News and Updates from Sonoma County GSAs
These updates also appear via a feed to their respective GSA websites.
For any questions please call 707.243.8555
2235 Mercury Way, Suite 105
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
These updates also appear via a feed to their respective GSA websites.
For any questions please call 707.243.8555
2235 Mercury Way, Suite 105
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
SONOMA COUNTY’S THREE GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCIES SEEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICANTS
The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) serving Sonoma County — Petaluma Valley GSA, Sonoma Valley GSA, and Santa Rosa Plain GSA — are jointly recruiting applicants to fill interest-based seats on their respective Advisory Committees for the two-year term running January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. Open seats include agricultural, business, rural residential, environmental, […]
Leading by Example: Water Sustainability at Sonoma State University
A Well Aware Case Study Sustainability as a Core Practice Sonoma State University (SSU) is focused on campus sustainability including working to modernize water distribution systems, utilizing recycled water, and applying an ecological philosophy to landscaping all to help reduce the campus’s groundwater demand in the Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin. One example of this commitment […]
From Lawn to Learning Landscape: La Tercera’s Water-Wise Schoolyard
A Well Aware Case Study Lawn Conversion to Climate-Appropriate Landscaping In Petaluma, La Tercera Elementary School (La Tercera)’s recent schoolyard transformation shows how institutions are actively stepping up to preserve groundwater. Prior to the schoolyard transformation, La Tercera’s campus featured several large irrigated lawn areas woven between concrete walkways. In addition to the high water […]
Data-Driven Irrigation Helps Sonoma Vineyard Conserve Groundwater
A Well Aware Case Study Vineyard Management at Vadasz Family Vineyard Tyler Klick from Redwood Empire Vineyard Management (REVM) is taking a data-focused approach to analyze vine stress to apply the appropriate amount of water to winegrapes to conserve as much groundwater as possible at the Vadasz Family Vineyard within the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Subbasin. […]
From Lifeless Lawn to Rain Garden: HOA Saves Water through Community Redesign
A Well Aware Case Study Conversion of Lawn to Rain Gardens and Communal Space The Martin Farms HOA in Petaluma took on the challenge to convert their irrigated lawn into a community rain garden, significantly reducing its water demand. The Martin Farms HOA community is built around the Martin Farmhouse, a 120-year-old farmhouse on the […]
From Pasture to Percolation: One Resident’s Effort to Recharge Groundwater
A Well Aware Case Study The Connection Between Recharge and Rural Residents Individual residents can play an important role in protecting and enhancing our precious groundwater supply. In Sebastopol, within the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Subbasin, Martin Mitchell is doing just that. Mitchell is restoring his property in an effort to revitalize the land, support […]
Voluntary Groundwater Level and Seawater Intrusion Monitoring in Petaluma Valley
Two voluntary groundwater data programs set in motion by the Petaluma Valley GSA have yielded their first set of results thanks to the participation of our community members across Petaluma Valley basin! Groundwater Level Monitoring Program Level Up! is a voluntary well monitoring program aimed at filling groundwater-level data gaps and enabling well users to […]
Putting Stormwater to Work: Recharge Pilots Underway
When it rains, where does the water go? In many cases, it runs off the land before it has a chance to soak into the ground and replenish our aquifers. The Sonoma County GSAs are working on several pilot projects to test whether improving land management practices can help change that — by slowing the […]
Agriculture Groundwater User Survey Highlights Opportunities for Collaboration and Sustainability
Between August and December 2025, the GSAs conducted a joint survey of agricultural groundwater users to better understand priorities, concerns, and opportunities related to groundwater sustainability. The 21-question survey received 82 responses. Responses were well distributed across the basins: 46% from Santa Rosa Plain, 20.5% from Petaluma Valley, 17% from Sonoma Valley, and 22% marked […]
Advancing Sustainability in Petaluma: Rainier Avenue Recycled Water Pipeline Completed
The City of Petaluma continues to make significant progress on its long-term effort to expand the community’s recycled water system—an essential strategy for protecting groundwater resources and improving drought resilience. As part of the city’s commitment to maintaining sustainable groundwater levels, the Petaluma Urban Recycled Water Expansion includes constructing at least 6,500 feet of new […]
Recycled Water Expansion Project in Sonoma Valley Update
Planning is moving forward on a major recycled water expansion project in Sonoma Valley. This improvement will help reduce groundwater pumping in critically depleted areas while increasing long-term water supply reliability for local agricultural and irrigation users. The project includes installation of approximately 2.5 miles of up to 12-inch diameter pipeline, along with associated valves, […]
Spring Into Action and Be Well Aware
As warmer days approach, there’s no better time to think about how you use water on your property — and what you can do to protect the groundwater that you depend on. The Well Aware program is here to help people with wells to do exactly that. Whether you want to understand your water use, check […]
Sonoma County GSAs Launch New Online Well Aware Toolkit to Support Groundwater Sustainability
The Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) are proud to announce the launch of the Well Aware Toolkit, a new online resource designed to help well owners and groundwater users make informed, sustainable water management decisions. Funded by a grant from the California Department of Water Resources, the Well Aware Program was created to connect […]
Orientation to the LEVEL UP! Voluntary Well Level Monitoring Program
LEVEL UP! Informational Webinar Recorded Thursday, September 11, 2025 Join the Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies to help support sustainability in our local groundwater basins, and also know how the water levels in your own well fluctuate season-to-season and year-to-year. This community program is free, and we provide the tools and training for you to […]
Beneath the Surface: 10 Years of Local Groundwater Basin Stewardship
Learn about groundwater management progress and join us in realizing a resilient future for the Santa Rosa Plain and Petaluma Valley basins! Thursday, August 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, Ray Miller Community Center, 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati RSVP to attend Join us for a Community Meeting and Resource Workshop to reflect on a decade of collaborative, […]
Local Farmers Participate in Interactive ‘From Ground to Field: Know Your Water, Know Your Use’ Workshop
On a sunny and cool June afternoon, an eager group of 40+ people made up of local Sonoma County farmers and local agricultural organization representatives gathered at an orchard site for the workshop “From Ground to Field: Know Your Water, Know Your Use.” Hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) in partnership with […]
Aquifer storage and recovery projects underway in the Santa Rosa Plain
As California continues to face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, water agencies across the state are seeking smarter, more resilient ways to manage our most precious resource. Here in Sonoma County, one innovative solution is gaining momentum: aquifer storage and recovery (ASR). What is aquifer storage and recovery? Aquifer storage and recovery, commonly known as ASR — or […]
Martha Way Well Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot Test
The Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa Water Department (Santa Rosa Water), will conduct a pilot test at an existing well on Martha Way to evaluate the feasibility of storing and recovering drinking water in the underground aquifer. This process is known as Aquifer Storage and […]
4 Well Aware tips for watering your summer garden
Summer weather is coming! Here are water-saving tips with resources for healthy plants and groundwater basins: 🌿Plant native, water-wise, fire-wise landscaping plants. 🌻Schedule a free Garden Sense consultation and have a Sonoma County Master Gardener help you find the right plants for your space. 💦Use the water more than once with graywater and rainwater systems […]
Level Up! well monitoring day made better with friends and neighbors
On a recent Saturday in late April an interested and concerned group of well users gathered to help with the water level measurement of one neighbor’s well and learn more about the state of the Petaluma Valley groundwater basin. Sebastian Bertsch, Petaluma Valley GSA Advisory Committee member and Level Up! program volunteer facilitator for the […]
Aquifer storage and recovery projects underway
As California continues to face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, water agencies across the state are seeking smarter, more resilient ways to manage our most precious resource. Here in Sonoma County, one innovative solution is gaining momentum: aquifer storage and recovery (ASR). What is aquifer storage and recovery? Aquifer storage and recovery, commonly known as ASR […]
Petaluma Valley groundwater benefitting from innovative collaboration
The recently released 2024 Annual Report finds that Petaluma Valley’s groundwater levels have recovered from the most recent drought throughout most areas of the subbasin, and that continued improvements are possible as innovative new projects come online. Only three years into its implementation of a landmark 2022 groundwater management plan, the Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability […]
Urgent Groundwater Action Needed in Sonoma Valley: New Priority Areas Identified
The Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) has designated two new Groundwater Sustainability Priority Areas—El Verano and Eastside—in response to critical groundwater declines threatening long-term water reliability for homes, farms, and businesses in the region. Despite 20 years of voluntary conservation efforts, groundwater is being extracted faster than it can naturally replenish. In the most […]
Earth Day 2025: Growing a Sustainable Groundwater Supply
Each year, we welcome the rainy season to nourish our gardens. But when the rain fades, we rely on the water from the tap to keep them green and thriving. In Sonoma County, many turn to groundwater as their primary source once the skies dry up. Groundwater forms as rainwater and surface water seep into […]
Declining Groundwater in Sonoma Valley: What Can We Do?
In two areas of Sonoma Valley, groundwater is being pumped faster than it can naturally recover. The El Verano and Eastside Groundwater Sustainability Priority Areas have experienced declining water levels for over a decade, threatening residents, businesses, and farms that rely on wells. Despite voluntary conservation efforts over the past 20 years, the situation continues […]
How WELL do you know the Sonoma Valley GSA subbasin?
Location boundaries: bounded by Sonoma Mountain on the west and the Mayacamas Mountains on the east. South of Kenwood and north of and adjacent to San Pablo Bay Principal sources of groundwater recharge: precipitation and infiltration on the valley floor and streambed recharge from Sonoma Creek and its tributaries to the shallow aquifer Decades or […]
How WELL do you know the Petaluma Valley GSA basin?
Location: north of San Pablo Bay and bounded by Sonoma Mountain on the east and low-lying hills on the west Principal sources of groundwater recharge: streambed recharge along Petaluma River and tributaries, direct infiltration from precipitation and flows along the mountain-front/valley border 46,000 acres: how much land the Petaluma Valley GSA basin covers, including the […]
How WELL do you know the Santa Rosa Plain GSA subbasin?
Location: bounded by Sonoma Mountain and Mayacamas Mountains on the east and the Mendocino Range on the west ~22 miles: distance of the basin from north at Healdsburg to the south at Cotati ~9 miles: distance east to west at the widest point Principal sources of groundwater recharge: precipitation and infiltration from streams 80,000 acres: […]
What is Interconnected Surface Water? What do we know about it in our GSA basins?
Did you know that in some places, our groundwater aquifers are directly connected to surface water and influence groundwater resources and ecosystem health in these areas? This interconnected surface water is characterized by surface water bodies (e.g. streams, rivers, and lakes) interacting with aquifers in all types of landscapes, and the biological health of plants […]
Water Use Efficiency Assessment & Pilot in Santa Rosa Plain
To achieve and maintain sustainable groundwater conditions within the Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin we need to look at both water supply augmentation and demand reduction. One of the demand reduction programs the Santa Rosa Plain GSA is implementing through SGM grant funding is a Water Use Efficiency Assessment and Pilot Program. The goal of this […]
Survey! Share your input on future groundwater policy!
Community input needed on future groundwater policy! The Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) are dedicated to monitoring and sustaining groundwater levels. To support this work, the Sonoma County GSAs are considering a range of programs and policies to sustain groundwater resources in our county. The GSAs are soliciting input from the community through a […]
Introducing the Flow Smart Program
The Flow Smart Program is a free, voluntary groundwater flow-metering initiative designed for well owners in the Petaluma Valley basin, Santa Rosa Plain subbasin and Sonoma Valley subbasin. Participants will receive grant-funded professional installation of a flow-metering device at no cost to them. This device allows well owners to accurately track their groundwater usage, empowering […]
Community-driven voluntary well monitoring program launches
This article is contributed to the GSA blog by Sonoma Resource Conservation District. October tends to be a busy time, with the seasons changing and squeezing in as many outdoor projects as possible before November rains. For us at the Sonoma Resource Conservation District (RCD), October also marked the launch of the first round of […]
Appreciation for Our Advisory Committee Members
Many local community members serve as volunteers on our Advisory Committees, contributing their time and energy to the complex issues related to managing our groundwater basins. As we approach the end of the year, there are several members to acknowledge and thank for their commitment to serve and provide thoughtful feedback and guidance to our […]
Urban Recycled Water System Expansion – Maria Drive Extension/Loop project
Update – Fall 2024 The City of Petaluma has completed the Urban Recycled Water System Expansion – Maria Drive Extension/Loop project which involved the installation of approximately 6,000 feet of 12-inch recycled water pipeline which was paired with the complete reconstruction of the existing two-lane road, including the addition of new curb ramps, signalized crosswalks, […]
Oak Hill Monitoring Well Project to help fill data gaps in Petaluma Valley GSA
To evaluate potential new groundwater supply locations, the City of Petaluma recently completed an exploratory boring at Oak Hill Park. The City’s Oak Hill well was determined to be not viable as a water supply well, however the boring is located within a GSA groundwater level data gap area on the west side of the […]
Monitoring Well Design & Installation in Petaluma Valley
A big challenge with managing groundwater is that it’s invisible to the human eye. Unlike surface water in lakes and rivers, we can’t actually see groundwater levels rise and fall. That’s why monitoring wells are so important: These wells are drilled for the sole purpose of “showing” us what’s happening in local aquifers. Filling data […]
Monitoring Well Design & Installation in Sonoma Valley
A big challenge with managing groundwater is that it’s invisible to the human eye. Unlike surface water in lakes and rivers, we can’t actually see groundwater levels rise and fall. That’s why monitoring wells are so important: These wells are drilled for the sole purpose of “showing” us what’s happening in local aquifers. Filling data […]
Aquifer System Hydrogeologic Characterization in Sonoma Valley
Aquifer System Hydrogeologic Characterization in Petaluma Valley
Interconnected Surface Water & Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in Sonoma Valley
Have you ever wondered what goes on beneath a river? Rivers, lakes and streams – all different types of “surface water” are often interconnected to the underlying groundwater aquifer. This system is known as Interconnected Surface Water (ISW) – and it supports a special type of habitat known as Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs). What a […]
Interconnected Surface Water & Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in Petaluma Valley
Have you ever wondered what goes on beneath a river? Rivers, lakes and streams – all different types of “surface water” are often interconnected to the underlying groundwater aquifer. This system is known as Interconnected Surface Water (ISW) – and it supports a special type of habitat known as Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs). What a […]
Voluntary Groundwater Level Monitoring with LEVEL UP!
Understanding how much water is in our groundwater basin requires citizens and scientist alike to take ground water level measurements from wells at as many strategic locations throughout the Sonoma County as we can. That’s why the Petaluma Valley GSA is using the recent Department of Water Resources SGMA Implementation grant funds to prioritize filling […]
ASR Planning
Stormwater Recharge Planning
Sonoma County’s weather is characterized by rainy winters, followed by long, dry summers. During large winter storms, creeks and streams are often overwhelmed and can cause flooding in local communities. In contrast, dry summers—and increasingly frequent droughts— can place strain on both surface water and groundwater supplies. This Mediterranean pattern is becoming increasingly pronounced as […]
Recycled Water Planning in Sonoma Valley
Freshwater availability has become increasingly limited in recent years due to climate events, environmental needs, increasing population and economic demands. This has forced us to think outside of the box and to consider ways we can safely reuse water that has not been traditionally used for drinking. Enter into the picture Recycled Water – which […]
Recycled Water Planning in Petaluma Valley
Freshwater availability has become increasingly limited in recent years due to climate events, environmental needs, increasing population and economic demands. This has forced us to think outside of the box and to consider ways we can safely reuse water that has not been traditionally used for drinking. Enter into the picture Recycled Water – which […]
Well Inventory and Groundwater Extraction Assessment in Sonoma Valley
The Sonoma Valley GSA conducted a Well Inventory and Groundwater Extraction assessment to obtain information on locations and volumes of groundwater extracted within the Subbasin. The completion of these assessments marks significant progress in filling data gaps to improve our understanding of the entire groundwater system. Well Inventory One important data gap for the Sonoma […]
Well Inventory and Groundwater Extraction Assessment in Petaluma Valley
The Petaluma Valley GSA conducted a Well Inventory and Groundwater Extraction assessment to obtain information on locations and volumes of groundwater extracted within the Subbasin. The completion of these assessments marks significant progress in filling data gaps to improve our understanding of the entire groundwater system. Well Inventory One important data gap for the Petaluma […]
Water Use Efficiency Assessment & Pilot in Petaluma Valley
To achieve and maintain sustainable groundwater conditions within the Petaluma Valley basin we need to look at both water supply augmentation and demand reduction. One of the demand reduction programs the Petaluma Valley GSA is implementing through SGM grant funding is a Water Use Efficiency Assessment and Pilot Program. The goal of this program is […]
Water Use Efficiency Assessment & Pilot in Sonoma Valley
To achieve and maintain sustainable groundwater conditions within the Sonoma Valley subbasin we need to look at both water supply augmentation and demand reduction. One of the demand reduction programs the Sonoma Valley GSA is implementing through SGM grant funding is a Water Use Efficiency Assessment and Pilot Program. The goal of this program is […]
Keeping it Local
Monitoring Well Design & Installation in Santa Rosa Plain
Aquifer System Hydrogeologic Characterization in Santa Rosa Plain
Interconnected Surface Water & Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in Santa Rosa Plain
Have you ever wondered what goes on beneath a river? Rivers, lakes and streams – all different types of “surface water” are often interconnected to the underlying groundwater aquifer. This system is known as Interconnected Surface Water (ISW) – and it supports a special type of habitat known as Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs). What a […]
Voluntary Groundwater Level Monitoring with LEVEL UP!
Aquifer System Recovery Planning in Santa Rosa Plain
Well Inventory and Groundwater Extraction Assessment in Santa Rosa Plain
Stormwater Recharge Planning in Santa Rosa Plain
Stormwater has been getting a lot more attention in recent years. With record-breaking winter storms and a renewed focus on treating our groundwater aquifers as ‘underground reservoirs’, now is the perfect time to combine these water forces through Stormwater Recharge. With SGM Implementation grant funds, the Santa Rosa Plain GSA has just kicked off our […]
Assessment of Potential Policy & Programs Options
Assessment of Policy & Program Options – Update (March 2026) Groundwater policies provide a framework for local agencies to make informed decisions, implement projects, and achieve long-term sustainability. To support this effort, the Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) has completed a Policy and Program Options Assessment in March 2026 (Assessment) to identify, prioritize, and […]
Recycled Water Planning in Santa Rosa Plain
Freshwater availability has become increasingly limited in recent years due to climate events, environmental needs, increasing population and economic demands. This has forced us to think outside of the box and to consider ways we can safely reuse water that has not been traditionally used for drinking. Enter into the picture Recycled Water – which […]
Community Alliance with Family Farmers works to support groundwater sustainability for small farmers across California
This article is reposted with permission from the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) website. The passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014 started California’s first steps toward sustainable management of our critical groundwater resources. Groundwater, the water pumped from underground wells, makes up 40-60% of California’s annual water usage, the rest coming from […]
Neighbors helping neighbors monitor groundwater
With California’s climate swinging from extended droughts to wet years with heavy rain and flood, the measurement of groundwater levels in our aquifers can vary widely from season to season and year to year. The only way to know this information for sure is to monitor water levels on a periodic basis, keeping track of […]
Water Use Efficiency Assessment & Pilot in Santa Rosa Plain
To achieve and maintain sustainable groundwater conditions within the Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin we need to look at both water supply augmentation and demand reduction. One of the demand reduction programs the Santa Rosa Plain GSA is implementing through SGM grant funding is a Water Use Efficiency Assessment and Pilot Program. The goal of this […]