Celebrating Creek Week by Improving our River Health
The City of Cloverdale is committed to protecting the health of the Russian River Watershed. In September, international, national, and local organizations come together to encourage public participation in keeping our watersheds healthy and free of harmful pollutants. This year marks the 39th anniversary of Coastal Cleanup Day on September 23rd. In addition, National Pollution Prevention Week is celebrated from September 18-22, and locally, Creek Week is celebrated in the Russian River Watershed from September 16-23rd.
Participate in Creek Week with the City of Cloverdale
Creek Week is a wonderful opportunity for local community members to learn about the watershed they live in and to come together and clean up the trash from local beaches, rivers, and creeks. Last year, in partnership with Russian Riverkeeper, 25 volunteers from the Cloverdale community were able to clean up over 800 cubic feet of debris. That covers the same area as three school buses. Volunteers removed tents, mattresses, a motorcycle, lawnmower, tires, car parts, and more.
Without volunteers dedicating their time to help with these cleanup events, this trash would have been washed downriver during last year’s wet winter and would have negatively impacted our river, downstream communities, and, eventually, the ocean.
This year, the City of Cloverdale will host two Russian River cleanups on Saturday, September 16th from 9-11 am and volunteers are needed. Volunteers can choose to clean up the River at Asti Bridge (meeting at the Russian River bridge on Washington School Road) or at First Street Bridge (meeting near the cemetery on Crocker Road / E. First St.). All supplies (gloves, trash grabbers, bags, etc.) will be provided, and volunteers will also receive a special gift. We hope to see many volunteers and have a very successful Creek Week Cleanup. If you would like to join the community in protecting our local environment, please sign-up for the cleanup event of your choice at:
https://bit.ly/Cleanup2023-AstiBridge or https://bit.ly/Cleanup2023-FirstStreetBridge.
Conservation Project Will Help Russian River and Creeks Too The City of Cloverdale is not just focused on river health during September, but is committed to improving the Russian River’s health all year round. The Russian River, our water supply, is a vital resource, and we are taking significant steps to ensure its sustainability and protect our local ecosystems. Cloverdale’s water supply comes from several wells located near the Cloverdale River Park along the Russian River at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. These wells tap into the alluvium beneath the river, which is a complex mixture of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. The groundwater from these wells is treated and then distributed throughout our city’s water system to serve the city’s daily and emergency needs.
However, during times of drought, challenges arise. Lower groundwater levels and reduced river flow have posed difficulties for two of our older water supply wells. The problem, known as air entrainment, occurs when air and debris mix with the water during pumping, leading to clogging of our treatment plant’s filters. This requires extra resources and energy to clean the filters, costing both valuable water and energy.
hanks to the support of a grant from the State, the City is embarking on a Well Replacement and Rehabilitation Project that will benefit not only our city but also the health of the Russian River and its surrounding creeks. In 2022, the City was awarded a $3,005,000 grant as part of the Urban and Multi-benefit Drought Relief Grant Program. This grant will fund essential water supply and distribution system projects across our city.
The City will use some of the grant funds to rehabilitate one well, replace another, and improve operational control at the water treatment plant. This project will reduce or eliminate excessive filter clogging that occurs during low flows in the River, provide plant operators real-time water level information to enable precise flow control, and ensure a more stable drawdown of groundwater levels, even under low flow or peak demand conditions.
But that’s not all. These improvements are projected to conserve an impressive 13 million gallons of water each year. The increased efficiency in water usage means we’ll require less water from the River, thereby reducing stress on this vital ecosystem. By safeguarding water flows that support aquatic life, maintain ecosystem health, and offer recreational opportunities, we are nurturing the delicate balance of our local environment.
Together, we are taking strides toward a more sustainable and resilient water supply system. By doing so, we’re not only ensuring a brighter future for ourselves but also contributing to the well-being of our cherished Russian River and surrounding creeks.
Funding for the Well Replacement and Rehabilitation project has been provided in full or in part from the Budget Act of 2021 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.
Learn More!
Please contact David Kelley, City Manager or visit:
https://www.cloverdale.net/266/Utilities-Department
City Manager David Kelley
City of Cloverdale
124 North Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425
707-894-2521
