City water savings exceed state order

Rohnert Park is saving twice as much Russian River water as the state ordered, according to a report delivered Tuesday to the City Council.

But some residents complained that there's no talk of how water shortages could influence new construction.

"The public isn't stupid," former Councilwoman Dawna Gallagher told the City Council. "We know what you're doing, pulling more water out of wells at the same time you're issuing more building permits."

Rohnert Park, one of many North Bay communities that get their water from the Russian River, already was taking measures to conserve before the state ordered mandatory cutbacks earlier this month.

Under the state order, which takes effect Sunday, the Sonoma County Water Agency must reduce its draw from Lake Mendocino over the next four months by 15 percent from the amount taken in 2004.

The reduction is intended to preserve water for the fall run of salmon protected by endangered species laws.

Lake Mendocino, running low now and projected to be even lower by fall, feeds the Russian River.

In a report delivered Tuesday, Rohnert Park's public works director said the city anticipated mandates in the spring and began conservation efforts last month.

Darrin Jenkins, the public works director, said Rohnert Park used 32 percent less Russian River Water in May this year than it did in May 2004.

"We're not only meeting the mandate, we're more than doubling what we've been asked to conserve," Pat Barnes, city engineer, told the council.

Rohnert Park water customers, responding to pleas from the city, used 22 percent less water in May this year than they did in May 2004. The city also increased its use of well water and is relying less on river water, the report said.

In his report, Jenkins also mentioned Sonoma County's large supply of unused water.

"The ultimate irony is that Lake Sonoma -- more than three times the size of Lake Mendocino -- is 95 percent full," Jenkins said.

He urged the council to support a proposal to build a pipeline through the Dry Creek Valley to deliver water to thirsty communities downstream, including Rohnert Park.

"I'm intrigued by the discussion of gaining access to Lake Sonoma," Councilman Tim Smith said.

Councilman Jake Mackenzie said the council's water subcommittee hoped to take the issue up with officials from other cities, the county and the state.

In the meantime, city officials said they plan to monitor water conservation with monthly updates on usage and with continued pleas for voluntary cutbacks.

Some people say city officials should do more, including consider the impacts of growth.

"You ask people to get a low-flow toilet while you're spreading water everywhere," said Gallagher, who said she represented many Rohnert Park citizens with similar views.

"It's a joke to ask the public to conserve when the city isn't doing it itself," she said.

Rohnert Park has experienced relatively slow growth in recent years -- adding about 700 residents since 2000 -- but adopted a general plan that envisions significant residential growth over the next 20 years.

You can reach Staff Writer George Lauer at 521-5220 or george.lauer@pressdemocrat.com.