Construction Begins on New 37 Million Gallon Sonoma Valley Recycled Water Reservoir
Press Release
CONTACT: Brad Sherwood 707.547.1927 (Office) 707.570.7448 (Cell) sherwood@scwa.ca.gov
Sonoma County Water Agency
08/11/2011
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Water Agency), which manages the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District (District), will increase recycled water storage capacity by constructing the Reservoir 5 Project (Reservoir 5) north of and adjacent to the District’s treatment plant located at 22675 8th Street East, Sonoma, CA. Reservoir 5 will expand the District’s recycled water storage by 37 million gallons – the District currently stores approximately 200 million gallons in four existing storage reservoirs. This increased capacity is necessary to enhance the District’s ability to utilize recycled water for irrigation purposes.
Reservoir 5 will cost $2.3 million and is being financed by $600,000 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funding through the North Bay Water Reuse Authority (Authority). The Authority includes five local agencies in the North San Pablo Bay region, including the Water Agency, formed to put recycled water to its broadest and most beneficial use. The remaining $1.3 million is financed through the District’s Capital Improvement Plan. Construction activities began earlier this month and Reservoir 5 is slated for completion in December 2011. Ford Construction of Lodi, CA was selected to construct Reservoir 5 and it is estimated to create 10 jobs during the construction phase.
“With dwindling water supplies in California, the only reliable solution is increased conservation and efficiency, and that includes recycling and storing wastewater,” Rep. Lynn Woolsey said. “The Reservoir 5 project will benefit consumers, our agriculture industry and our environment here in the North Bay. This is a great example of federal support from the Recovery Act making a powerful difference in our communities -- smart investments in infrastructure create jobs and help continue America’s economic recovery.”
“I am pleased that the Sonoma County Water Agency has received federal funding through the Recovery Act to help improve water conservation and encourage increasingly responsible water use in our community,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Sonoma is a proven leader in water recycling, and this funding will only further help the valley achieve its goal of minimizing the use of groundwater and Russian River water.”
“Reservoir 5 will offset water demand from the Russian River and groundwater use in Sonoma Valley by expanding the District’s ability to store and deliver recycled water to our region,” said District Board Member and Water Agency Director Valerie Brown. “There is a growing demand for recycled water in Sonoma Valley. Recycled water ensures our agricultural industry has a sustainable water supply for irrigation purposes for the future. Recycled water is a valuable resource and Reservoir 5 is an investment for our future water resources, environment and economy. ”
City of Sonoma Mayor Laurie Gallian added, “Reservoir 5 is a prime example of how a project can protect our environment, ensure future water supply and support our local economy. This is a win-win project and the ARRA funding is the icing on top of the cake.”
North Bay Water Reuse Authority Chair Bill Long added, “The Authority’s hard work is continuing to benefit our region by securing federal dollars needed to fund sustainable recycled water projects such as Reservoir 5.”
During the dry weather months of May through October, the District currently provides recycled water to users including vineyards, dairies, and pasturelands. The existing users are located in the southern end of Sonoma Valley, southeast of Schellville in the Carneros region. The District currently has four recycled water reservoirs that store recycled water until it can be used for irrigation.
