Last call for free irrigation water

The residential recycled water fill station that provided free recycled water for local residents to water their lawns and gardens for the past two months will close at the end of October.

The recycled water fill station was operated by the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District and opened in August near the wastewater treatment plant on Eighth Street East. Recycled water was provided to all residents who live in the Sonoma Creek Watershed free of charge.

Residents who wish to continue to receive recycled water for their outdoor home use will be allowed to visit the treatment plant on Wednesdays, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. starting in mid-November. Residents must bring their own sealable containers, with a minimum volume of one gallon and a maximum of 300 gallons. Each resident may receive up to a total of 300 gallons per trip and each of the containers must be appropriately labeled.

The first-time program was successful in conserving potable water for drinking purposes, and raising awareness among Sonoma Valley residents of the need to conserve water during the drought. A total of 180 visits to the recycled water fill station were recorded, and nearly 30,000 gallons of recycled water were distributed during the two months the station was open.

The Sonoma Valley wastewater treatment facility produces tertiary treated recycled water that has been used by local agricultural customers for many years. Recycled water is treated to a very high standard and is permitted by the state of California for use on a variety of plants and agricultural crops, including vineyards, fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs.

Prior to receiving water, residents are asked to obtain a Residential Recycled Water Fill Station Use Application/Agreement online or pick one up at the fill station. The application/agreement should be completed and reviewed prior to their first visit. Recycled water will be distributed on a drop-in basis. District staff will verify that the Residential Recycled Water Fill Station Use Application/Agreement form has been completed. Each participant will be given a brief training about the use of recycled water.

Recycled water should not be placed in a storage container that is connected to a landscape irrigation system or a drinking water supply. Recycled water is not suitable for drinking or food preparation.

For questions about the Residential Recycled Water Program, you may contact Wendy Gjestland at 521-1866. For additional information about the Sonoma Valley Residential Recycled Water Fill Station, visit www.sonomacountywater.org/SVCSD.