The drought is still here. Water supply levels at Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma remain at historic lows. Water is a resource that our community shares, and it is critical that we all continue to protect and conserve this valuable resource. Sonoma Water and its partners in the Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership (SMSWP) urge our community to keep up the great work and effort – water saved now, is water we can use later. For water saving tips and programs you can take advantage of to conserve water and save money, visit SavingWaterPartnership.org.

Visit SonomaWater.org/current-water-supply-levels to stay up to date on Current Water Supply Conditions, Drought Updates, Actions, and Information.

Did you know that one inch of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot roof could result in 600 gallons of water stored for future use? Collecting and reusing rainwater is a great way to water trees and shrubs during dry spells. Rainwater harvesting also reduces stormwater runoff which can help reduce flooding during rainstorm events.

Learn more about rainwater harvesting and available rebates.

Even with the recent series of storms, the region is well behind normal rainfall totals and reservoirs remain at historically low levels: The drought is not over. Sonoma Water encourages people to continue to use water efficiently. Now is the time to adjust or turn off irrigation systems. Water conservation tips are available at the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Saving Partnership website, www.SavingWaterPartnership.org. 

The planning process is as important as the plan itself and must include public and stakeholder involvement. The information you provide will help us identify and develop projects for Sonoma Water’s 2023 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).

The survey should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and your personal information and responses will be kept confidential. The results of the survey will be included in the LHMP and will be posted on this project website. The survey will remain active through the end of January 2023.

Last month Sonoma Water joined a delegation from Sonoma County to attend COP27, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt. This group of local officials and organization leaders shared best management practices demonstrating how local governments, such as cities, counties and water districts, can work with state and federal agencies and academic researchers to build climate adaptation programs. For example, our team shared how Sonoma Water is implementing Forecast Informed Reservoir Management (FIRO), a new approach to reservoir management which applies emerging science and technology to optimize water resources and adapt to climate change without costly infrastructure.

Much like places around the world, Sonoma County has experienced first-hand, detrimental impacts of climate change: repeated wildfires, severe drought and historic flooding, accelerating our drive to take bold action, to recovery, mitigate risk and adapt to these new conditions. The Sonoma County group was the only local government delegation to host a pavilion at COP27 (pictured here), and generated deep interest from conference attendees. The hope is that other places around the world will be inspired to take local action and work collaboratively with academic researchers as they develop and implement programs to reach climate goals.

Read more about COP27 and the delegation and watch the video:

Throughout the year our team of educators develop and deliver engaging programs related to water resources, energy and the environment.

On December 2^nd our Water Education team was at the Fish Viewing Gallery with 5th graders from Madrone Elementary School in Santa Rosa. The students had a Wow! moment of seeing Chinook (King) salmon returning to the river to spawn!

Dozens of High school students around Sonoma County are learning about careers in the water industry during an engaging presentation from Sonoma Water educators. During this hour long presentation students engage in fun, hands-on challenges that exposure them to interesting day-to-day tasks from a wide range of water careers. We’re preparing the next generation for essential water careers ranging from fish and wildlife biologists to mechanics.

Teachers can register for these dynamic education programs on our website