Uncategorized Archives - Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

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, and community at-large.

Each agency’s Advisory Committee provides input and feedback to its Board of Directors on groundwater sustainability policies, programs, and projects, helping guide implementation of their local Groundwater Sustainability Plan, in accordance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

Bill Keene, Administrator for the Sonoma Valley GSA noted the key role that this committee plays for groundwater users, “The GSA Advisory Committees are essential to our success in achieving groundwater sustainability in all of our basins. The great importance of serving on the Advisory Committee is that members get to have direct input to the agency on the issues that most affect the people and places they represent, which is incredibly important to the GSA and the groundwater users.”

An estimated 43,000 people located within the three GSA boundaries depend solely on groundwater for drinking and other basic needs, and more than 20,000 acres of local agriculture are irrigated with groundwater. “The GSA’s commitment and task-at-hand is to better manage our groundwater resource,” said Bob Anderson, chair of the Santa Rosa Plain GSA Advisory Committee and agricultural interest representative. “It means in essence groundwater is where the future exists today – decisions made today will shape how we meet and get through future droughts.”

Eligibility

Community members who live, work, or have an interest in agriculture, business, rural residential, or environmental issues within these basins, as well as those interested in serving as an at-large community representative in Petaluma or Sonoma Valley, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must live or work within the boundaries of the relevant GSA’s groundwater basin or subbasin. For each committee, one seat may be filled by a member who lives within the basin or subbasin’s contributing watershed.

Making a difference

“The Petaluma Valley GSA has made remarkable progress since its inception in 2017,” said Sarah Raker, a Petaluma Valley GSA Advisory Committee Chair representing Environmental Interest. “Serving on the Advisory Committee has been deeply rewarding—working alongside GSA staff and consultants to navigate complex water resources and policy issues while balancing the needs of a diverse stakeholder group.”

How to apply

Applications will be accepted September 14 through October 30, 2026. Each application requires:

A written statement from the applicant
Education and experience information
References
An optional resume and letters of recommendation

Appointments will be made by each agency’s respective Board of Directors.

Learn more

Additional details and applications for each agency’s Advisory Committee are available through each GSA’s website:

Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency
petalumavalleygroundwater.org/ac-application
Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency
sonomavalleygroundwater.org/ac-application
Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency
santarosaplaingroundwater.org/ac-application

Leading by Example: Water Sustainability at Sonoma State University

A Well Aware Case Study

Sustainability as a Core Practice

building 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 to sustainability, is the pledge that all new construction will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Plus certified. Stevenson Hall, the very first academic building constructed on campus in 1967 and the heart of the campus, was remodeled in 2023 to LEED Gold standards with high-efficiency devices and toilets and drought tolerant landscaping.

Water Saving Infrastructure Upgrades

two water tanks In 2019, the campus replaced two original 1960 concrete water tanks with steel tanks. The concrete water tanks were used to store 500,000 gallons of water on campus – storage critical for campus resiliency – but the tanks were leaking and lacking the capacity needed to provide reliable access to water for the growing campus population. SSU replaced the antiquated concrete tanks with three steel tanks with increased capacity to 850,000 gallons. The new tanks, along with upgraded distribution systems have increased the efficiency of the domestic water system and saved over 1,000,000 gallons on campus over the last seven years. In addition, the new tanks now drain evenly preventing water stagnation and water quality complaints.

Reusing Water in Multiple Ways

purple sign that says "Sonoma State University irrigates with reclaimed water conserving our groundwater resource do not drink" SSU has prioritized utilization of recycled water, also called reclaimed water, on campus for non-drinking water uses. Almost the entirety of the campus is irrigated by recycled water and the fire prevention system utilizes recycled water. In addition, SSU has several buildings that use recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing, saving thousands of gallons of groundwater reserved for potable uses.

Transforming SSU’s Landscaping Through Hands-On Learning

Water sustainability is prioritized in SSU’s outdoor spaces as well. In 2024, Christa Irwin, SSU’s Landscape Manager, transitioned from San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SF Rec and Parks) to SSU. While at SF Rec and Parks, Irwin had received training from Rescape, a Bay Area-based non-profit focusing on regenerative approaches to landscaping and providing training for landscaper certifications. Irwin felt these principles were valuable and practical for her work and brought them with her to SSU, pushing for a Rescape project at SSU that involved training for staff, students, and managers on regenerative landscape and construction processes. The training culminated in a hands-on 2025 landscaping project that involved students, staff, and local volunteers. The project included demolition of over 5,000 square feet of existing turf and plant material, replacing old irrigation systems with drip irrigation, planting California native and wildfire resistant plants, replanting 24 citrus trees with increased mulch, and creating a rain garden around a storm drain to encourage slow sinking of stormwater and reduce the actual amount of water flow into the drain.

Before, during sheet mulching, and after

lawn person carrying cardboard and cardboard on ground lupine flowers

The result was a native garden that is eye-catching and sustainable to local wildlife in the middle of campus. The Project made use of local sources of organic compost and biochar (charcoal created from eucalyptus removed from East Bay Regional Parks) to help nurture the new plants and trees. Irwin estimated that the project will help to save 240,000 gallons of water per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 120-450 tons of carbon dioxide over the life of the project. The project also helps to address flooding and ponding across campus and reduce the bank erosion along nearby Copeland Creek, protecting campus infrastructure and riparian habitat for creek wildlife.

Advice for Project Funding and Local Resources

fruit trees Funding for projects can be a challenge for universities with many other competing priorities for limited funds. Irwin mentioned that it was difficult to find low or no-cost resources for the project and that it required a lot of coordination and research. Overall, the project has been transformative for landscape management on campus. Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations and Planning, Dana Twedell, took part in the trainings and found the regenerative approach incredibly important, stating that he would never again go into another construction project without a Rescape Certified Landscape Architect as part of the project team. Rescape offers a directory of qualified professionals on their website, rescapeca.org, as well as information on the various trainings and workshops offered.

SSU shows that water sustainability can be prioritized not just by individuals, but also by institutions, and that individuals like Irwin can advocate for groundwater sustainability within those institutions. If you are interested in resources for how to implement groundwater savings practices at your home or business, the Well Aware Program was established to connect groundwater well users with practical tools and resources to help with groundwater management and sustainability. Visit the Sonoma County GSA’s website, wellawaretoolkit.org for resources on design and planting suggestions or find a Qualified Water Efficiency Landscaper (QWEL) to advise on watering sustainably.

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Groundwater is an important resource to Sonoma County residents, serving as a primary drinking water source for 43,000 residents within the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley groundwater basins. The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley, were created to help sustainably manage groundwater by supporting groundwater users, seeking to reduce groundwater demand, increase water use efficiency, and improve groundwater recharge. As part of this effort, the Sonoma County GSAs are highlighting sustainable practices across groundwater user sectors to show all the ways that Sonoma County is pitching in to protect groundwater. Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from The Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

Data-Driven Irrigation Helps Sonoma Vineyard Conserve Groundwater

A Well Aware Case Study

Vineyard Management at Vadasz Family Vineyard

vineyard and pond 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.

REVM, a vineyard management company operating in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties, provides services including planning and consulting, site/vineyard development, farming, vineyard evaluations, and harvesting. At the Vadasz Family Vineyard, REVM has been a part of the site operations since 1997, helping to develop the site and plant the initial crop of grapes. Groundwater is the primary water supply for irrigation on the property, where two wells feed a reservoir that is used to pump water out to the vineyard.

Vine Stress Monitoring and Management

Klick was an early adopter of a more data-focused approach to irrigation. This approach informs the Water Manager on the appropriate timing to begin irrigating grapes based on the cues from the plants, usually beginning as late as July. Historically, vineyards used a calendar-based approach for irrigation timing which assumes grape vines need water based on the warm season. The data-informed approach to irrigation monitors vine stress based on soil moisture levels, ambient and leaf temperature,

porometer in box

weather, location, shoot length, growth stage, porosity, and stress index. Some of the tools used to collect precise data include neutron probes to track soil moisture and a porometer to evaluate the size of a plant’s stomata, or tiny holes in the leaf. Both tools give clues on when a plant needs water.

To irrigate only vines that need water, the Vadasz Family Vineyard installed irrigation bypasses supplying water based on soil type and plant need. These irrigation bypasses allow for precise irrigation to vines that need water and skip vines that do not need water. By using the irrigation bypasses, there is an estimated 5% reduction in groundwater demand.

vineyard rows soil moisture detector

The benefits of precisely applying water are two-fold for vineyards:

Meet the exact needs of the plants to help safeguard the sustainability of the groundwater supply, using only what is needed.
Help to improve wine quality, ensuring high quality crops for winemakers.

Advice and Resources

Klick encourages others interested in implementing similar conservation measures to start measuring, collecting, and tracking data by using porometers, or other plant stress monitoring devices. By collecting this data and seeing when the plants are under water stress, you can determine when irrigation is truly needed throughout the year.

The data-focused approach to irrigation reduces groundwater demand by applying irrigation only when necessary. Being highly efficient not only benefits the wine quality but helps to conserve groundwater for all users within the basin and is a sustainable practice. The Sonoma County GSAs offer a directory of resources on the wellawaretoolkit.org website that can help connect agricultural groundwater users with more information on tools, technical assistance, and funding opportunities.

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Groundwater is an important resource to Sonoma County residents, serving as a primary drinking water source for 43,000 residents within the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley groundwater basins. The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley, were created to help sustainably manage groundwater by supporting groundwater users, seeking to reduce groundwater demand, increase water use efficiency, and improve groundwater recharge. As part of this effort, the Sonoma County GSAs are highlighting sustainable practices across groundwater user sectors to show all the ways that Sonoma County is pitching in to protect groundwater. Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from The Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

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 United States National Register of Historic Places and a Heritage Home of Petaluma. Developers built out 16 additional homes between 2008 and 2011 to create the Martin Farms HOA community.

Martin Farms HOA in 2024 and in 2026 after converting the lawn

Large house and dead grass Large house and garden

The Martin Farmhouse had about 3,500 square feet of lawn that was rarely used by residents. Eileen Abajian, the Secretary of the HOA, wanted to help transform the landscape into a more sustainable and functional space. In pursuit of this goal, Abajian signed up as a block captain for Cool Petaluma, a local program dedicated to addressing the effects of climate change by gathering neighborhood teams to lead collaborative projects. This role brought her in contact with local non-profit organization, Daily Acts, which supports drought resilience projects, such as turf conversion and rain garden installations. Abajian partnered with Daily Acts to begin designing a new landscape to replace the lawn, which had been using up to 19,340 gallons of water a month.

Since the lawn area was not regularly used or watered with the drought, the area was in rough shape with dead spots and hard packed adobe soil. Daily Acts worked with Abajian and The Water Folk, a local landscape architecture firm, to ensure the design captured the priorities of all the residents, which included a gathering space for the annual fireworks, an immersive walkway through the rain

Pathway in garden

garden, a social path for people experiencing homelessness to cross safely without affecting the landscape, and pollinator plants to encourage greater ecological benefits.

Converting the lawn took five days in late 2024 – turf was removed, sheet mulch was laid, and new climate-appropriate plants were planted. The rain garden flourished within a year of installation and reduced water demand by 70%. The conversion has improved soil health, leading to better recharge of water to the groundwater basin.

Lower Maintenance, Better Aesthetics and Added Community Building

Abajian commented that maintenance has become much easier, with no mowing and less leaf blowing, reducing nuisance noise and resulting in dramatic water savings.

Residents have begun a monthly “Weed and Wine” Day, where they gather for routine weeding and maintenance around the garden while enjoying refreshments. The conversion has aesthetically improved the property and provided a visual break from busy East Washington Street.

Advice and Resources

bee on flower While much of the project cost was covered by grants managed through Daily Acts and their Land Resilience Partnership Program (dailyacts.org/lrp), there were still

some costs that needed to be covered by the HOA. Many residents would not welcome any increases in fees, so Abajian had to be creative to help figure out where the funds could come from. Ultimately, the HOA’s reserve budget was tapped to fund the project at no additional cost to the residents and over time the energy and water savings and lower maintenance requirements will lead to cost savings for the residents. Abajian recommended that others in similar situations contact her to discuss how she navigated this process with her HOA management company. Abajian emphasizes that projects like this are important to exemplify that you can make a difference where you are.

The HOA also took advantage of the City of Petaluma’s Mulch Madness program (cityofpetaluma.org/mulch-madness) to cover the cost of the mulching materials. The program provides free sheet mulching materials (compost, cardboard, and mulch) and delivery of materials to support conversion to drought-tolerant mulched landscape.

The Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies’ website, wellawaretoolkit.org provides links to a number of other local resources including landscape design templates, access to Qualified Water Efficient Landscape (QWEL) professionals, planning and technical assistance, and maintenance manuals. Abajian added that the Santa Rosa Tool Library (borrowtools.org) has been a great resource, allowing the HOA to mulch other parts of the community without needing to invest in a set of tools.

Complying with Regulations

path through garden

Beyond the dramatic water savings, the turf conversion positions the HOA ahead of the curve in complying with California Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), which prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf that serves no recreational or community purpose. By January 1, 2029, all HOAs in California will be required to stop irrigating nonfunctional turf in their common areas with potable water. Resources for converting lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping, finding funding for projects, and understanding compliance timelines can be found through the California Water Efficiency Partnership’s (CalWEP) Nonfunctional Turf toolkit (nonfunctionalturfca.org). This proactive approach ensures long-term regulatory alignment while demonstrating environmental leadership.

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Groundwater is an important resource to Sonoma County residents, serving as a primary drinking water source for 43,000 residents within the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley groundwater basins. The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley, were created to help sustainably manage groundwater by supporting groundwater users, seeking to reduce groundwater demand, increase water use efficiency, and improve groundwater recharge. As part of this effort, the Sonoma County GSAs are highlighting sustainable practices across groundwater user sectors to show all the ways that Sonoma County is pitching in to protect groundwater. Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from The Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

a stream between two natural, planted bioswales on a rural property

From Pasture to Percolation: One Resident’s Effort to Recharge Groundwater

A Well Aware Case Study

The Connection Between Recharge and Rural Residents

a man squats and poses in his naturalistic landscaping 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 the return of native species, and recharge the groundwater basin. Mitchell wants to show others the value of sustainable living through changes they can implement on their own properties.

Restoring Soil Health and Groundwater Recharge

Mitchell purchased his 4-acre property in August 2020 and set out to transform the land from unproductive turf to a vibrant native landscape. Prior to his purchase, the property was a depleted horse pasture, which often flooded and ran off down the sloped property due to the soil lacking organic matter, carbon, and the ability to retain water. Mitchell sought to improve the soil health first, rebuilding the top layer with wood chips and cardboard which also helped to recarbonize the soil. He estimates he has added 4,000 yards of chips or two million pounds of pure organic matter.

a stream between two natural, planted bioswales on a rural property In 2022, Mitchell began excavating to create bioswales, to collect stormwater runoff and help to recharge groundwater to the basin. Native plants made up much of the bioswales, including:

Douglas iris
Coyote brush
Coffeeberry
Sticky monkey flower
Pacific wax myrtle
Buckeye

These help to filter out pollutants in the water ensuring healthy water quality of the recharged water. His most productive bioswale, dubbed his “Quail Swale”, consists of several plants with fibrous root networks to filter contaminants and is about 70 feet long, three feet wide, and about three feet deep. In combination with his other two swales, they have a recharge potential of upwards of 50,000 gallons or more per year. He also has seen an increase of native animal species, including quail, weasels, killdeer, and frogs.

Leading by Example

a garden with orange poppies and other native plants Mitchell hopes to serve as an example, showing that individual residents can make a difference and be a vital part of a sustainable future. He wants to remind people to be mindful of what they are planting and how it affects the environment. Mitchell is hoping to make his property an educational center for others to visit and get inspired to make their own changes. Future projects include planting a native orchard on a yet to be used portion of his land, currently home to his flock of black belly sheep, who rebuild the soil by cycling nutrients and fertilizing the soil. He is constructing a no-emissions, off-grid, solar-powered multiple-purpose building with an ADU and a gray water system that will be fed from his laundry machine. Several other tanks on site can be filled with up to 300 gallons and used during droughts to reduce the burden on the groundwater basin. Mitchell is in the process of building a more permanent home, using shipping containers that will include solar panels to reduce his energy demands.

Advice and Resources

Mitchell’s work is great example of how to transform unproductive turf into spaces that not only help reduce outdoor water demands, but support groundwater recharge and help the Sonoma County GSAs achieve their sustainability goals. Mitchell advised those who are looking to make similar changes to seek people with expertise to help guide the process. While Mitchell’s educational background is in gardening, he felt that the guidance of a naturalist and working with Permaculture Artisans were hugely important to his success. The Sonoma County GSA’s website, wellawaretoolkit.org, offers several similar resources to help those looking to improve their landscapes, including design templates, best practice guides, and connecting with Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)-certified landscapers.

Groundwater Conservation and Recharge

Restoring soil health promotes plant growth and helps to recharge the groundwater basin by allowing more water to percolate to the basin. Creating bioswales featuring native plants help to filter the water of debris and pollutants so it drains down to the basin. Bioswales on the property will help to recharge thousands of gallons of water to the groundwater basin while adding a beautiful, native landscape. If creating swales is not an option, another way that landowners can slow rain runoff and reduce invasive weeds is by putting arborist chips on contours.

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Groundwater is an important resource to Sonoma County residents, serving as a primary drinking water source for 43,000 residents within the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley groundwater basins. The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley, were created to help sustainably manage groundwater by supporting groundwater users, seeking to reduce groundwater demand, increase water use efficiency, and improve groundwater recharge. As part of this effort, the Sonoma County GSAs are highlighting sustainable practices across groundwater user sectors to show all the ways that Sonoma County is pitching in to protect groundwater. Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from The Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

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.

graphic illustration of a high tech sprinkler system that uses wifi controls based on weather conditions The Well Aware program is here to help people with wells to do exactly that. Whether you want to understand your water use, check your system for leaks, or learn smarter ways to conserve, visit wellawaretoolkit.org to explore resources, tips, and tools tailored to your land and your well. This resource is perfect for everyone-from farms to residential wells to businesses; there is something practical for everyone in this resource.

Opportunities to get involved in March:

Plan your Spring Gardening Projects

The Well Aware Toolkit offers a collection of informational resources with year-round planting guides, food gardening with less water and smart plant choices for your landscape.

Fix-a-Leak Week is coming the third week of March. A single leaky faucet or fixture can waste thousands of gallons a year — and leaks in a well system can go undetected for even longer. Improve your home’s energy and water efficiency by checking out a Do it Yourself (DIY) Toolkit at your local Sonoma County Library branch. DIY Energy and Water Savings Toolkits include tools and information to perform home upgrade projects including weather stripping windows and doors, monitoring electrical usage, finding water leaks, and making homes more efficient with LED lightbulbs. Toolkits are available at all 12 Sonoma County Library regional branches and Sonoma County Library cardholders can check out the kits for up to 21 days.

Small actions add up. By staying informed and taking a few simple steps this spring, you can help preserve our shared groundwater supply for years to come. Start by visiting the wellawaretoolkit.org.

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 well users with practical tools and resources that promote groundwater sustainability. Water use efficiency is a critical part of the plan to protect local basins, and it depends on everyone being thoughtful about how they use water.

“Groundwater is a lifeline for Sonoma County, supporting homes, farms, and ecosystems,” said Bill Keene, Administrator for the Sonoma Valley GSA. “By using the Well Aware Toolkit, residents and businesses can take practical steps to ensure this vital resource remains available for generations to come.”

The new Well Aware Toolkit is an interactive resource that allows users located in the Petaluma Valley basin, Santa Rosa Plain subbasin, and Sonoma Valley subbasin to enter their own property address to find personalized water savings practices, funding opportunities for water conservation, and expert guidance tailored to the region.

The Well Aware Toolkit is now live and available to all groundwater users in Sonoma County.

Visit https://wellawaretoolkit.org to start saving water and protecting our shared resource.

About the Well Aware Program

The Well Aware Program is a free, voluntary initiative for groundwater users. Its goal is simple: provide easy access to resources that help protect groundwater for future generations.

About the Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

Sonoma County’s three GSAs were formed in 2017 for Petaluma Valley, Sonoma Valley and Santa Rosa Plain to implement California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The agencies adopted their Groundwater Sustainability Plans in 2022, aiming to achieve basin-wide sustainability by 2042. The three GSAs are funded by a combination of groundwater user fees, county and city contributions, and most of its current projects and programs are funded through a major SGMA Implementation Grant from the State

Department of Water Resources.

How WELL do you know the Santa Rosa Plain GSA subbasin?

Infographic with icons a map and statitics about Santa Rosa Plain GSA subbasin. The complete text of this infographic is embedded in the blog article itself.

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: land covered by the subbasin, including Town of Windsor, Cities of Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and unincorporated rural areas

36% Urban community areas
26% Agricultural areas
35% Native vegetation and surface water
3% Classified as ‘vacant’

Acreage by crop types in the subbasin (all water sources, not limited to groundwater-irrigation)

Citrus & subtropical: 15.8 acres
Deciduous fruits & nuts: 141.4 acres
Grain: 2,777.1 acres
Pasture: 2482.7 acres
Truck nursery & berry: 559.3 acres
Vineyard: 9072.8 acres
Idle or unknown: 462.7 acres
Turf irrigation: 593 acres

1,499 acre-feet: Estimated groundwater crop irrigation offset per year by alternative water sources (recycled water, surface water)

81,951: number of parcels in the subbasin

8,650: approximate number of groundwater dependent parcels (note, these numbers do not include those connected to a public water system, and some parcels have more than one use)

6721: Residential
498: Commercial
937: Agricultural
129: Turf

32,000: number of people in Santa Rosa Plain that rely solely on groundwater for drinking and other basic water needs.

4,000-5,500 estimated number of domestic wells in the Santa Rosa Plain subbasin

< 200 ft: depth of most wells in the shallow aquifer

~ 200-800 ft: typical depth of wells in the deep aquifer

113: number of groundwater-level monitoring wells located in the subbasin and contributing watershed

Status of Conditions

Status of Conditions defined by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act that the GSA is actively addressing via the implementation of projects and programs in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan:

Land Subsidence: no evidence for concerns
Groundwater quality: no evidence for concerns
Interconnected surface water: more data needed
Reduction of storage: generally stable, potential for future declines
Lowering of groundwater levels: generally stable, limited areas of declines

Want to learn more?

Visit our website to access the Groundwater Sustainability Plan and find detailed information on the status of this work to manage groundwater resources in our Annual Report.

Join in the community-wide effort to support sustainable groundwater with one of our community programs:

LEVEL UP! – Voluntary Well Monitoring, Flow Smart – Voluntary Flow – Metering, and Well Aware – tools for building local groundwater sustainability.

SantaRosaPlainGroundwater.org

four people stand outdoors near a water tank and well on a sunny day

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 this information. While the rains seem to recover most of our shallow aquifers after rain, those gains are not always showing up, especially in the deep aquifers or areas of chronic decline.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Last fall, neighbors in Bennett Valley got together and decided they wanted to know more about their groundwater levels. A few of them got together to organize an October groundwater monitoring day to help one another take measurements and keep track of the readings. They raised funds to purchase a shared measurement device and got some training on best practices for well readings. They learned a lot that first time out, not just about groundwater levels but also the logistics of a volunteer community program like this.

Chris is one of the neighbors who got the ball rolling first. She was personally motivated as someone who once years ago had a well run dry on her property and had to drill a new one at a significant personal expense. Chris shared that if she is going to effectively manage the groundwater on her property, she really needs to have as much information as possible. Knowing how much water she has in the well seasonally will help her make good water management decisions in her home and in the garden, and hopefully avoid another costly problem like a well gone dry. Since neighbors are all drawing from a connected underground water source, they concurred that it helps if everyone has collective sense of the water levels, too.

In April, they set out again to take their spring measurements, this time with several additional participants after word got around. More neighbors were interested in having information about how their water levels compared to the broader picture in the basin. A team of four volunteers navigated the route and visited 21 properties on a Saturday, using a sonic measuring device to check water levels and add the data to their logs. Then they add this information to a spreadsheet twice a year, every October and April.

Voluntary Groundwater Level Monitoring Program launching this summer in preparation for fall well measurements
Our three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are going to help others in the area get involved in groundwater level monitoring too, with a new Voluntary Groundwater Level Monitoring Program. This summer we will offer community workshops for residential and agricultural well owners to get involved in this program, gain access to the tools to take the measurements, and then upload the data to an interactive map to see how the water levels compare at a high level across the basin (with parcel level privacy protected). Chris and the Bennett Valley group have already offered to share their collected measurements to the map, and are eager for more local people to get active in protecting our groundwater resources for now and the future.

Get Involved
Watch for upcoming Voluntary Groundwater Monitoring workshops and trainings both online and in person this summer to prepare for the October monitoring time period. Sounds interesting? Sign up to get involved here sonomacountygroundwater.org/voluntary-monitoring.