Russian River
Coho Water Resources
Partnership

Vineyard, Green Valley Creek Watershed (Trout Unlimited)

Landowner Tools

In Coastal California's Mediterranean climate, most rainfall occurs in the winter months followed by a dry period in the summer and fall. In the Russian River watershed, human and wildlife needs compete for annual water resources, and demand is highest when water is least available. As water users, whether residential or agricultural, changing the way we obtain and use water can improve water reliability for both humans and fish.

Success Stories

Rainwater; Residential Tanks; Off-Stream Storage; Frost Protection Alternatives - coming soon

Water Savings - Residential

Reducing residential water consumption from installation of low flow fixtures to use of drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping is a great way to conserve water. Click on the links below for more information on ways to conserve water... and save money!

• Sonoma County Water Agency
• Residential Self-Survey for Efficient Water Use - xls
• Low Water Gardening for Rural California Coastal Communities
• Water Wise Gardening
• Virtual Water Saver Home
• Sotoyome RCD: Residential Conservation Tools
• Check for workshops at OAEC's WATER Institute
• Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines - coming soon

Water Savings - Agricultural

Challenges for agricultural landowners in Sonoma County's Mediterranean climate can be addressed through a number of tools that maximize water use and efficiency. For more information check the links below.

• Sonoma County Water Agency
• California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative
• Agricultural Water Stewardship Online Resource Center
• Sotoyome RCD: Agricultural Conservation Tools
• Check for workshops at OAEC's WATER Institute
• Water and Wine: partners in Wine Country Stewardship
• Rainfall Capture and Storage for Marin Agriculture

Frost Protection

It is clear there is no one-size-fits-all approach to frost protection. The Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District or the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District can work with you to determine what options are most appropriate for your vineyard. Click on the links below for more information:

• Sotoyome RCD: Frost Protection Options
• Gold Ridge RCD

Stormwater Catchment

In a residential setting, rainwater can be captured from roof gutters and routed into tanks for future use. In an agricultural setting, rainwater can be captured in tanks, ponds or underground cisterns and used for irrigation and drinking water for animals. More sophisticated systems are available for potable water use. Visit the websites below for more information.

• Stormwater Management for Coastal California Communities
• Roofwater Harvesting for Coastal California Communities
• FAQ on roof rainwater harvesting - California State Water Resources Control Board
• Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! A Homeowner's and Landowner's Guide to Beneficial Stormwater Management
• Sotoyome RCD: Rainwater Catchment
• Check for workshops at OAEC's WATER Institute

Groundwater Recharge

Managing stormwater so that it sinks into the ground rather than running off into creeks and storm drains can have many benefits. Reducing runoff during storms prevents erosion and flooding. Sinking water into the ground contributes to groundwater and base flows in creeks. 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.

• Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! A Homeowner's and Landowner's Guide to Beneficial Stormwater Management
• Sotoyome RCD: Groundwater Recharge

Permitting

A permit is an agreement between an applicant and a regulatory agency stating that the applicant agrees to follow certain regulations or guidelines governing a project or type of land use. By issuing and tracking permits, agencies ensure that California's environment is protected now and in the future. Visit the websites below for more information.

• California Association of Resource Conservation Districts
• Sotoyome RCD publications
• Gold Ridge RCD publications
• State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights: The Water Rights Process
• Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Dept
• Navigating the Permitting Process

4179 Piedmont Ave., Suite 325, Oakland, CA 94611 | Email: info@cohopartnership.org | (510) 420-4565, ext. 107
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