AWWA REUSE52047

Utilization of reclaimed water for vineyard irrigation is a common occurrence in many of the country's premier vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Counties, known as the "wine country". Located in northern California, approximately one hour north of San Francisco, the area produces some of the world's finest wines. A natural partnership has occurred over the past two decades between the region's farmers and the local agencies that are responsible for wastewater disposal. Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) is one of the agencies that have a very sophisticated system in place for supplying Sonoma Valley's vineyards with high quality reclaimed water for irrigation. SCWA is a countywide special district responsible for domestic water supply delivery to eight prime contractors. The Water Agency also provides sanitation services for many communities throughout Sonoma County. One of these sanitation districts is the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District (District), which provides collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater for several Sonoma Valley communities. The District, with an excellent public education program already in place, was able to fast-track a reclaimed water line through sensitive vineyard land. This paper discusses the permitting, easement acquisition, design and construction of the pipeline which has proved to be a valuable resource available for the summer irrigation season.