Clean. Reliable. Essential. Every Day.
Our Vision
Ensuring resilient water resources now and for future generations.
Mission Statement
To provide reliable water supply, wastewater management, and flood protection — essential services for a thriving community and a healthy environment.
Values
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting and enhancing the natural resources in our care.
Equity
Advancing policies and practices that foster an inclusive working environment and culturally responsive services to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Integrity
Ensuring accountability through sound and clear business practices.
Our Team
Cultivating a strong, collaborative workforce driven by clear goals, transparent communication, and job satisfaction.
Resilience
Developing innovative, sustainable solutions for reliable operations through infrastructure investment, maintenance, and preparation for climate change and disasters.
75 Years of Service
Sonoma Water was created as a special district in 1949 by the California Legislature to provide flood protection and water supply services. Legislation enacted in 1995 added the treatment and disposal of wastewater to Sonoma Water's responsibilities.
It has been the mission of Sonoma Water since 1949 to effectively manage the resources in our care for the benefit of people and the environment. With more than two hundred dedicated professionals who work for Sonoma Water in a variety of fields ranging from engineering to biology, we strive to look forward, beyond today’s issues, to anticipate ways to advance our mission.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors acts as Sonoma Water's Board of Directors. Sonoma Water is a separate legal entity created by State law, having specific limited purposes and powers, and separate sources of funding. Sonoma Water is thus different from County departments, which are created by the Board of Supervisors for administrative purposes, but are not separate legal entities.
Services Provided
We are proud to provide an array of services including, but not limited to, naturally filtered drinking water, flood protection services, distribution of recycled water, recreational opportunities and wastewater treatment.
Water Supply
We manage and maintain a water transmission system that provides naturally filtered Russian River water to nine cities and special districts that in turn delivers drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. You receive your drinking water and water bill from your local city or water district. We provide drinking water to the following cities and special districts: City of Cotati, Marin Municipal Water District, North Marin Water District, City of Petaluma, City of Rohnert Park, City of Santa Rosa, City of Sonoma, Valley of the Moon Water District, Town of Windsor.
Sanitation
In 1995 Sonoma Water assumed responsibility from the County of Sonoma for managing the county sanitation zones and districts, which provide wastewater collection/treatment, and recycled water distribution/ disposal services for approximately 22,000 residences and businesses. The zones include Airport/Larkfield/Wikiup, Geyserville, Penngrove and Sea Ranch. The sanitation districts include the Occidental, Russian River, Sonoma Valley, and South Park County Sanitation Districts.
Flood Protection Services
Providing flood protection for our community is important. Over the years we have partnered with federal agencies to help build and manage a variety of flood protection projects, including Warm Springs Dam, Spring Lake, Coyote Valley Dam, Matanzas Creek Reservoir, Piner Creek Reservoir, Brush Creek Middle Fork Reservoir and Spring Creek Reservoir. We also manage a proactive stream maintenance program that maintains more than 80 miles of creeks throughout our service area.
Water Use Efficiency
We partner with local water suppliers to provide Water Use Efficiency programs that help save water by using it more efficiently and effectively.
Environmental Resources
Since 1974 we have provided environmental services related to our compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Our environmental staff works to improve the native fish resources of the Russian River and its tributaries by conducting and coordinating fishery enhancement projects.
Community Outreach
Ensuring transparency and communications with our community is a priority for Sonoma Water. The Community and Governmental Affairs Department manages the public outreach and information, governmental affairs, water education and water conservation functions for Sonoma Water. Staff are available to meet with our community to discuss Sonoma Water projects and initiatives.