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In this issue
- Infrastructure Improvements Build Water System Resilience
- North Bay Watershed Association Conference April 9
- Free Career Export for High School Students March 14
- Participate in EPA’s Annual Fix a Leak Week: Save Water, Save Money!
- New Local Resources About Groundwater
- Public Tours
- Reservoir Update
- Rain totals
- Do You Know? World Water Day
- Meetings
- Employment Opportunities
| Sonoma Water Senior Environmental Specialist Eric McDermott was on hand at the Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival to talk about water, streams, fish and habitat protection. | | | Infrastructure improvements build water system resilience | | |
Sonoma Water is continuing to invest in critical infrastructure improvements to safeguard the regional water system and keep it operating reliably for the communities we serve. As water infrastructure ages, regular maintenance and upgrades are essential to prevent corrosion, extend the life of pipes and storage tanks and reduce the risk of unexpected failures. Two recent projects—recoating the Cotati Tank No. 1 and Kastania Tank—help protect key storage facilities that support water delivery across the region. The work included recoating the interior and exterior of both tanks, repairing or replacing corroded structural beams, installing new lateral bracing and adding modern cathodic protection systems. During the Kastania project, the last remaining coal-tar coating in Sonoma Water’s system was removed and replaced with modern materials. Kastania Tank returned to service in September 2024, Cotati Tank No. 1 in November 2024, and the overall project was completed under budget in January 2025.
Work is also underway on the Cotati Tank No. 3 Recoating and Seismic Improvement Project, which will further strengthen the system. At 18 million gallons, Cotati Tank No. 3 is the largest storage tank in Sonoma Water’s system. Originally installed in 1992, the tank is undergoing interior and exterior recoating, installation of cathodic protection, structural repairs and a seismic retrofit to strengthen the foundation. Crews have already completed major structural improvements and exterior work, and the interior roof and shell are fully primed. Foundation widening and final seismic upgrades are scheduled as the project nears completion in 2026.
Sonoma Water is also improving corrosion protection along major pipelines through the Santa Rosa and Russian River–Cotati Intertie Aqueducts Cathodic Protection Upgrade Project. Cathodic protection is a corrosion-prevention technique that uses a small electrical current to protect metal surfaces from rusting by making the metal act as a “cathode,” which slows the chemical reactions that cause corrosion.
| | North Bay Watershed Association Conference April 9 | | | | |
Join us at the North Bay Watershed Association Silver Anniversary Biennial Conference, Meeting this Moment in a Climate of Change.
Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and forward thinking as we celebrate 25 years of partnership and progress. This is your opportunity to be part of shaping how the North Bay meets this moment — together.
April 9, 2026 @ 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The North Bay Watershed Association will host a networking event immediately following the conference.
Since 2000, the North Bay Watershed Association has brought together agencies, organizations, and communities to advance education, restoration, protection and stewardship across the North Bay.
| | Free Career Expo for High School Students March 14 | | |
Sonoma Water is excited to participate in the Sonoma Environmental Education Collaborative Career Expo: Planting Seeds for Environmental Careers on March 14, 2026 at CHOP’s Teen Club in Santa Rosa.
This free event is designed for high school students and adults to explore pathways into environmental and natural resource careers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet professionals from local organizations, including Sonoma Water, and learn about real-world careers that support a healthy environment and resilient communities.
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When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Where: CHOP’s Teen Club, 809 Adams St., Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Find out more and share with students to register and attend!
| | | Participate in EPA’s Annual Fix a Leak Week: Save Water, Save Money! | |
It’s time to be a water detective!
From March 16–22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program invites households nationwide to take part in Fix a Leak Week, a simple but powerful way to save water and lower your utility bills.
Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water every year in the U.S.
- The average home can lose 10,000 gallons annually from common leaks.
- The usual suspects? Worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaky valves.
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Take the Dye Tab Challenge & Win!
It’s quick. It’s easy. And it makes a real difference.
This year, the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership is turning leak detection into a fun community challenge! Through March 31 you can participate in the Dye Tab Challenge:
- Check your toilets for leaks using a dye tab.
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Submit your results.
- Get entered to win a $25 gift card!
Found a Leak? Upgrade & Save Even More
If your toilet is leaking, or simply outdated, this could be the perfect time for an upgrade. Today’s high-efficiency models use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. Before you buy, check with your local water provider about: available rebates, water-efficient model recommendations and additional conservation incentives.
Visit savingwaterpartnership.org to learn more about Fix a Leak Week activities, the Dye Tab Challenge and other easy ways to save water.
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New Local Resources About Groundwater | |
This is Groundwater Awareness Week, which is a reminder that three local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are working in collaboration with the community to responsibly manage and protect our shared groundwater resources. In Sonoma Valley, Petaluma Valley, and Santa Rosa Plain subbasins, groundwater supports 43,000 residents, 21,800 acres of agriculture, local businesses, disadvantaged communities and the natural environment. And local municipal water supply also comes in part from groundwater wells, too.
Did you know that the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies provide practical tools to help monitor water supply, understand water use, improve efficiency, and prepare for future droughts? They’re also advancing recycled water projects, aquifer storage and recharge pilot programs, and smart land-use planning to safeguard supplies for the long term, while securing state grant funding and maintaining strong local control.
Explore these resources to learn more about the big picture of water supply in our region, whether you have a well on your property, or not:
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Well Aware Toolkit
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Sonoma County Groundwater Data Dashboard
- Groundwater Well User Manual
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Level Up! Voluntary Well Monitoring Program
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Go Behind the Scenes: Join a Sonoma Water Public Tour in 2026
Our free public tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and facilities that provide reliable drinking water, protect water quality, manage wastewater, and support a healthy environment for our region. Tours are open to the public and are a great way to learn more about the essential services that support daily life in Sonoma and Marin counties.
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Water Distribution Public Tours
Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Travel with Sonoma Water to see the pumps, pipelines and treatment facilities that deliver fresh drinking water across our region.
2026 Tour Dates:
- April 11 | 9–11:30 a.m.
- Nov. 7 | 9–11:30 a.m.
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Sanitation (Wastewater) Public Tours
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how wastewater is collected, cleaned, and reused. These tours include a visit to the onsite lab, where millions of live microorganisms are monitored daily to help protect waterways and public health.
2026 Tour Dates
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May 2 | 10–11:30 a.m. Russian River County Sanitation District
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May 16 | 10–11:30 a.m. Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District
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Lake Sonoma Partnership Tours
Explore how water supply, recreation, and fish habitat meet at Lake Sonoma. Tours feature key water supply infrastructure, the Warm Springs Recreation Area, and the steelhead hatchery and fish ladder.
Weekly Monday Tours (No Registration Required)
- Time: 10:30–11:15 a.m.
- Meet at: Lake Sonoma Visitor Center
2026 Saturday Tour Dates (Register in Advance)
- March 21
- April 18
- Time for Saturday tours: 10:30–11:15 a.m.
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Questions? Call the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center at (707) 431-4533.
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Current Water Year (Oct. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2026) Rainfall Totals as of 3/9/2026
Ukiah:
o Average (1894-2025 water years): 28.85”
o Current Water Year: 26.88” which is 93.2% of average
o Seven-day rainfall total for 2/2/26-2/8/26: 0.00”
Santa Rosa:
o Average (1950-2025 water years): 24.44"
o Current Water Year: 22.51” which is 92.1% of average
o Seven-day rainfall total for 2/2/26-2/8/26: 0.00”
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World Water Day is March 22 – A global event organized by the United Nations to raise awareness about the 2.1 billion people worldwide living without access to safe water and inspiring action to address the water crisis. This year’s theme is Water Gender Equality.
Data from 53 countries show that women and girls spend 250 million hours every day collecting water – over three times more than men and boys. That’s time taken from learning and earning. When safe water and sanitation are available close to home, women can contribute fully to society and the economy.
Where water flows, equality grows. When women and girls have equal voice in water decisions, services become more inclusive, sustainable and effective. We must invest in women’s leadership to make water a force for a healthier, more prosperous, gender-equal future that will benefit us all.
When women are empowered, everyone thrives. Help shape the conversation: What does water for equality mean to you? www.worldwaterday.org
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Upcoming Meetings
No meetings scheduled at this time.
Visit eelrussianauthority.org/meetings for more information.
The Sonoma Water Board normally holds its regular meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and will be facilitated virtually through Zoom and at Board of Supervisors Chambers (BSC) 575 Administration Drive 102 unless otherwise noted below.
March 24 BSC/Virtual
April 7 BSC/Virtual
April 14 BSC/Virtual
April 17 BSC/Virtual Special Closed Session
Budget Workshops are set for April 20, 21, 22, 23 BSC/Virtual
Board Agendas:
View upcoming Agenda items
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