Incorporated in 1851, the Tuolumne County Water Company (TCWC) was the predominant agency in Tuolumne County that built dams, reservoirs, and ditches that diverted water from the South Fork Stanislaus […]

The California Gold Rush was a gold rush that began on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. The news […]

In 1898, the Tuolumne County Water Company is incorporated as the Tuolumne County Water and Electric Power Company to add hydroelectric generation to its services. It builds the Phoenix Powerhouse […]

In 1909 the Tuolumne County Water and Electric Power Company is merged into the Sierra and San Francisco Power Company.

On August 14, 1917, the Oakdale Irrigation District and South San Joaquin Irrigation District file a petition with the State Water Commission to adjudicate the waters of the Stanislaus River.

In 1922, the State Water Commission enters its Order on the findings of the adjudication. A trial is set in the Superior Court of San Joaquin County in 1923, but […]

In 1927, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) purchases the assets of the Sierra and San Francisco Power Company.

From 1927 to 1983, PG&E utilizes the ditches and flumes originally constructed by the Tuolumne County Water Company to divert water from the South Fork Stanislaus River and deliver that […]

In 1929, the Superior Court issues the Stanislaus River Decree. The Decree confirms the Sierra and San Francisco Power Company (now PG&E) holds the following rights on the South Fork […]

In 1932, PG&E enlarges Lyons Reservoir to hold 5,508 acre-feet. This required PG&E to acquire a new water right to store an additional 5,360 acre-feet of water in the reservoir.

In 1947, County residents formed Tuolumne County Water District #2. This District later became Tuolumne Regional Water District (TRWD).

Construction of the New Melones dam begins in July of 1966.

On March 15, 1968, TUD’s predecessor Tuolumne Regional Water District, protests USBR’s filings.

On November 29, 1972, TRWD and the USBR enter into a settlement to resolve TRWD’s protest. The USBR agrees that TRWD may apply for a water right and impound water […]

In April 1973, the State Water Board issues D-1422, which approves, in part, the USBR’s applications. The Board accepts the applications but does not authorize the USBR to store water […]

In the late 1980s, TRWD attempts to negotiate a contract with the USBR for 5,000 acre-feet. No contract is executed.

Between 1981 and 2003, TRWD/TUD performs numerous studies on enlarging Lyons Reservoir. Ultimately, the cost, land acquisition complications, regulatory constraints, and public opposition require the District to look at other […]

In 1981, TRWD files a competing application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to acquire the Phoenix Project FERC license from PG&E. TRWD’s objective was to acquire the license […]

On May 3, 1982, USBR files four more water right applications for Stanislaus River water. The purpose of these additional applications is to request direct diversions of water at New […]

In 1982, TRWD and the USBR begin to negotiate a contract, under which USBR will sell TRWD 3,200 acre-feet of water from New Melones. A contract is never signed because […]

On June 3, 1983, the County of Tuolumne enters into a contract with PG&E to purchase much of the Tuolumne Ditch system from PG&E for $900,000. Under the contract, PG&E […]

New Melones is completed and fills in 1983. Its total capacity is 2,400,000 acre-feet.

In 1985, TRWD drops its competing application for the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in favor of obtaining PG&E’s commitment to assist TRWD with enlarging Lyons […]

On June 5, 1987, the USBR and the California Department of Fish and Game enter into a settlement that requires the USBR to release water from New Melones for fishery […]

On June 8, 1987, TRWD and the USBR enter into a settlement to resolve TRWD’s protest to the USBR’s second round of water right applications.

The Tuolumne Utilities District is formed in 1992 in response to a voter initiative requiring the consolidation of two local public water systems, the Tuolumne Regional Water District (previously known […]

During June and July of 1992, USBR and TUD enter into negotiations for the USBR to provide TUD 9,000 ac-ft/year. The contract is never executed due to the USBR being […]

On or about October 30, 1992, the Central Valley Project Improvement Act became law. The CVPIA includes provisions that greatly limit USBR’s ability to provide water from New Melones for […]

In a letter dated December 2, 1996, from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to TUD, BOR writes: “Reclamation cannot sell or deliver any ‘water impounded by the United States in […]

In 2001, PG&E files for bankruptcy. PG&E attempts to implement an auction to sell off many of its hydroelectric facilities, including the Phoenix Project, but the auction does not take […]

In late 2017, PG&E approaches TUD about TUD’s interest in acquiring the Phoenix Project. The system would include the Phoenix powerhouse, the Main Tuolumne Canal, the Phoenix water rights, the […]

In 2019, PG&E files for bankruptcy.

On June 7, 2019, the bankruptcy court rules that it has sole jurisdiction to approve the amendment, cancelation, or renegotiation of contracts if it would help PG&E satisfy its creditors’ […]

TUD Board of Directors authorize the General Manager to submit a Request for a Water Supply Contract for New Melones water from the United States Bureau of Reclamation

TUD Board of Directors: Barbara Balen Jeff Kerns Ronald D. Kopf Ron W. Ringen Bob Rucker   The Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is exploring a once-in-a-century opportunity to secure reliable […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa Westbrook Public Relations Tuolumne Utilities District PG&E Marketing & Communications: 415-973-5930 Sonora, CA —The Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) […]

Imagine being presented with an opportunity to own an asset you, your family, and others have depended upon for generations. Now imagine that while you wait to make a decision, […]

July 1, 2020 – PG&E Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.