Russian River Drought Relief Grant Program to Expire December 31, 2018

The County of Sonoma Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) today announced that the Russian River Drought Relief grant program for property owners in the Russian River Watershed area will expire on December 31, 2018. The program is administered in cooperation with Sonoma County Water Agency and provides homeowners two free high-efficiency toilets and low-flow shower heads including installation, and $250 cash rebates to replace lawns with low water use plants.

“The Russian River Drought Relief grant program has been highly successful and we applaud residents for their enthusiastic participation,”Sonoma Water Board of Directors Chair, James Gore, said. “Saving water provides tremendous benefits for the Russian River watershed and all of its inhabitants.”

“This program is part of a larger effort to steward the County’s investment in infrastructure through innovations in engineering,” TPW Director, Johannes J. Hoevertsz, said. “A family of four can save as much as 16,000 gallons of water each year by moving to these high-efficiency appliances, and the rebate for low water plants can reduce water use by 70 percent.”

Homes built prior to 1992 with inefficient toilets and shower heads in the following communities are eligible for the program:

• Belmont Terrace Mutual Water Company
• City of Cloverdale
• City of Healdsburg
• Calpella County Water District
• Hopland Public Utility District
• Millview County Water District
• River Estates Mutual Water Company
• Rogina Water Company, Inc.
• City of Ukiah Water Department
• Willow County Water District
• Redwood Valley County Water District
• Fitch Mountain Water System
• Freestone Water System
• Jenner Water System
• Salmon Creek Water System
• Private well users in the Russian River Watershed of Sonoma County

For more information regarding the Russian River Drought Relief Grant Program, please contact (707) 547-1909 or visit www.sonomacountywater.org/drought.