The Sustainable Education Garden, located at Santa Rosa’s City Hall, will celebrate its grand opening June 20^th from 10:00 ‑11:30 am. Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments, and a tour to highlight the innovative features built into this beautiful garden. Attendance is free, but please RSVP to watersmart@srcity.org.

Funding from the State

The City of Santa Rosa received $806,174 in grant funds from the State Water Resources Control Board to create an educational garden that demonstrates on-site stormwater capture and treatment, and low water‑use landscaping. To create the final design, City staff, design professionals, and community members participated in open design sessions and a 30-day public comment period, with the project’s landscape architect. City engineering staff completed the civil design work.

Improving Water Efficiency

This project converted 34,000 square feet of lawn and ivy into drought tolerant, low water-use landscaping. Upgrades include replacing the old inefficient overhead spray irrigation system with a high-efficiency drip system, and installation of a new weather-based irrigation controller that will apply water only when the plants need it, preventing waste and supporting plant health. This smart controller also uses flow-sensing technology to detect leaks or breaks and will alert staff to issues. The landscape and irrigation improvements from this project reduced site water requirements by 54 percent.

Harnessing Stormwater

Stormwater runoff from the City Hall area flows directly into Santa Rosa Creek, which subsequently flows into the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Untreated stormwater runoff typically carries pollutants from parking lots and hardscapes to local waterways. Sediment, nutrients, bacteria, higher water temperatures and decreased dissolved oxygen from urban stormwater runoff can negatively impact water quality and aquatic habitat. Capturing, cleaning and infiltrating stormwater runoff before it has a chance to leave a site improves water quality, and protects wildlife habitat in our local waterways.

The City Hall Sustainable Education Garden includes carefully designed swales and bioretention features that will slow and capture stormwater runoff to naturally clean and improve water quality onsite. The diagram below shows how the new Low Impact Development (LID) features can remove pollutants before the stormwater infiltrates and recharges ground water: porous concrete rings installed around existing storm drain inlets capture stormwater runoff (1) and direct it into lined permeable rock trenches (2) and structural soil (3), where the plants in the bioretention planters (4) can then collect, absorb, and begin to treat stormwater.

Additional features include 4,100 square feet of permeable concrete paving throughout the garden and a 2,100-gallon cistern that will collect and reuse rainwater from the City Hall roof. This rainwater harvesting system provides a stormwater LID function by storing rainwater for slow release into the swale, effectively mimicking the pre-development conditions.

Enhancing Community Spaces

The design of the Sustainable Education Garden invites the public to enjoy the City Hall campus in new ways. Visit the open-air classroom that features seating for formal workshops or informal gatherings, or take a self‑guided tour using the educational signs around the garden, which explain the benefits of Low Impact Development and Russian River-Friendly landscaping practices. To learn more about the project, please visit  www.srcity.org/1177/Sustainable-Education-Garden.

This article was authored by the City of Santa Rosa’s Water Use Efficiency Team, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.

The rainy winter that we’ve experienced after a long drought has brought stormwater and rainwater management to the front of everyone’s mind. We’re challenged in California’s Mediterranean climate by the yearly cycle of rainy and dry seasons, as well as periodic drought conditions. One of the ways that these challenges can be met is through small rainwater catchment systems that capture rainwater from rooftops in winter and store the water for future use.

Rainwater catchment systems have great potential benefit to residents and the environment. Since the Rainwater Catchment Act of 2012 was enacted, Californians have been allowed to use rainwater collected from the roofs of buildings for beneficial purposes. Rainwater catchment systems for non-potable uses, such as garden and landscape irrigation, have been built in Sonoma County for years. The Sonoma and Gold Ridge Resource Conservation Districts, through the Russian River Coho Partnership and related efforts, have worked with numerous landowners in rural areas to develop these systems to provide better water reliability for residents, while improving stream flows for endangered Coho salmon.

The County of Sonoma recently took another huge step toward water resource sustainability. In January 2017, the Permit and Resource Management Department adopted a new code section that, for the first time, gives Sonoma County homeowners the opportunity to legally build systems that capture rainwater for potable uses, such as drinking and cooking. The adoption of Appendix K of the California Plumbing Code now provides a framework for homeowners and businesses in unincorporated Sonoma County to use rainwater for potable purposes. Such systems would require a permit, approval of which would depend on many factors such as allowable roofing material; maintenance, inspection, and monitoring requirements; and minimum water quality requirements. Nonetheless, residents of unincorporated areas of Sonoma County now have a pathway to apply for permits to build those systems legally. If you live within city limits, check with your local planning/permitting department to find out if potable rainwater is allowed where you live.

While the costs of a rainwater catchment system can be high relative to more common water sources such as a well or municipality, the benefits of rainwater in some situations may outweigh the costs. A rainwater catchment system can provide a secure, reliable source of clean water. Some wells in water-scarce areas may not be able to keep up with demand, particularly in drought years. A rainwater catchment system can bridge the gap between water need and water availability.

The benefits of rainwater catchment to the environment are diverse. Most buildings, particularly in urban areas, direct rainwater from the roof into a stormwater sewer system which then drains into nearby streams and rivers. A rainwater catchment system bypasses that system by capturing rainwater and temporarily storing it to be released in the summer. This reduces the building’s impact on the water cycle, which is helpful to the environment in several ways.

• Decreasing the amount of rainwater that enters the stormwater system can:
  • Reduce flooding;
  • Reduce the soil erosion that pollutes the water and hurts coho salmon and steelhead; and
  • Reduce stream channel incision that can adversely affect groundwater level.
• Increasing the amount, and changing the timing, of rainwater that soaks into the ground can:
  • Improve groundwater supply;
  • Improve streamflow in the summer, when it’s critical for fish and wildlife survival; and
  • Contribute to reducing carbon in the atmosphere by promoting plant growth.

There are, of course, some very important considerations before deciding to build a rainwater catchment system for your home or business:

• How much water are you currently using? Are there any more ways to reduce the water you’re already using? Answering this question is the start of figuring how much water storage you need.
• How much water can you collect from your roof? The size and configuration of your roof is another factor in determining the storage size. Use the following calculation to estimate the amount of water you can collect from your roof:
  Square footage of your roof x 0.63 x yearly rainfall in your area (in inches) = gallons you can collect annually (see Resources below)

• How much space is available to store water? Property size, zoning restrictions, and the terrain surrounding the building are determining factors in figuring out the size of the system.
• What is the cost/benefit ratio? Some homeowners pay a high cost to pump and treat groundwater, others must pay water trucks to bring them water in the summer. The costs that should be weighed against the potential benefit include: design of the system, permitting, construction, and maintenance. Depending on the location of the property, grant funding or rebates may be available to defray the cost of the system.

Resources:

To determine the average annual rainfall in your area, refer to this map created by the Sonoma County Water Agency:
http://www.sonoma-county.org/prmd/docs/landscape_ord/rainfall_map.pdf

For general rainwater catchment, water management information and a list of technical assistance resources, municipalities, contractors and consultants, and rainwater system suppliers, see the resource section of the Slow It. Spread It. Sink It. Store It! Guide to Beneficial Stormwater Management and Water Conservation Strategies
http://www.sonomarcd.org/documents/Slow-it-Spread-it-Sink-it-Store-it.pdf

California Plumbing Code Appendix K: Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
http://www.iapmo.org/2013%20California%20Plumbing%20Code/Appendices/Appendix%20K.pdf

This article was authored by Justin Bodell, of Sonoma Resource Conservation District, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.

“A watershed is a marvelous thing to consider: This process of rain falling, streams flowing and oceans evaporating causes every molecule of water on Earth to make the complete trip once every two million years. The surface is carved into watersheds – kind of a familial branching, a chart of relationship, and a definition of place. …. The watershed gives us a home and a place to go upstream, downstream and across in.” Gary Snyder, 1993

Using any measure, our “home,” the Russian River watershed, is spectacularly diverse. From the headwaters north of Ukiah to the rugged coast at Jenner, the 1,485 square miles that comprise the Russian River watershed includes species ranging from steelhead to bald eagles; from pygmy oaks to giant redwoods. It includes two counties, eight incorporated cities and towns plus multiple hamlets (Hopland, Geyserville, and Occidental to name a few). The watershed includes dairy farms, vineyards, marijuana gardens, food processors, breweries, high-tech businesses, forever-preserved open spaces, artist studios, classrooms, acres of parks and thousands of miles of streets, roads and highways.

Living in such an ecologically and economically prosperous community, it’s easy to pat ourselves on the back for enjoying what people in other watersheds wish they had. But even paradise isn’t perfect:  There are pockets of poverty in our communities. Some of our most iconic species, like the coho salmon, are on the endangered species list. The Russian River itself is listed for water quality problems, and the upper and middle reaches of the river have only a few places where people can swim and recreate.

Critically, the watershed faces new challenges in light of climate change. More frequent droughts will require planning to ensure there is reliable, resilient sources of water for nature, people and farms. Larger, wetter storms require planning to reduce flood risk.

Organizations like the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) are working to address current water quality problems and prepare for the future. But the cities, counties and special districts that comprise RRWA can’t do it alone. The challenges far exceed the resources and purview of local government.

To help meet these challenges, a group of non-profit organizations, tribes, and government agencies have joined together to create a vision for the future of the Russian River watershed: the Sonoma, Gold Ridge and Mendocino County Resource Conservation Districts, LandPaths, Russian River Keeper, Pepperwood Preserve, Ya-Ka-Ama, the Mendocino and Sonoma County Farm Bureaus, multiple County agencies, and others. Additionally, many of the individuals involved in this effort spent 10 days last summer and fall paddling the Russian River from its headwaters to the ocean in order to better understand the river.

The vision developed by this group will be shared on Friday, March 24 at the Russian River Confluence. Creating a vision is easy.  Developing – and carrying out – an action plan to achieve the vision will require hard work and commitment from people and organizations throughout the watershed. Envisioned to culminate and inspire a series of “beyond sustainability” conversations, the Russian River Confluence intends to tap the collective capacity of the Russian River watershed community. Join us in making our “home” a welcoming place for future generations. Go to russianriverconfluence.org if you are interested in learning more about this unique event.

This article was authored by James Gore, Sonoma County Supervisor and Dan Hamburg, Mendocino County Supervisor, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.

We have reached the time of year when water flows in our streams and creeks again! When on walks near water sources, stop to appreciate the sight and sounds of running water. Remember, the creeks are ours to protect.

Whether you are next to a creek or miles away, your activities can have a beneficial impact on the Russian River, its creeks, and the surrounding environment (also known as the Russian River watershed). Here are five tips to promote and maintain a healthy watershed during the holiday season and beyond:

1. Check your car for leaks. Fluids that leak from vehicles can be carried by storm water runoff all the way to our creeks! Look at your pavement and driveway after you move your car. If you see a dark patch or see a colorful sheen on the surface, you may have a leak. It is important to clean up all leaks promptly because they could be toxic to pets and wildlife. Do not hose leaked fluids into the street! Use oil absorbent or cat litter to clean up the spill. If possible, take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the leak repaired.

2. Keep leaves out of the street. Most jurisdictions in the Russian River watershed prohibit raking leaves and other debris onto the street. Why? Anything on our streets can be carried by storm water runoff directly into our creeks, and too many leaves can obstruct the habitat and natural flow of a creek. Since storm water is not cleaned or treated before it reaches the creek, please help keep our waterways clean by either placing your leaves into the yard waste bin or consider mulching the ground with them, which will help feed the soil for a healthier yard. If you see leaves next to your curb, sweep them out of the street to prevent them from washing to the creek.

3. Rethink holiday cooking cleanup. After cooking, when fats, oils, and grease cool, they solidify. If you pour them down your sink drain, they will harden in your pipes and may block the flow of sewage away your home! The best way to deal with fats, oils, and grease from cooking waste is to let them cool then scrape or them into the trash. Or, if you have a large amount of cooking oil, consider recycling it with the Mendocino County HazMobile Program. Sonoma County residents can view recycling drop-off locations at Recyclenow.org.

4. Correctly dispose of batteries. In California, all electronics and batteries have been banned from landfill disposal. In Mendocino County, household batteries and other household hazardous waste can be disposed through the Hazmobile Program. In Sonoma County, electronics can be donated to the Computer Recycling Center, CRC.org, for repair and reuse. For a complete list of drop-off recycling options, visit Recyclenow.org.

5. Dispose of Christmas trees responsibly. If you get a Christmas tree this year, consider what you will do with it after the holidays. Plastic trees and trees with flocking must be disposed of in a landfill, but plain natural Christmas trees can be mulched and recycled. Whole trees can be dropped off at Holiday Tree Drop Off Locations, or, in some areas, picked up with your curbside recycling. You can also cut up your tree so it fits in your yard waste container – just make sure the tree is cut up so that the lid on the green bin closes completely.

For any questions about recycling and year‐round disposal options:

In Sonoma County, visit Recyclenow.org, call the Sonoma County Eco‐Desk at 565‐DESK (3375).

In Mendocino County, visit Mendorecycle.org, or call the Recycling Hotline at (707) 468‐9710.

This article was authored by Rick Seanor of the City of Ukiah, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.