Sonoma Water’s Board of Directors voted on Tuesday to move forward with a significant long-term water supply project.
The Board approved a contract with Jacobs Engineering Group to develop a Regional Water Bank Implementation Strategy. This initiative, costing up to $474,700 through 2027, aims to enhance water supply reliability for over 600,000 residents in Sonoma and Marin counties, while also supporting groundwater sustainability for rural areas.
The Regional Water Bank concept will leverage existing water storage like Lake Sonoma, Stafford Lake, and local groundwater basins, connecting them to Sonoma Water’s main system. The goal is to store excess water during wet periods for use during droughts or emergencies, providing crucial flexibility in managing resources amid extreme weather.
Sonoma Water Chair Lynda Hopkins called it “a smart, forward-looking investment in the resilience of our water supply.” This project builds on a 2021 study that identified the water bank as a top strategy to help the North Bay’s water system withstand future disruptions.