URGENT UPDATE: Flooding continues to plague Palermo, California, raising alarms over water contamination and public safety. Butte County officials are racing against time to implement critical projects aimed at providing clean water and mitigating flood risks.
Palermo residents face ongoing threats to their homes and health as flooding issues escalate. With significant rainfall forecasted, authorities are prioritizing the completion of the Palermo Clean Water Consolidation Project, which aims to connect up to 380 properties to a reliable drinking water system.
Butte County Water and Resource Conservation District Director Kamie Loeser confirmed that the county is finalizing its Drainage Master Plan, which will outline strategies to reduce flooding. “This will come to the board in January,” Loeser stated, emphasizing the need for federal funding to tackle these pressing issues.
In an alarming sign of urgency, residents have begun fortifying their homes with sandbags and trenches as they brace for the next storm. Local gas station worker Joan Hunt, a long-time advocate for improved drainage, shared her concerns: “Many of the residents fear their homes might be condemned due to flooding damage.”
“I can barely make it through with my four-wheel-drive to bring them drinking water and food during these times,” Hunt lamented, highlighting the dire situation many elderly residents face.
To combat the flood risks, the county has initiated the Dry Well Consolidation Project, which has already connected 49 properties to water mains. This effort is crucial for residents relying on wells, some of which remain dry from the last drought.
Loeser noted that the flooding poses a significant risk of contaminating well water, further exacerbating the community’s water insecurity. She explained, “The Clean Water Consolidation Project will help minimize the impacts once people are connected to the South Feather Water and Power Agency’s water system.”
Additionally, the Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency is making strides to improve drainage by clearing vegetation. This initiative aims to enhance water flow through Palermo, potentially alleviating some flooding concerns.
Despite these efforts, the community remains on edge. The center of Palermo, located at the intersection of Palermo Road and Lincoln Boulevard, is particularly vulnerable, with businesses and schools also affected by the ongoing flooding crisis.
As the county prepares for the upcoming storm, residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions. The situation remains fluid, and the urgency to secure funding and implement effective solutions is paramount. With the board’s meeting set for January, residents hope for swift action and support from state and federal agencies.
As the clean water projects progress, the community’s resilience and advocacy for change will be critical in overcoming these challenges. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
