UPDATE: Flooding woes in Palermo escalate as officials confirm ongoing efforts to tackle water contamination and safety concerns. Residents face increasing risks from rising waters, prompting urgent action by Butte County officials.
As severe weather looms, local authorities are racing against time to implement solutions. The county is moving forward with its Clean Water Consolidation and Dry Well Consolidation projects to connect up to 380 properties to a safer drinking water system, addressing both contamination fears and water scarcity.
Butte County Water and Resource Conservation District Director Kamie Loeser emphasized the necessity of these initiatives, stating, “Flooding and the majority of the people in that immediate downtown community area are reliant on both septic for sewage and wells for drinking water.” These projects aim to mitigate the health risks associated with flooding.
As of December 18, 2025, residents are already taking preventive measures, with visible sandbags and trenches across the area in anticipation of the next storm. Local advocate Joan Hunt highlighted the dire situation, explaining, “I can barely make it through with my four-wheel-drive to take them drinking water and food during these times.”
The county’s Drainage Master Plan is also in the works, which could provide long-term solutions for flood management. “This will come to the board in January,” Loeser noted, indicating potential funding opportunities to support further projects.
Additionally, the Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency is working on projects to remove obstructive vegetation from drainage paths, which could enhance water flow and reduce flooding risks. Loeser described this pilot program as a critical step towards more permanent solutions.
“Long-term flood control or flood protection in the Palermo community just really depends on that funding,” Loeser stated, underscoring the financial hurdles ahead.
The impacts of flooding have extended to local businesses and schools. The Palermo Union School District faces similar challenges, with flooding threatening essential services. While the community’s fire station has remained relatively safe, nearby areas are not so fortunate.
Many residents still rely on wells for their water, with some wells remaining dry after the recent drought. The push for the Clean Water Consolidation Project aims to alleviate these concerns by connecting properties to the South Feather Water and Power Agency system.
As the county strives to mitigate ongoing water issues, the urgency of these projects cannot be overstated. With both environmental and health implications at stake, residents and officials alike are hopeful for swift action and support to combat Palermo’s flooding crisis.
Stay tuned for further updates on the situation as Butte County continues to seek solutions and funding to protect this vulnerable community.
