It’s a Dry Year. Save Water With Us.

(Posted January 25, 2021) Due to unusually low rainfall this winter and below average rainfall conditions last year, our water storage levels are particularly low. This means we need your help in conserving water and preserving our community’s water sources — including Stafford Lake, Lake Mendocino, Lake Sonoma, and the Russian River.

We are proud to be part of the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, which represents Sonoma Water and its wholesale water contractors, or the cities that deliver drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in the North Bay. The Partnership has come together to seek the community’s help in saving water, and we hope you will join us in this important mission.

Conserving water is easier than you might think! Small changes around your home can make a big difference, especially if each household can commit to just a few. Save water now by:

  • Turning off your irrigation system. Plants need much less water during the winter. Manually water only when the soil below the surface is dry.
  • Applying mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.
  • Running only full loads of laundry or dishes. The dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand.
  • When loading the dishwasher, skip rinsing and scrape food scraps into the compost bin instead of the garbage disposal.
  • Turning off the water while you lather with soap, shave, and brush your teeth.
  • Not using the toilet as a trash bin. Never flush wipes, tissues, masks, gloves, or paper towels.
  • Replacing inefficient toilets with new high-efficiency models. Top performing models use just 0.8 gallons per flush.
  • Using a broom instead of a hose to clean off patios, decks, sidewalks, and driveways.
  • Finding and fixing leaks. Check your water meter and perform a toilet dye test.
  • Re-landscape your yard with water smart plants. Look for the label at participating nurseries.

You’ll be seeing these tips on our social media channels over the next few weeks. Please share these tips with your friends and family so we can all make a difference, together.

Learn more about the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership at savingwaterpartnership.org