UPDATE: Flooding woes in Palermo escalate as Butte County intensifies efforts to address urgent water pollution and property damage. Residents are on high alert as the county pushes forward with critical clean water initiatives.
As of December 18, 2025, the ongoing flooding in Palermo has raised serious concerns about public safety and environmental hazards. With significant funding still needed, county officials are racing against time to implement effective solutions.
Butte County is currently advancing its Clean Water Consolidation and Dry Well Consolidation projects, aiming to connect up to 380 properties to the safe drinking water system provided by the South Feather Water and Power Agency. This initiative is crucial as many residents rely on wells that are increasingly at risk of contamination from floodwaters.
Kamie Loeser, Director of the Butte County Water and Resource Conservation District, confirmed that a Drainage Master Plan is being finalized. “This plan will outline solutions and strategies for mitigating flooding,” Loeser stated. The board will review proposed projects in January, focusing on securing federal funding for long-term relief.
Residents like Joan Hunt, a local gas station employee, are feeling the impact firsthand. “I can barely make it through with my four-wheel-drive to take them drinking water during these times,” she said, expressing fears for the safety of her elderly neighbors.
The community has documented flooding issues since 2014, with Hunt noting that floodwaters have repeatedly destroyed property and created hazardous living conditions. “I’ve had coolers destroyed year after year,” she lamented, showcasing the toll flooding has taken on local businesses.
The county is not acting alone; the Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency is also engaged in critical vegetation clearing projects aimed at improving drainage and reducing flooding risks. “This is a pilot program, but we hope it will alleviate some flooding issues,” added Loeser.
Residents have begun to see preventative measures, including fresh trenches and sandbags, as the community braces for further storms. Local businesses and essential services, including the fire station, have so far avoided severe damage, but the threat remains imminent.
In addition to addressing flooding, the county’s Clean Water Consolidation Project aims to minimize health risks associated with contaminated water. Loeser emphasized, “The flooding and reliance on septic systems pose long-term health concerns for our community.” Connecting homes to the public water system is a vital step toward ensuring safe drinking water.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared. Moving forward, the county will focus on securing necessary funding and implementing sustainable solutions to protect the community from future flooding events.
The urgency of the actions taken today cannot be overstated. With the potential for further storms, the residents of Palermo are counting on swift and effective measures to safeguard their homes and health.
