Water agencies to offer free ‘drought kits’

As part of its campaign to encourage saving water during the historic drought, Sonoma Water and other North Bay water agencies are partnering in a “Drought Drop By” event on Aug. 21, where residents can pick up a free water-saving kit.

Second District Supervisor David Rabbitt said the kits will help raise awareness of the severity of the drought.

“We all need to take action now by eliminating water waste and adopting water smart habits,” said Rabbitt in a press release. “We can all take shorter showers, reduce irrigation and achieve permanent savings by installing water efficient devices.”

Well owners are also urged to pick-up water saving kits, as there are contributions to the event from local groundwater sustainability agencies. The kit giveaways in Sonoma take place at the Valley of the Moon Water District, 19039 Bay St., and at the Sonoma Plaza from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Russian River watershed region has experienced its third driest water year on record over the last 127 years, while Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino water supply levels have reached historically low levels. The Water Advisory Committee (WAC) to the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors have adopted a resolution calling for 20% voluntary water conservation from customers.

The drought toolkits will be distributed to those on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Limit one kit per household. Items in the kits include: Bucket to catch water for reuse; WaterSense labeled low-flow showerhead; 5-minute shower timer; WaterSense labeled low-flow faucet aerator; toilet dye test tablets; and a self-closing garden hose nozzle.

COVID safety protocols will be in effect at the Aug. 21 drop-ins; wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. Participants should remain in their vehicles if they drive to the event and stay 6-feet apart if they arrive on foot or bicycle.

For more information, visit savingwaterpartnership.org/dropby.