Slow it. Spread it. Sink it!
A Homeowner's and Landowner's Guide to Beneficial Stormwater Management | Download 18 MB PDF
This exciting new guidebook will help landowners and homeowners make the most of the many potential benefits of innovative stormwater management. Once thought of as a nuisance, stormwater is now universally recognized as one our most important natural resources and proper management (simple to complex) is more important than ever.
Traditional building and landscaping practices were designed to dispose of stormwater as quickly as possible. This outdated paradigm typically results in significant damage to land, structures, and the surrounding environment. Slowing down, spreading and sinking stormwater can help protect your property & increase its value, provide a free source of water for irrigation, conserve drinking water, beautify your landscape, promote groundwater recharge and much more!
The guidebook is packed full of information including:
- Understanding and evaluating stormwater runoff around your home or property
- How to protect your property and increase its value
- "Do it yourself" techniques
- A wide assortment of sample stormwater Best Management Practices
- Technical information and advice on rainwater harvesting and infiltration techniques
- Guidance on designing and implementing large-scale projects
- A broad sampling of local projects implemented right here in Sonoma County
- Safety and maintenance requirements
- An extensive resource guide to help readers quickly locate key information and get started!
The production and distribution of Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! guidebook is made possible by The Sonoma Valley Groundwater Management Program and its partner organizations including: The Sonoma County Water Agency, The North Bay Watershed Association, Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District, City of Petaluma, The Water Institute at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County.
Get a Hardcopy of Slow it, Spread it, Sink it!
Guidebooks are currently available in hard copy, although supplies are limited. Copies are available at the locations listed below. Copies will soon be available at all branches of the Sonoma County Library and at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University libraries as reference copies. Coming soon, you’ll also see copies on display at participating retailers throughout the county such as home improvement stores, garden centers and landscaping suppliers.
Petaluma
Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District
1301 Redwood Way, Suite 170 Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 794-1242 x5
Hours: 8 to 5 pm, M - F
City of Petaluma, Dept. of Water Resources & Conservation
202 North McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94954-2307
(707) 778-4546
Hours: 8 to 5 pm, M - F
Sonoma
City Hall
No. 1, The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-3681
Valley of the Moon Water District
19309 Bay Street
El Verano, CA 95433
(707) 996-1037
Rohnert Park
City Hall
100 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Hours: 8 to 5 pm, M - Th
Cotati
City Hall
201 West Sierra Ave.
Cotati, California 94931
(707) 792-4600
Santa Rosa
City Hall, City of Santa Rosa
Municipal Services Center South
69 Stony Circle
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 543-4200
Hours: 7:30 – 5:30, M-Th, 8 -5 F (every other week)
City of Santa Rosa
Community Development Department
100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Hours: 9:30 – 2:30, M- Th
Sonoma County Water Agency
404 Aviation Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 526-5370 or (707) 547-1900
Hours: 8 to 5 pm, M - F
County of Sonoma, Permit & Resource Management Department
2550 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2809
(707) 565-1900
Sotoyome Resource Conservation District
2150 West College Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4442
(707) 526-5370
Occidental
Occidental Arts & Ecology Center
15290 Coleman Valley Road
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1557 x201
Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
4008 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-2907