Who to call about water in Sonoma County

By The Downspout · Updated Oct 11, 2026 · 1 min read

Wells and septic go to Permit Sonoma. Tap water problems go to the utility that bills you. Pollution and state rules go to the Water Boards. This page lists each one.

Official agencies only. Nothing here is paid or ranked.

Your well, septic or graywater permit

Permit Sonoma, Well and Septic Division. Reviews well and septic permits and graywater systems. Phone (707) 565-2849. Main line (707) 565-1900. Email PermitSonoma-Well-Septic@sonomacounty.gov.
Sonoma County Environmental Health, Well Water Testing. The county's suggested testing schedule for private wells. See our well testing guide.

Your tap water

Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory. Tests well water for bacteria only, not chemicals or minerals. Bottles from the lobby at 3313 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa. Drop off Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm. Phone (707) 565-4711.
The utility on your bill. A city, district or company. Not sure which? Use the water map.
Sonoma Water. The county water agency. It runs the Russian River supply system and serves cities and districts, not homes directly. See where your tap water comes from.
City of Petaluma Water. Conservation, groundwater, water quality and supply planning for Petaluma customers.
State Water Board, Drinking Water Program. Regulates public water systems. Also accredits labs and registers home water treatment devices.

Pollution and the river

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Regulates discharges that reach local rivers and creeks.
Russian River Watershed Association. Eleven local governments and districts working together on water quality and fish habitat in the watershed.

Land, creeks and conservation help

Sonoma Resource Conservation District. Works with farms, cities and rural communities on watersheds and conservation.
Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District. Free, confidential help with land, water and soil in western Sonoma County.

Not listed yet

Some city sites block automated checking, so we have not confirmed their water pages. Your bill has the number. Next: how to find a licensed pro.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-11. Rules and programs change. If something here is out of date, the source above wins. Spot an error? See our corrections policy.