Water Conservation during Power Shutoffs
In the event of a power outage, most of Sonoma County’s water and sewer systems are supported by back-up generators and diesel pumps. During a power outage Sonoma Water, which provides water to more than 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties,is prepared to maintain its normal water deliveries to our wholesale water customers by using auxiliary power. Those customers include the cities of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, town of Windsor, North Marin Water District, Marin Municipal Water District, Valley of the Moon Water District and several private water utilities.
While these back-up generators are expected to minimize impacts to customers caused by planned power shutoffs, there may be situations when delivery capabilities are reduced. In the event of a power shutdown, customers may be asked to minimize indoor water use, and curtail outdoor water irrigation to help maintain water supply for public health, sanitation and fire protection needs. Please check with your local water supplier to see if your water system is impacted.
How to Conserve
Conserving water during a power outage reduces the demand on the backup power generators that help move water through the various Sonoma County water systems that provide drinking water and water for firefighting.In the event of an outage that lasts 24 hours or longer, residents are encouraged conserve water indoors and outdoors, this includes using water efficiently, eliminating outdoor watering, and remembering to turn off irrigation systems.
Well Users
Residents with private wells, private water pumps, and private sewer grinder/booster pumps need to be prepared in the event of a power outage. Know how your water and sewer system operates and have a back-up plan during an outage.