Creek Week 2024
September is here, and that means it’s CREEK WEEK in the Russian River Watershed! We’re excited to join international, national, and local efforts to highlight the importance of clean water and to promote community cleanups of our local waterways. This year, Creek Week, National Pollution Prevention Week, and California’s Coastal Cleanup Day all take place between September 16th and 29th. These events aim to educate the public and encourage active participation in keeping our waterways free from trash and pollutants.
Participate in Creek Week with the City of Cloverdale
Every September, the Cloverdale community comes together to learn about the Russian River Watershed and actively contribute by removing trash from our creeks, rivers, and beaches. Last year, dedicated volunteers from Cloverdale filled three 30-yard dumpsters—nearly 20,000 pounds of waste removed from our local waterways! Without these efforts, that trash could have been swept downstream during the wet winter, impacting not just our river but also downstream communities and the Pacific Ocean.
This year, the City of Cloverdale will host two Russian River cleanup events on Saturday, September 21st, from 9-11 am. We need your help! 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 necessary supplies—gloves, trash grabbers, bags, and more—will be provided, and volunteers will receive a special gift as a token of our appreciation.
We hope to see you by the river! Your participation is key to making our annual Creek Week Cleanup a success. To join us in protecting our local environment, sign up for the cleanup event of your choice at:
• Asti Bridge Cleanup Signup: https://www.russianriverkeeper.org/asti-bridge-cleanup-signup/
• Cloverdale Near the Cemetery Cleanup Signup: https://russianriverkeeper.org/rrwcu-cloverdale-near-the-cemetery-cleanup-signup-9-21-24/
Groundwater Projects Connected to River Health
The City of Cloverdale is committed to sustaining and improving the health of the Russian River Watershed year-round, not just in September. The Russian River is a vital ecosystem and the source of Cloverdale’s freshwater supply. Beneath our river lies an intricate aquifer of gravels, sand, and clay, from which our City draws its drinking water. This water is pumped from a wellfield near Cloverdale River Park, treated, and then delivered via an extensive distribution network to our residents and businesses.
However, during droughts and dry periods, our pumping system can encounter challenges. As groundwater levels drop and river flow slows, our ability to pump water through existing wells is threatened. When this happens, air can get entrained in the wells which can clog the filters at the treatment plant. Clearing these clogs requires flushing the filters multiple times a day, requiring additional water and electricity.
Recognizing that drought condition can affect our wellfield, the City has developed a plan to address air entrainment and improve water supply efficiency, especially during droughts. In 2022, these efforts were rewarded with a $3 million grant from the Department of Water Resources as part of the Urban and Multi-benefit Drought Relief Grant Program. This funding is being used for essential projects, including the replacement and upgrade of two aging supply wells that are prone to air entrainment. These upgrades will also include new above-ground systems that provide real-time water level information, enabling precise control and stable groundwater levels even during low flow or peak demand conditions.
This project is expected to save approximately 13 million gallons of water each year! Increased efficiency means less water diverted from the Russian River, reducing stress on the river’s ecosystem. The design phase for the two replacement wells is complete, and construction will begin next year. This initiative exemplifies how identifying key projects and securing grant funding enables the City to enhance our water system’s resilience to drought, directly benefiting the health of the watershed. Funding for the Well Replacement 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.
Together, City staff, agency partners, community members, and environmental scientists are making 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.
City of Cloverdale’s Role in the Russian River Watershed Association
The City of Cloverdale is proud to be a member agency of the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA), a coalition of local public agencies that work together to address water resource issues in the Russian River Watershed. Founded in 2003, the RRWA brings together cities, counties, and special districts within the watershed to collaborate on regional projects and programs that enhance water quality, reduce pollution, and support sustainable watershed management.
The RRWA’s efforts include educational outreach, pollution prevention, and initiatives that improve stormwater quality and groundwater management. As a member agency, Cloverdale actively participates in these regional initiatives, ensuring that our local actions align with broader efforts to protect and enhance the Russian River Watershed. This partnership allows us to leverage shared resources, expertise, and funding opportunities, furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term health of the watershed.
Together, City staff, agency partners, community members, and environmental scientists are making 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.