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Rivers and pollution

The Russian River, creeks and what runs into them. 3 items.

Rivers and pollutionHow the Russian River works: dams, minimum flows and floodsTwo dams store winter rain and release it in summer. Sonoma Water draws the water from wells beside the river for over 600,000 people. The state sets how much must stay in the river.Updated Oct 12, 2026

Rivers and pollutionOnly rain down the storm drainStorm drains carry water straight to the nearest creek. It is not treated. Only rain should go down them.Rivers and pollutionEl Niño and Sonoma County water: the river, the reservoirs and your rainNOAA says a strong to very strong El Niño is likely this winter, which tilts California toward a wet one. On the Russian River, strong El Niño winters brought a major flood at Guerneville in 3 of 9 cases since 1951, about twice the usual rate, but the worst floods came in other winters. Get ready for high water and plan to keep some of the rain.