Contact: John Guardino 707-794-1242 x112, or email me

A workshop for Sonoma Valley agricultural producers to learn about and discuss recycled water use is scheduled for April 22^nd, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, Room 200 located at 276 East Napa Street in the town of Sonoma. 

This workshop will bring together representatives from the agricultural community, Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), Southern Sonoma County RCD, and University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) to discuss SCWA’s Sonoma Valley Recycled Water Project (SVRWP) and the potential environmental benefits and issues of concern for growers in the Sonoma Valley who may be considering recycled water use. The Sonoma Valley Groundwater Management Plan will also be discussed. There is no charge for the workshop and lunch will be provided to all registered attendees. Please note that pre-registration for the workshop is required.

The workshop will consist of presentations as well as a moderated panel session with plenty of time allocated to address and discuss questions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the SVRWP from SCWA representatives and how it meshes with the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Management Plan and water rights matters. Presenters from UC Davis and Sonoma UCCE will present important suitability studies from Sonoma and Napa Counties, and a local grower will share his experience using recycled water for wine grape production. The afternoon session will feature a guided tour of the Sonoma Valley Treatment Plant and Buena Vista Carneros Estate vineyards.

John Guardino from the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District is the outreach contact for the workshop. For more information or to register, contact Guardino at: 707-794-1242 x 112 or email me.

Download the workshop agenda here (pdf)

Background:

The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) on behalf of the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District (SVCSD) has proposed the Sonoma Valley Recycled Water Project (SVRWP). The purpose of the SVRWP is to provide a reliable alternative source of water of agricultural and urban use in the Sonoma Valley. It will reduce reliance on natural regional water supplies by utilizing tertiary treated water from the SVCSD treatment facility that would otherwise be discharged into San Pablo Bay. SCWA has identified approximately 2,800 acres of agricultural and urban lands within the Sonoma Valley that could potentially use recycled water. Turnouts along the proposed delivery pipelines will be provided for property owners to connect to the project.

Potential benefits of using recycled water from the SVCDS include reduced discharges into San Pablo Bay, reduction of peak potable water demands and reduction of groundwater pumping that may be creating stressed aquifer conditions in some areas of the Sonoma Valley.