Van Arsdale Reservoir is located in Mendocino County, California, and is a crucial source of water for both agricultural and municipal purposes. It was created in 1958, as part of the Potter Valley Project, which involves diverting water from the Eel River into the Russian River. The reservoir has a capacity of 30,000 acre-feet and is fed by the East Branch Russian River, which is primarily supplied by snowmelt from the Mendocino National Forest. In addition, the reservoir receives water from the diversion tunnel that connects it to the Eel River. The 24-hour average for the reservoir is closely monitored by the Sonoma County Water Agency, which manages the water supply for multiple county agencies, including agricultural and recreational users.