Questions are continuing over the future of the Potter Valley Project in Mendocino County after PG&E publicly cast doubt on converting the aging hydro system into a pumped-storage facility. The powerhouse has been offline since 2021, and PG&E officials say the project lacks the lower reservoir needed to recycle water for pumped hydro operations. Despite that, a Southern California water district is still exploring a possible purchase of the dams, drawing scrutiny from North Coast officials and environmental groups. Local agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations have instead spent years working on a plan to remove the dams while preserving seasonal water deliveries to the Russian River area.