Learn about creek care, home landscaping practices, low-toxicity pest management, preventing sewer backups, what to do with unwanted medications, and more, by scrolling through the RRWA project pages.
Legislation Comment Letters
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations impact water management in the Russian River watershed. RRWA is proud to submit comment letters on relevant legislation to represent the collective voice of the Member Agencies.
Common Pollutants
Several areas of the Russian River watershed have been identified as impaired by the Clean Water Act Section 303 (d). RRWA developed informational resources about the specific pollutants found in our watershed.
Urban Creek Care Guide
Residents’ everyday choices play an important role in protecting the vitality of the Russian River and its creeks. RRWA published the Urban Creek Care Guide in English and Spanish to provide urban homeowners and residents with practical information about making your day-to-day activities creek-friendly.
Storm Water Resource Plan
On June 30, 2016, the Russian River Watershed Association was awarded a $500,000 storm water planning grant from the State Water Resources Control Board. RRWA Staff, member agencies, and collaborators are now working together to collectively develop a Storm Water Resource Plan (SWRP) for the Russian River watershed!
Student Videos
Talented high school students help spread the word about water awareness. RRWA and the Sonoma County Water Agency coordinate a video contest and award prizes for winning videos each year.
Monthly Environmental Column
RRWA publishes monthly columns on numerous stewardship topics in order to raise awareness of our water resources. Look for the monthly column in local newspapers and on the RRWA Blog.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
Cooking grease poured down the sink can cause sewage backups that are harmful to the environment. RRWA shares practical steps for preventing grease-related sewer spills.
Our Water, Our World
Our Water, Our World (OWOW) is a Bay Area-wide outreach program that was developed to raise awareness about pesticides and water quality. OWOW partners with retail gardening and hardware stores educating and mentoring team members and providing information to customers about Integrated Pest Management, and choosing less toxic alternatives for gardening. RRWA administers the OWOW program at sixteen stores throughout the watershed.
Low Impact Development
Urban development changes the rate and location of stormwater runoff. RRWA partners with local agencies to promote Low Impact Development practices on both small and large scale projects.
Russian River-Friendly Landscaping
Landscaping directly impacts the ecosystem of Russian River watershed. RRWA developed seven landscaping principles to help landscape professionals design, create and maintain landscapes that support the integrity of the waterways.
Safe Medicine Disposal
Medicines in wastewater or landfills can impact local creeks and groundwater. RRWA partners with local agencies to provide secure, confidential, and free medicine collection bins throughout the watershed.
Regional Monitoring
The Russian River Regional Monitoring Program (R3MP) is currently in development.
Creek Week
Throughout the United States, the week starting on the third Monday of September is recognized as National Pollution Prevention Week. In much of California, including the Russian River watershed, cities, counties, and other stewardship organizations are recognizing the fourth week of September as Creek Week.
2021 Drought Updates, Actions, and Information
RRWA has partnered with the Russian River Flood Control, & Water Conservation Improvement District, the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD), Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, and Sonoma Water to bring you links to information resources, an archive of ideas and practices to help conserve our precious water resources.