The Current: News & events from Sonoma Water

View as Webpage. To access the Spanish language version visit sonomawater.org/thecurrent

May 2025

Goats grazing at Spring Lake Regional Park for vegetation management.

In this issue

Lake Sonoma watershed soil moisture monitoring expansion
Stream Maintenance Program 2025
Save on your sewer bill!
Toilets aren't trashcans!
It's time for a tune-up
Lake Sonoma Visitor Center
Rain and reservoir update
Did you know?
Meetings
Employment opportunities

a view of a reservoir from above the earthen dam

Lake Sonoma watershed soil moisture monitoring expansion

The Sonoma Water Board of Directors on April 15 voted to expand soil moisture monitoring in the Lake Sonoma Watershed.

The new network of observation stations is part of the Lake Sonoma Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Final Viability Assessment, which is a collaborative effort among Sonoma Water, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes. With a value of almost $200,000, the network will include one radar-meteorological station, three stream gages and three soil moisture stations.

Each soil moisture station will measure soil moisture content and soil temperature and will provide data for estimating runoff, streamflow and water availability. Real-time soil moisture data will also help identify early signs of drought and pinpoint areas at higher risk for wildfires.

The new installations will significantly expand the Lake Sonoma Watershed’s monitoring capabilities, where there are currently only two soil moisture monitoring stations.

Stream Maintenance Program 2025

Improving stream habitats while providing flood protection for our community

This summer and fall, Sonoma Water will be conducting several creek projects as part of the Stream Maintenance Program in Sonoma County. Activities occur mainly along urban streams to provide flood protection and restore habitats, and include managing vegetation, clearing sediment and garbage, repairing eroded banks and planting native trees. These enhancements improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitats and reduce the risk of flooding. Information on maintained streams is available on our website: www.SonomaWater.org/SMP.

Save on your sewer bill!

Low-income homeowners and nonprofit housing providers for low-income renters may qualify for a 50% discount on their Annual Sewer Service Charge from Sonoma Water-operated Sanitation Districts and Zones. Apply by July 10 to receive the reduced rate on your property tax bill.

Learn more and apply today at SonomaWater.org/srrp!

This program includes customers of: Occidental County Sanitation District, Russian River County Sanitation District, Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District, South Park County Sanitation District, Airport/Larkfield/Wikiup Sanitation Zone, Geyserville Sanitation Zone, Penngrove Sanitation Zone and Sea Ranch Sanitation Zone

Toilets aren’t trashcans!

Help keep your wastewater treatment plant running smoothly! Only flush the three P’s! Pee, Poo and toilet Paper! These are the only things designed to break down in the wastewater treatment system. “Flushable” wipes do not break down and cause clogs. Keeping trash out of the sewer system prevents spills, reduces repair costs and protects waterways for everyone.

Learn more about wastewater and pollution prevention

only flush the 3P's Toilets are not trashcans!

It’s time for a tune-up

Warmer weather means irrigation systems are turning on, so this is a great time to check your system to make sure it is working properly and perform a #SprinklerSpruceUp!

Turn your system on and walk the lines to look for broken or missing sprinkler heads and drip emitters.
Direct water toward the landscape and way from the sidewalk, driveway and your home.
Check your irrigation controller to make sure it is programed correctly and set an updated schedule as needed. Get a customized watering schedule here.
If you have a professional landscaper, flag any issues you find to alert them to make adjustments and repairs.

For a variety of landscape resources, visit savingwaterpartnership.org/climate-ready

Lake Sonoma Milt Brandt Visitor Center

Come to the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center! We are there daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to greet you and share information about exploring this beautiful area! From hiking to boating, to disc golf and more, there is much to explore and enjoy!

Lake Sonoma Visitor Center

3333 Skaggs Springs Rd

Geyserville, CA 95441

707-431-4533

Don't Move a Mussel!

Heading to enjoy boating on Lake Sonoma or Lake Mendocino? Be sure to stop at the mussel inspection station before launching your vessel! Our mussel-sniffing dogs are experts at detecting invasive mussels like non-native Quagga, Zebra and Golden Mussels! Inspections are daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn more: DontMoveaMussel.com.

a dog and trainer inspecting a boat behind a truck trailer

Rain and reservoir updates

blue bar graph showing rainfall totals as above average

graphic showing the water levels in two reservoirs

Visit our Water Supply webpage

Did you know?

Sonoma Water owns, or has easements to maintain, approximately 75 miles of engineered flood control channels. The channels are primarily located in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma and Sonoma. Sonoma Water also has easements to maintain approximately 100 miles of modified or natural channels.

Learn more: sonomawater.org/stream-maintenance-program

Upcoming Meetings

Eel-Russian Project Authority Board of Directors

No meetings scheduled at this time

Sonoma Water Board of Directors Meetings

The Sonoma Water Board normally holds its regular meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and will be facilitated virtually through Zoom and at Board of Supervisors Chambers (BSC) 575 Administration Drive 102A.

May 20 BSC/Virtual CANCELLED

May 20 BSC/Virtual Special Meeting - Truth Act Forum CANCELLED

June 3 BSC/Virtual

June 9 BSC/Virtual Special Meeting

June 10 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 11 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 12 BSC/Virtual Special Closed Session

June 13 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 16 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 17 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 18 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings

June 20 BSC/Virtual Budget Hearings