Bay, May 8, 2025.

Don't Move a Mussel - Aquatic Invasive Species

Humboldt County seeks public input. Features a megaphone and QR codes for English, Spanish, and Hmong.

Humboldt County Hazard Mitigation Public Outreach Survey

Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District appoints Michiko Mares as new General Manager starting January 2, 2025, succeeding John Friedenbach.

Introducing our new General Manager, Michiko Mares

Ruth Lake Level 2653.50 feet Volume 99% (06/13/2025)

Volume is measured as lake level relative to bottom elevation of spillway. When volume exceeds 100%, lake is spilling through spillway.

Association of Californa Water Agencies (ACWA) 10 part Video Series to educate Californians about Critical Water Issues.

1. California H2O: Flowing for the Future

What is a Boil Water Advisory?

What is a Boil Water Advisory? Video

Board of Directors Meetings

Most Recent Agenda

Mad River

Mad River Slough Crossing

Water Our Most Valuable Resource

Barbara and Lloyd L. Hecathorn Turbidity Reduction Facility

Beautiful Ruth Lake

HBMWD Crew Hard At Work!

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Agendas and Board Packets

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Ruth Lake

Water Resource Planning

Tap the Mad

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Featured

Seismic Reliability Project Press Release

Regulatory Analyst

PRESS RELEASE - Help Stop the Spread of Golden Mussels

Don't Move a Mussel - Aquatic Invasive Species

Humboldt County Hazard Mitigation Public Outreach Survey

Introducing our new General Manager, Michiko Mares

Ruth Lake Level 2653.50 feet Volume 99% (06/13/2025)

Association of Californa Water Agencies (ACWA) 10 part Video Series to educate Californians about Critical Water Issues.

What is a Boil Water Advisory?

Board of Directors Meetings

Mad River

Mad River Slough Crossing

Water Our Most Valuable Resource

Barbara and Lloyd L. Hecathorn Turbidity Reduction Facility

Beautiful Ruth Lake

HBMWD Crew Hard At Work!

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