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Santa Rosa reports reservoir levels, outlines staged ban on nonfunctional turf irrigation
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Summary
Staff briefed the board on reservoir storage (Lake Pillsbury ~29,000 AF; Lake Mendocino ~53,000 AF; Lake Sonoma ~221,000 AF), a petition to the state over in‑stream flow rules, a staged irrigation ban on nonfunctional turf beginning Jan. 1, 2027 for city properties, and recycled‑water storage and delivery figures.
City staff presented an update on water supplies and recycled water to the Board of Public Utilities. Lisa Cuellar, the city’s water efficiency coordinator, said current measured storage includes roughly 29,000 acre‑feet at Lake Pillsbury, about 53,000 acre‑feet at Lake Mendocino (around 67% of allowable storage for this time of year) and about 221,000 acre‑feet at Lake Sonoma (about 87% of allowable storage). Cuellar said Lake Sonoma storage was higher than typical because of carryover from the prior water year but is being drawn down by about 1,000 acre‑feet per week.
Cuellar updated the board on an administrative action by Sonoma Water: a temporary urgency change order that dates to the summer and a petition to the State Water Resources Control Board seeking alignment of in‑stream flow requirements with Lake Mendocino storage rather than Eel River inflow. She said the petition is expected to be processed before the temporary order expires.
On conservation measures, Cuellar said a ban on irrigating nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial, institutional properties and HOA common areas is now law; implementation is staged with different account types coming into compliance between 01/01/2027 and 2031. City‑owned properties with nonfunctional turf must comply by 01/01/2027. Staff will coordinate outreach and customer education with Sonoma Water and begin communication planning early next year.
Andrew Romero, the wastewater reclamation superintendent, gave the recycled‑water update. He said the city had about 305,000,000 gallons in recycled‑water storage (a little below average for the time of year). The city is currently pumping about 18,000,000 gallons per day to Calpine to manage storage and expects to deliver up to 117% of the Geysers contract (the required minimum is 90%). Romero said staff may reduce flows to the Geysers until more wet weather arrives and will be prepared to discharge if necessary.
Board members asked about regional collaboration. Staff described quarterly peer exchanges through the Save Water Partnership and membership in the California Water Efficiency Partnership, and said staff frequently coordinate with Windsor and Sonoma Water on recycled water transfers and storage use.
