December 08, 2022

The welcome rainfall is a good start but hasn’t – yet — appreciably improved local water supply conditions.

• The good news: The rain is providing welcome relief to thirsty animals, plants, fields and forests.
• Also on the positive side: Conditions in Lake Mendocino are marginally improving, with a slight increase in storage over the last week, reversing several months of declining levels.
• The not-so-great-news: Water storage levels in Lake Sonoma continue to decline, falling by 963 acre-feet over the last week, but recent storms have slowed down the rate of loss in storage. Lake Sonoma is now at its lowest level since the reservoir was constructed.
• We’re hopeful that the opening of the ‘storm door’ and a relatively optimistic short-term forecast will significantly improve storage levels.
• You can help preserve water by turning off all outdoor irrigation. Plants are dormant during the fall and winter, and the rain we’ve received is providing plenty of water to meet their minimal irrigation needs.
• Fall is a great time to install a rainwater harvest system, and rebates are available in many areas. Go to SavingWaterPartnership.org for more information.
• Fall is also a great time to remove and replace your water-thirsty lawn with drought-friendly plants. Many local water providers are offering “Cash for Grass” programs.