The water is there if we can get it here

On Saturday, residents are invited to join the 25th birthday celebration for Lake Sonoma. For those of us who fought construction of Warm Springs Dam and those who were supporters, it's hard to believe it has been 25 years since the dam was dedicated. Most of us are a lot grayer now -- and a little wiser.

Three decades ago, it seemed the North Bay had plenty of water to go around. Yes, the drought in the mid-1970s was scary, but it was also short-term. We got through it with conservation. (Remember the "Shower with a friend" campaign?)

Fast forward to 2008. Climate change may already be affecting rainfall. With the state's population growing at the rate of about 500,000 annually, there are more demands for water. And, while Californians have always fought over water rights, new contenders have entered the ring, trumping everyone else: Endangered species.

Given future uncertainties regarding water, the decision to build Warm Springs Dam and create Lake Sonoma -- which has 212,000 acre-feet of water -- seems wise rather than reckless. But while there is plenty of water in the lake to meet our needs, there are new challenges in getting that water to local residents and businesses.

The Sonoma County Water Agency has been working with National Marine Fisheries Service and the state Department of Fish and Game to develop a plan to restore endangered steelhead, coho and Chinook salmon to the Russian River and its tributaries.

During this process, the Water Agency has conducted extensive studies of its operations' impacts on fish. One of the surprising things the agency discovered is that in some cases too much water is a bad thing. For example, in the summer, releasing a lot of water from Warm Springs Dam into Dry Creek makes it difficult for young steelhead and coho to find refuge in slower-moving water, where they can escape predators and rest.

We're told that early this fall, NMFS plans to release a biological opinion based on these studies. In essence, the opinion is a 10-year plan to help restore the fish. Prompt implementation will be critical. Without action, salmon populations could be further reduced or even disappear from the river and federal regulators could require draconian cuts in water supply.

The plan is likely to recommend -- among many other changes -- that less water be released in Dry Creek in the summer months. This creates two challenges. First, Dry Creek is the sole means of conveying water from Lake Sonoma to the Russian River. Possible solutions are likely to include (1) construction of a pipeline from the dam to the river or (2) reconfiguring the creek in some areas to allow it to meander, creating slower-moving pools and refuge for the fish.

The second challenge is a 22-year-old decision by the state water board that controls river flows. When Decision 1610 was handed down, biologists believed that more water was good for fish. So, 1610 requires flows in Dry Creek (and in the Russian River) to be higher than is healthy for the fish. Clearly, this decision must be altered.

In addition to securing our water supply, we must think about the future. If communities grow as planned, more water will be needed. With increased conservation, there should be plenty in Lake Sonoma to meet demands. Again, the problem is getting it out of the lake and into faucets.

At the behest of the six cities and two water districts that are its customers, the Water Agency has developed a draft plan to meet these needs. On Tuesday, the Water Agency board voted to consider releasing the plan to the public in October, after the county general plan is complete and the biological opinion has been released.

For 25 years, Lake Sonoma has provided local residents a source of clean, pure water. With thoughtful planning and community support, the next 25 years can be just as successful.

Mike Kerns and Mike Reilly are members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Water Agency's board of directors.