Sonoma County’s rainfall levels are at historic lows. After some of California’s largest wildfires and consistently low rainfall, Sonoma County’s water supply has been drained. According to Sonoma Water, the current year 2021 is being compared to Ukiah in the 1976/1977 drought when rainfall recorded was 16.12 inches as of this year Ukiah has received 3.88 inches less. 

As of this year, Santa Rosa has received 0.64 inches more rainfall than its driest year on record.  According to the County of Sonoma, officials have begun inflating a rubber dam on the Russian River near Forestville, to supply increasing water demand during dry conditions. When the rubber dam is raised fish ladders allow fish to get through while simultaneously allowing the water to fill off-stream infiltration ponds which then are siphoned for public use. 

Amidst the depleting resources though, there are rapidly expanding vineyards, buildings, and other projects that continue around Sonoma County. Many of these are just rebuilding what has been destroyed in the past 4 years of fires.
However, water is an essential part of life and our watersheds must be protected. It was not long ago that the Glass Fire ripped through Napa Valley on the other side of Vacas mountain burning it all down. All that was left were the remnants of a small stream, burned trees and concrete. This is not an uncommon occurrence for Californians anymore as they have seen seven of the top 10 largest wildfires in the state’s history since 2017 alone.

 In 2018 the Little Hoover Commission reported “During its review, the commission found that California’s forests suffer from neglect and mismanagement, resulting in overcrowding that leaves them susceptible to disease, insects and wildfire.” Commission Report #242 also states “As part of this collaborative effort, it calls upon the state to us more prescribed fire to reinvigorate forests, inhibit firestorms and help protect air and water quality.”

In 2018 Sonoma County Water updated its Water Supply Strategies Action Plan (WSSAP), to include seven strategies. These strategies, which seem to be a proactive checklist in saving Sonoma County water included: protecting drinking water, natural sand and rock filtration along with efficiency and efficient use campaigns, utilizing regional planning to increase water supply resiliency, maintaining and improving the reliability of water transmission, adapting to climate change, improving energy efficiency, increasing emergency preparation and response to natural disasters and seeking Federal and State funding assistance.

So far in 2021, Sonoma Water has the minimum 25 cubic feet per second release of water from Lake Mendocino. Along with inflating the rubber dam on the Russian River, Sonoma Water has been highlighting the need to conserve. Currently, Sonoma County is at a 37% reduction in water use at 107 gallons per capita per day which is ahead of California’s required 20% reduction per capita per day. Sonoma County’s conservation of water resources highlights the emphasis and importance of maintaining a stable water supply, especially in dry years. 

It is necessary that Sonoma County citizens take steps to be aware of their water consumption and use water wisely. In an area such as Sonoma County, where the hills roll with life and growth, it is all hindered by destruction and drought. Sonoma County Water seems to be preparing for the future to work alongside fire season. It is of the utmost importance that Sonoma County is well prepared not only for the impending drought and fire season but also for its community to supply the basic necessity of water.