Recreation Not Allowed Near Rubber Dam That Helps Provide Drinking Water To Petaluma

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Water Agency — known as Sonoma Water — will soon begin the multi-day process of inflating its rubber dam in the Russian River near Forestville.

Inflation will start Monday and it can take between four and 14 days to fully inflate the dam depending on river flows, Sonoma Water said Friday. The dam is a critical component of the Russian River water supply system that provides naturally filtered drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties, including Petaluma.

The rubber dam, which is located downstream of Wohler Bridge, is typically inflated in spring or early summer when demand for potable water increases.

Boaters must portage around the dam, and notices are posted warning the public not to recreate on or near it. Fishing within 250 feet upstream or downstream of the dam is prohibited by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A permanent fish ladder provides passage for salmon and steelhead when the dam is raised. Sonoma Water counts the migrating fish using an underwater video system located within the ladder.

Once the dam is fully inflated, a small pool of water is created. Water is drawn from the pool and used in four off-stream infiltration ponds that help recharge groundwater. After the groundwater is naturally filtered through sand and gravel, it is delivered to Sonoma Water customers in nine cities and water districts: Cotati, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Windsor, Marin Municipal Water District, North Marin Water District and Valley of the Moon Water District.

Sonoma Water said its customers should continue to use water efficiently and remember to repair leaky faucets and toilets. Additional tips for conserving water are posted on the Sonoma Marin Water Saving Partnership website.