The Sonoma County Water Agency began inflating its rubber dam in the Russian River near Forestville on Thursday, kicking off a multi-day process critical to providing clean drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in Sonoma and Marin counties, officials announced.
Depending on river flow conditions, the dam can take four to 14 days to fully inflate, officials said.
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WATCH HEREOnce inflated, the rubber dam forms a pool from which Sonoma Water draws water into four nearby infiltration ponds. These ponds help recharge the groundwater supply through natural filtration before the water is distributed to customers.
Boaters are required to portage around the dam, and public safety notices will be posted in the area. Fishing is prohibited within 250 feet of the dam, in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
The seasonal operation typically occurs in late spring or early summer to meet rising demand for potable water.
Sonoma Water also urges the public to use water wisely by repairing leaks and adopting conservation practices. More tips can be found at SavingWaterPartnership.org.
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