Bodega Valley Rainwater Catchment project

The Mediterranean climate of central and northern California, with its rainy winters and dry summers, creates water supply challenges for both humans and wildlife. In Bodega Valley, all water extractions affect the flow of Salmon Creek, either directly or indirectly through cumulative impacts. The Bodega Valley Rainwater Catchment & Alternative Water Supply Program is an example of a multi-pronged, community-based program to provide enhanced water security for residents and help restore stream flows during the dry summer months. This article describes the coordinated community planning, funding, and implementation of more than 12 different roof water harvesting systems for both private residential homes, the Bodega Fire Department, and several local dairy operations.