Sonoma County Water Rationing Mandates - 30 - 50%

North Bay Water Storage Hits Unchartered Territory,
New Projection Prompts 30-50% Mandatory Rationing

The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) is about to alert 750,000 residents in portions of Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties that their water storage is projected to hit new historical low levels. Residents should expect a call for a minimum of 30 to 50 percent mandatory rationing within weeks.

“The projection will show that we have entered unchartered territory,” said Pam Jeane, deputy chief engineer of operations. “A 30 percent mandatory rationing order is just the beginning – further decline in reservoir levels could necessitate 50 percent cutbacks.”

Impacts of the low water storage levels will be addressed, including Russian River flow levels, salmon fishery concerns and possible economic impacts including loss of jobs. The storage projection is based on past and projected rainfall patterns, Russian River flow requirements, and recent agricultural and municipal water demands in the Russian River above Healdsburg.

Stay tuned for more information...