URGENT UPDATE: Flooding woes escalate in Palermo as concerns rise over water pollution and public safety. Butte County is racing against time to implement a long-term solution, but funding remains a critical hurdle.
The county has made progress with its Clean Water Consolidation and Dry Well Consolidation projects, but these initiatives require substantial financial backing to truly mitigate the ongoing flooding crisis. In a bid to address these urgent issues, Butte County is also developing a Drainage Master Plan that aims to identify strategies for effective flood management.
Kamie Loeser, Director of the Butte County Water and Resource Conservation District, stated, “This will come to the board in January.” The plan will propose various solutions, including clearing vegetation from drainage outlets, similar to recent efforts at the Five-Mile Basin in Chico. “Long-term flood control in the Palermo community depends on that funding,” Loeser emphasized.
Residents are already taking precautions as they brace for the next storm. On December 18, 2025, fresh trenches and sandbags were visible throughout the area. Local advocate Joan Hunt expressed her frustration, stating, “I can barely make it through with my four-wheel-drive to take them drinking water and food during these times.” Many in the community fear their homes may be condemned as floodwaters continue to wreak havoc.
Hunt, who has been documenting flooding incidents since 2014, showed evidence of destruction, including a food cooler ruined by floodwater. “I’ve had coolers destroyed year after year,” she lamented, highlighting the dire impact on local businesses and families.
The flooding issues are concentrated around Palermo Road and Lincoln Boulevard, where most businesses are located. The Palermo Union School District also faces similar challenges. Fortunately, the local fire station, Station 72, has remained safe from flooding, unlike others in the region.
Many residents rely on wells for their water, but fears over contamination from flooding loom large. The county’s initiatives, including the Palermo Clean Water Consolidation Project, aim to connect up to 380 properties to the South Feather Water and Power Agency’s system for drinking water. “The flooding and reliance on wells for drinking water has historically been a concern,” Loeser added.
The Dry Well Consolidation Project is also underway to provide water to those facing severe water insecurity. Currently, 49 properties have been connected, but the goal is to extend this further.
As Butte County intensifies its efforts to address flooding, residents remain hopeful but anxious for more decisive action. The community is looking for immediate solutions to prevent further property damage and ensure safe drinking water. With the upcoming board meeting in January, all eyes will be on potential funding opportunities that could finally bring relief to the beleaguered residents of Palermo.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.
