Another ‘drought drop-by’ for water-saving kits

Water customers throughout the North Bay will be able pick up a free water-saving kit during a two-county “Drought Drop By” event on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. - 12 noon. This time, customers can pick up their kits at Sonoma Valley High School, as well as the Valley of the Moon Water District offices in El Verano.

“These free water saving tools in our community’s hands will not just increase water conservation, but raise awareness of the severity of this drought,” said Sonoma Water Director and Second District Supervisor David Rabbitt. “We all need to take action now by eliminating water waste and adopting water smart habits. We can all take shorter showers, reducing irrigation, and achieve permanent savings by installing water efficient devices.”

Free drought tool kits will be distributed to participants who drop by on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Limit one kit per household. 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

• Self-closing garden hose nozzle

Two drop-by events in the Sonoma Valley are scheduled form 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 9, at Valley of the Moon Water District, 19039 Bay Street, El Verano; and at the Sonoma Valley High School (bus turnout), 20000 Broadway, Sonoma.

Other events will be held elsewhere in Santa Rosa and Novato on the same day; see savingwaterpartnership.org/dropby for details.

Well owners in Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain and Sonoma Valley are also eligible to pick up water- saving kits, thanks to contributions to the event from the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain and Sonoma Valley groundwater sustainability agencies.

Two similar drought drop-by events were held earlier this summer. Since that time concerns about limited water resources have increased, so another drought drop-by series was planned.

“Sonoma Water and its partners in the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership encourage all water users in the Russian River watershed to save water,” read the announcement of the drop-by events. ”Every drop saved helps maintain water flows in the Russian River and extends reservoir storage levels.”

Keeping everyone’s health and safety in mind, COVID safety protocols will be in effect. Please 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.