Sonoma Water

Welcome to the team, Stephen!
Stephen Curry recently joined the Environmental Resources team, and will be working on environmental permitting tasks. In addition, he will be supporting California Environmental Quality Act review and documentation and conducting botanical and wildlife surveys to inform new and existing capital improvement projects and assisting other ongoing environmental fieldwork with Sonoma Water.

Today, the Russian River County Sanitation District celebrated securing $47,766,537 in state funding to repair and upgrade its wastewater system in west Sonoma County.

At an event at the Rio Nido Roadhouse in Guerneville, State Water Resources Control Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel joined leaders from Sonoma Water, and members of the West County community and presented a check for the awarded funds.

“I congratulate the district and the communities it serves here in Sonoma County on the work you are doing to upgrade your wastewater system and protect your watershed,” Esquivel said. “We know that unmanaged wastewater is a major risk to the health of streams and rivers, especially in a warming climate, which is one reason the state has made improving wastewater infrastructure amongst its top funding priorities. Under the Newsom administration, the State Water Board has invested $12 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure statewide to help communities improve their systems and prepare for the future.”

The funding comes through the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program and will be provided as a construction loan with full principal forgiveness, meaning it does not have to be repaid.

Welcome, Miranda Carpenter!

As a Senior Office Assistant, Miranda will be working at the reception desk, learning all that Sonoma Water does so she can effectively direct visitors and callers, and creating NexGen maintenance tickets. She will also support the Clerical Team in responding to requests such as office supply orders and document preparation and remediation through TopDesk ticketing.

We are recruiting for a Senior Maintenance Worker (closes 06/16/2026).
Maintain flood control channels, streams, creek banks, and water and wastewater treatment facilities; clean and inspect sanitary sewer lines; perform a variety of semi-skilled, light and heavy manual construction and maintenance tasks; and lead work crews under the direction of a Lead Maintenance Worker or Coordinator.
Learn more and apply: sonomawater.org/current-job-openings

In case you are up near Lake Sonoma this week.....there will be some prescribed burns happening.

Just an fyi, the annual burning of grass and brush on Warm Springs Dam will be conducted on 6/3 and 6/4.

Water Word of the Week: Backflow
Backflow is the reverse flow of water from a non-potable water source into the drinking water system, potentially contaminating your drinking water. Backflows can occur at unprotected cross-connections due to pressure differences.
Backflow prevention assemblies stop the reverse flow of water into the drinking water system when pressure changes occur. After proper installation, these assemblies must be inspected and tested annually by approved testers. Property owners are responsible for this cross-connection prevention on the side of the property water meter.

🏠 Save on Your Sewer Bill!
Low-income homeowners and non-profit 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, 2026 to receive the reduced rate on your property tax bill.
💻Learn more and apply today! SonomaWater.org/srrp

🏠 ¡Ahorra en tu factura de alcantarillado!
Los propietarios de viviendas de bajos ingresos y
las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que brindan viviendas a inquilinos de bajos ingresos pueden solicitar un descuento en el cargo de servicio de saneamiento de su recibo de impuestos.
📅 Solicítelo antes del 10 de julio de 2026 para beneficiarse de la tarifa reducida en su factura del impuesto sobre la propiedad.
💻 ¡Obtenga más información y solicítelo hoy mismo! SonomaWater.org/srrp

Sup, sup, suppertime up at Lake Mendocino for this juvenile bald eagle. Just one of the remarkable things you can see if you visit Lake Mendo and spend time witnessing the wonders of nature. Make plans to visit soon! (and if you coming to launch your boat, be sure to get an inspection for invasive mussels, now daily 6am - 6pm!)
photos by Mussel Dogs

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.
Nuestras oficinas permanecerán cerradas el lunes 25 de mayo con motivo de la festividad del Día de los Caídos.

Water Word of the Week: Percolation
The movement of water downward through subsurface soil layers, usually continuing downward to groundwater. Can also involve upward movement of water.

When we slow down the flow of water, spread it and sink it, we promote more percolation of water to the aquifer underground.