WaterSMART: 

Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

NOFO: R23AS00076 

The Town of Windsor 

RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

Prepared For: 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Attn: NOFO Team (MS 84-27133) 

Denver Federal Center 

Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 

6th Avenue and Kipling Street 

Denver, CO 80225 

Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

Title XVI Program Coordinator 

Phone: 303-445-2094 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ 

Applicant: 

The Town of Windsor 

Public Works Department 

8400 Windsor Rd 

Windsor, CA 95492 

Project Manager: 

Veronica Siwy 

Deputy Director of Water & Environmental Management 

Phone: 707-838-1218 

Email: vsiwy@townofwindsor.com 

February 28, 2023 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance) ......................................Under Sep. Cover 

Standard Form 424 A (Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs) ......Under Sep. Cover 

Standard Form 424 B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs) ..................Under Sep. Cover 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) ............................................................... Under Sep. Cover

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria (20-page limit) 

A. Executive Summary.................................................................................................... 1 

B. Project Location.......................................................................................................... 1 

C. Technical Project Description..................................................................................... 3 

D. Responses to Evaluation Criteria .............................................................................. 5 

 

Required Permits and/or Approvals ................................................................................ 21 

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement ..................................................................... 21 

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement ................................................................................ 21 

Conflict of Interest Disclosure .......................................................................................... 21 

Project Budget 

A. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment ...................................... Under Sep. Cover 

B. Budget Proposal .............................................................................. Under Sep. Cover 

C. Budget Narrative ............................................................................. Under Sep. Cover 

ATTACHMENTS 

Exhibit A. Town of Windsor Project Location Map ............................................................ 1 

Exhibit B. Town of Windsor Service Area Map .................................................................. 2 

Exhibit C. Windsor’s Current Drought Classification .......................................................... 3 

Exhibit D. Project Tasks ...................................................................................................... 4 

Exhibit E. Estimated Project Schedule ............................................................................... 5 

Exhibit F. Underserved Community Documentation ......................................................... 6 

Exhibit G. Windsor UWMP - Disadvantaged Communities ............................................... 7 

Exhibit H. DWR DAC Mapping Tool – DACs and SDACs ..................................................... 8 

Exhibit I. Drought Effects ................................................................................................... 9 

Exhibit J. Beneficial Uses of Recycled Water ................................................................... 10 

Exhibit K. Official Resolution ............................................................................................ 11 

Exhibit L. Letters of Support ............................................................................................. 12 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Date: February 28, 2023 

Applicant Name: Town of Windsor, Public Works Department, Wastewater Reclamation Facility 

City, County, State: Town of Windsor, Sonoma County, CA 

Application Type: Funding Group I 

Project Summary. The Town of Windsor (Town), located in Sonoma County, California, with a 

population of 29,397, is requesting $249,866 to conduct a feasibility study for a critical 

expansion of reclaimed water use and to increase its capacity to produce and store more 

recycled water while ensuring that it has the infrastructure necessary to efficiently produce 

tertiary-treated recycled water for beneficial reuse. The proposed study will evaluate the cost, 

system assessment, and feasibility of 1) consolidating the Sonoma Water's Airport-LarkfieldWikiup Sanitation Zone Treatment Plant (ALWSZ) with Windsor’s Water Reclamation Facility 

(WWRF) to increase the Town’s recycled water reliability, storage, and supply, 2) expanding 

Windsor’s recycling water system to the Sonoma County Regional Airport irrigation area, and 3) 

Phase One aeration basin upgrades to manage increasing flows from ALWSZ. A completed 

feasibility study that meets Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) WTR 11—01 requirements will 

position the Town to secure future BOR WaterSMART grant funding for design and 

construction. With the extra storage made available in combination with the increased flows 

through consolidation of Sonoma Water’s ALWSZ Treatment Plant, the Town anticipates 

approximately 1,000 AFY of additional water would be made available for new and increased 

recycled water use. This proposed project is critically important to position the region with 

sustainable water sources as it grapples with diminishing supplies in the face of recurring 

drought and climate change. 

Project Timeline. The Town is ready to begin the project immediately following the execution 

of the grant agreement, which is estimated to be October 2023. The Project can be completed 

within 24 months, with an estimated completion date of October 2025, and the grant closeout 

will be completed within the required performance period. 

Federal Facility. The proposed project area is not located within a Federal facility. The 

treatment, reclamation, and disposal facility is permitted under RWQCB Order No. R1-2020-

0010, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit No. CA0023345, and WDID No. 

1B82037OSON. The permit allows the Town to provide recycled water for irrigation of rural 

pasture, crops, and vineyards and of parks, playgrounds, and commercial and residential 

landscaping inside Town limits, including permitted discharge to Geysers Geothermal Project 

for re-injection to create steam for green energy production, agricultural irrigation outside the 

Town limits, urban landscape irrigation within the Town limits, and, on a limited scale, toilet 

flushing at two sites near the wastewater reclamation facility. 

Project Location - Town of Windsor. The Town of Windsor is located in northern California, in 

Sonoma County, immediately adjacent to Highway 101 between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, 63 

miles northwest of San Francisco, and 32 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The Town was 

incorporated as a general law City in July 1992 and has a current population of approximately 

29,397, according to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau. Windsor is known as a family-friendly 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

destination, with a downtown area featuring many restaurants and shops, parks, and open 

spaces, including the 4.5-acre Town Green, and frequent community events and activities. 

Windsor draws visitors from around the world to enjoy the area’s extraordinary natural beauty, 

top-notch lodging, and abundance of world-class wineries. Windsor was named one of 

California’s “Most Charming Towns of 2022” by the travel website Strategistico. The Town’s

potable water source is the Russian River, which flows two miles to the west in a north-south 

direction. State Highway 101 cuts through the center of the town in a northwest-southeast 

direction. The Town is located at the north end of the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Basin, in 

the Russian River watershed, as shown in Exhibit A. Project Location Map. 

Three major reservoir projects provide water supply for the Russian River watershed: Lake 

Pillsbury on the Eel River, Lake Mendocino on the East Fork of the Russian River, and Lake 

Sonoma on Dry Creek. Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma provide water for drinking water, 

agriculture, municipal and industrial uses, and maintain the minimum stream flows required by 

SCWA water rights permits. These minimum stream flows provide recreation and fish passage 

for salmon and steelhead. Streamflow in the Russian River during the summer is provided by 

releases from Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma, augmented by water imported from the Eel 

River. Since 1984, the Town’s potable water supply has been provided primarily from water 

extracted at its Russian River Well Field under a Sonoma Water Russian River water right and a 

connection to Sonoma Water’s aqueduct from which the Town purchases wholesale water. The 

watershed is extremely vulnerable to drought, especially in recent years. The decommissioning 

of the Potter Valley Project resulted in significantly reduced diversions from the Eel River, 

putting storage at Lake Mendocino at risk. Lake Sonoma provides only 2-3 years of water 

storage. Despite recent atmospheric rivers in the 2022-2023 wet season, these water stores are 

unreliable, and the region must always be prepared to respond to the risk of water scarcity. 

Town of Windsor Water System. The Town receives 

all its potable water supply from the Russian River 

and serves approximately 9,000 residential, 

commercial, construction, and landscape irrigation 

connections in the Town and surrounding areas. The 

Town has five million gallons of potable water 

storage tank capacity to serve its primary pressure 

zone. A one-million-gallon tank and a two-milliongallon tank (Lakewood Hills 1 and 2) are located in 

the northeastern part of the Town, and two onemillion-gallon tanks (Shiloh Ridge A and B) are 

located off of Shiloh Ridge Road in the hills east of 

the Town. Additionally, three small pressure zones supply homes southeast of Windsor in the 

Shiloh Estates and Mayacama subdivisions. These subdivisions in unincorporated areas are 

provided water service by the Town through outside service area agreements. Currently, no 

wells or storage tanks are serving the Sonoma County Airport Service Area. The Town operates 

four pump stations in the Shiloh Estates subdivision east of the Town. 100% of the Town's 

Figure 1. The Russian River near Windsor. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

potable water is from surface supplies. Those supplies are threatened due to drought and 

climate change. Any expansion of recycled water use will have a direct reduced impact on the 

demand for potable supplies derived from the Russian River, which will benefit not only the 

Town but all entities that rely on the Russian River as their primary or only water source. 

The Town owns and operates a wastewater treatment system that produces and supplies 

disinfected tertiary reclaimed water. Currently, approximately one-third of the tertiary treated 

water is reused in recycled water applications, one-third is sent to the Geysers for energy 

production, and one-third is discharged to Mark West Creek, an impaired water body. As such, 

the Town is in an excellent position to expand the quantity and beneficial uses of its valuable 

recycled water production capabilities. A feasibility study will pre-position the Town to move in 

that direction. The Town’s water reclamation permits enable it to provide recycled water for 

irrigation of rural pasture, crops, and vineyards and non-potable use on in-Town parks, 

playgrounds, and commercial and residential landscaping. The Town’s Water Reclamation Plant

has a capacity of 2.25 million gallons per day (mgd), although current storage and/or total 

recycled water capacity limits the average dry weather flow to 1.9 MGD per Chapter III Section 

H of the current NPDES Permit. The current Water Reclamation Plant provides advanced 

wastewater treatment and has design capacities of 2.25 mgd, average dry weather flow 

(ADWF), and 7.2 mgd, peak weekly wet weather flow. The wastewater treatment facilities 

include biological secondary treatment utilizing extended air-activated sludge aeration basins 

and secondary clarifiers; advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) that includes chemical 

addition facilities, flocculation tanks, AWT clarifiers, and sand filters; ultraviolet (UV) 

disinfection; and, storage prior to reclamation and/or disposal. Six ponds provide 145 MG of 

storage capacity for the Town's advanced treated, UV-disinfected effluent. Two additional 

ponds provide an added 18 MG of high-flow storage volume when influent flows exceed the 

treatment capacity of the treatment plant. This combined storage volume of 163 MG is 

designed to handle an ADWF of up to 2.25 mgd. The effluent storage ponds allow the Town to 

balance influent flows with recycled water demand and its ability to discharge to receiving 

waters in compliance with discharge requirements. Please see Exhibit B. Service Area Map. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

Applicant Category. Funding Group I 

Applicant Eligibility. The Town, a municipal city in California, owns and operates The Windsor 

Water District (WWD), which serves as the water provider within the municipality’s water

service area. 

Goals And Objectives. The overarching goals of the proposed feasibility study include 

identifying the best alternatives to increase its capacity to produce and store more recycled 

water and expand the distribution of tertiary-treated recycled water for beneficial use. The 

Town will procure a qualified and experienced consultant to lead and conduct a comprehensive 

feasibility study to determine the feasibility of the following projects: 

a. Consolidation of Sonoma Water Treatment Plant into Windsor. Conduct a full 

feasibility analysis to determine true costs, assumptions, and system assessment for 

consolidating the ALWSZ. Consolidation would allow the region access to 500+ AFY 

of water to expand its recycled water service and increase recycled water storage 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

availability to the Town, increasing recycled water storage availability and ensuring 

that recycled water can be provided to areas, including the airport irrigation area. 

Windsor would be able to recycle 100% of the WWRF flow during average, dry, and 

some wet years. This information will also be used to inform the Aeration Basin 

Project. 

b. Expansion of the Recycled Water System to the Airport Irrigation Area. There is the 

potential for approximately 400 acre-feet of direct, measurable potable water offset 

through this expansion project. The study will update project assumptions in 

preparation for the design phase. 

c. Aeration Basin Project. A feasibility study will assess the technical, economic, and 

environmental costs and assumptions needed to upgrade Windsor’s Water 

Reclamation Facility (WWRF) plant facilities to manage increasing flows from 

population growth and potential absorption of the ALWSZ and increase the 

reliability of continuing to produce tertiary treated recycled water for non-potable 

reuse. However, the Town needs additional funding for feasibility and design to 

incorporate ALWSZ flows. The study will identify potential technologies to increase 

recycled water service from the existing aeration basin system and improve overall 

performance. 

Description of Project Approach. The Town of Windsor requests BOR WaterSMART funding to 

conduct the Reclaimed Water Expanded Use Feasibility Study. The Town will procure a qualified 

and experienced consultant to conduct the feasibility study. The Town will use the results of 

this study to develop a plan for implementing these projects, as well as strategies for financing 

them. This feasibility study will assist the Town in meeting its recycled water program goals 

identified in its 2020 Recycled Water Storage and Use Study, including 1) maximizing recycled 

water use, 2) reducing discharge to Mark West Creek, 3) pursuing reliable/adaptable disposal 

options, 4) maintaining permit compliance, 5) demonstrating fiscal responsibility, and 6) 

developing regional partnerships as appropriate. The study will meet the Bureau of 

Reclamation (BOR) WTR 11—01 requirements and position the Town to secure future BOR 

WaterSMART grant funding for design and construction. 

This feasibility study is also part of the Town’s broader commitment to sustainability, water 

conservation, climate change adaptation, and water reuse efforts. By investing in sustainable 

infrastructure projects and pursuing innovative approaches to recycled water storage, the Town 

seeks to ensure a reliable supply of recycled water that meets regulatory requirements while 

protecting its natural resources. By working with its community partners and stakeholders, the 

Town plans to create a shared vision for water conservation, reuse, and sustainability that will 

serve as a model for other local municipalities. Ultimately, this planning grant gives the Town an 

opportunity to take meaningful steps toward ensuring its future water security. With 

comprehensive analysis and strategic planning, the Town is poised to become a leader in 

sustainable water management practices. In partnership with the Bureau, the Town of Windsor 

can become a model for other agencies and small municipalities to follow in investing in costeffective recycled water projects to increase water supply sustainability. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

EVALUATION CRITERIA RESPONSES 

Evaluation Criterion 1: Project Planning and Analysis (30 points) 

Subcriterion 1.A. Water Recycling Needs and Opportunities (15 points). Extreme and 

recurring drought conditions threaten the Town of Windsor’s current and future water sources.

The Town (ten percent of which is considered a disadvantaged community) must reduce its 

reliance on the Russian River and safeguard the community’s sustainable access to adequate 

quantities of quality water by securing additional off-river water supplies to offset potable 

water use. Recycled water is a reliable, sustainable source of water that can protect valuable 

urban green spaces and meet other water needs so that potable water is available to support 

health and human safety. 

Sonoma County and the Town of Windsor are grappling with persistent drought conditions, 

devastating wildfires, and water supply vulnerability as a result of climate change. Since the 

beginning of 2020, conditions have ranged from “Abnormally Dry” to the crisis level of

“Exceptional Drought.” The region has been relentlessly impacted by fires, including the 2019 

Kincade Fire, which directly impacted Windsor and required the entire Town to be evacuated. 

Despite heavy rains in January 2023, long-term drought indicators show no relief for the Town 

of Windsor, with severe to extreme drought conditions predicted for years to come 

(https://drought.gov). As drought conditions persist, drinking water from the Russian River—

fed by Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino sources—is in question. Both lakes have recently 

been at historically low levels. In November 2021, Lake Sonoma was at 49.1% of supply 

capacity, and Lake Mendocino was at 32.6% of supply capacity. Please see Exhibit C. Windsor’s

Current Drought Classification. 

Town of Windsor Water Sources. The Town’s primary source of drinking water is surface water

diverted at the Russian River Well Field (Well Field). The Well Field is Town-owned; however, 

water pumped from the Well Field is diverted under Sonoma Water’s surface water rights.

Typically, Windsor uses approximately 3,200 acre-feet per year of water from the Well Field, 

comprising approximately 85% of the Town’s total drinking water supply. The Russian River well 

field was established in 1984 and includes five Windsor-owned production wells. These wells 

are relatively shallow and pull the Russian River underflow through layers of gravel and sand as 

a natural filtration system. The remaining 15% of Windsor’s drinking water supply is derived

from wholesale surface water purchased from Sonoma Water, which is also diverted directly 

from the Russian River, a few miles downstream from the Town's river wells. Sonoma Water is 

a partner in managing two reservoirs on the Russian River for flood control and water supply, 

Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino. Sonoma Water determines the amount of water released 

from each reservoir when the lake levels are in the water supply pools. The U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers (USACE) determines the amount of water to be released when the lake levels are 

above the water supply pools and in the flood control pools. The Russian River is rain-fed and 

dependent on precipitation events rather than snowmelt. Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino 

also rely on year-to-year rainfall to support adequate levels to allow for water releases to 

support Russian River flows. The Town of Windsor’s dependency on these three water sources 

means the residents are extremely vulnerable to drought. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

The Town of Windsor’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) addresses climate

change and its immediate and growing threat to the Town’s water system. Windsor is most

susceptible to more extreme hot days, more frequent and intense droughts and wildfires, and a 

greater risk of extreme floods. The Town must find alternative water sources to meet a portion 

of future demands, particularly in drought conditions. Reclaimed water is more important than 

ever as its use in California will become increasingly vital to offset potable water availability. 

Windsor is well-positioned to expand its reclaimed water production and use. A planning 

initiative and feasibility study will advance this effort. 

Climate Change Impacts on Water System. The Town’s 2020 UWMP addresses climate change 

and its immediate and growing threat to the Town’s water system. Windsor is most susceptible

to more extreme hot days, more frequent and intense droughts and wildfires, and greater risk 

of extreme floods. The primary risks associated with climate change on the Town’s water

supplies are related to increased dependence on groundwater by urban areas and agriculture. 

The Town is planning on the use of off-river groundwater supplies to meet a portion of future 

demands, particularly in drought conditions, and this supply will become increasingly important 

over time. 

Changes in the Sierra snowpack are not expected to directly affect the Town’s water supply as 

the Russian River is not driven by springtime snowmelt and use of snowpack as water storage. 

However, changes in the snowpack water storage and runoff timing could indirectly impact the 

Town by affecting the overall statewide demand for water. Impacts from the variability in 

precipitation predictions cannot be evaluated at this time, but decreases in precipitation will 

result in decreased Russian River runoff, directly affecting the Town’s main water source, 

perhaps leading to increased future water shortages. 

Windsor is in the midst of a “Moderate Drought.” As drought conditions persist, increased

water restrictions will continue to reduce the availability of water supplies through currently 

utilized Russian River, Lake Sonoma, and Lake Mendocino sources. As water levels in the Town’s

waters sources decrease, additional state-mandated water restrictions can be expected. The 

Town has suffered from ongoing drought since 2020, increasing the threat of wildfire and 

impacting water supplies. Furthermore, mechanical failures at the Potter Valley Project have 

diminished water diversions to the Russian River by almost 85%. This could substantially 

diminish inflow to Lake Mendocino by approximately 8,000 acre-feet, severely impacting water 

supplies. Regulatory droughts to protect endangered wildlife further constrict the Town’s water

supply. Wildfires can threaten the Town’s water supplies by adversely affecting the quantity 

and quality of available water. 

Other potential impacts on supplies due to climate change were reported in the Town’s Climate 

Action 2020 and Beyond Report (RCPA, 2016). These include 1) Surface water shortages from 

more frequent and intense droughts; 2) Increased pumping of groundwater leading to well 

failure and degraded water quality; 3) Increased evapotranspiration from open water sources 

and reservoirs; 4) Risk of lost connections to energy and water from more frequent and intense 

wildfires; and 5) Less predictable reservoir operation from extreme floods. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

Planning Activities. The proposed project will investigate expanded potential uses for irrigation 

(airport, farms, parks, schools, greenways, groundwater recharge, and the Geysers Geothermal 

Project). This priority Project is supported by and meets the goals of the Town’s 2020 Urban 

Water Management Plan (UWMP), 2013 Urban Recycled Water Facilities Planning Study, and 

2001 Water Reclamation Master Plan. These documents represent an overarching priority of 

water conservation, reliability, treatment, storage, and reuse in the Town of Windsor. 

Town of Windsor 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. The Town’s UWMP provides detailed 

information on water supplies, water demands, and management for the Windsor Water 

District’s water utility, and is intended as a planning tool for long-term supply and resource 

management. A thorough description of the current system is provided and discussed in terms 

of capacity and reliability. 

Town of Windsor 2020 Recycled Water Use and Storage Study. In 2020, the Town expanded its 

earlier 2013 Urban Recycled Water Facilities Planning Study plan to evaluate the Town's 

existing recycled water system and define a path forward based on recycled water goals 

established by the Town Council and memorialized in the Master Plan. 

Town of Windsor 2019 Water Reclamation Master Plan. The Town of Windsor 2001 Water 

Reclamation Master Plan was prepared to provide a comprehensive description and 

background for the phased implementation of the Town's adopted Water Reclamation Master 

Plan. The Master Plan was adopted by the Town Council to meet wastewater treatment, 

storage, and reclamation needs to serve the Town through projected build-out. In 2019, the 

Town updated the plan to inform the upcoming Financial Plan and Rate Study, update demand 

and supply projections ahead of the Airport Area Specific Plan Water Supply Assessment, and 

line up demands and supplies ahead of the mandated 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. 

Water Sources. The Town collects its wastewater and treats it to disinfected tertiary levels at its 

Wastewater Reclamation Plant. The wastewater treatment plant is designed with a capacity of 

2.25 million gallons per day (MGD) average dry weather flow and 7.2 MGD peak weekly wet 

weather flow. The entire reclamation system consists of the treatment plant, storage ponds, a 

discharge point to Mark West Creek (MWC), and a distribution system. The beneficial uses of 

the Town’s recycled water include delivery to the Geysers Geothermal Project for re-injection 

to create steam for green energy production, agricultural irrigation outside the Town limits, 

urban landscape irrigation within the Town limits, and, on a limited scale, toilet flushing at two 

sites near the wastewater treatment plant. 

As described in the Town’s Recycled Water Storage and Use Study (Woodard & Curran; Brelje & 

Race, 2020), the Town’s wastewater collection system consists of 94 miles of public sewer lines, 

one mile of private branch sewers, 1,728 manholes, 525 cleanouts, and approximately 6,100 

private sewer laterals. Over 90% of the wastewater flow reaches the treatment plant entirely 

by gravity flow. The remainder requires two lift stations to convey it to the plant. These 

stations, owned and operated by the Town, are located at Vintage Greens and Shiloh Greens. 

All wastewater collected into the system is treated to a tertiary level and is appropriate for use 

as non-potable recycled water. An estimated 1,643 AF of wastewater was collected by the 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

treatment plant in the calendar year 2020. The Town’s Recycled water distribution system

consists of six recycled water storage ponds with a combined volume of 145 MG (441 AF), two 

separate pump stations, one for urban and agricultural recycled water customers and one for 

distribution to the Geysers pipeline, and 17.3 miles of distribution pipeline. 

Of the 1,825 acre-feet collected of the Town’s recycled water in 2020, 208 AF were discharged 

to Mark West Creek, 1,064 AF were recycled within the Town’s potable water service area, and 

540 AF were recycled outside the potable water service area, leaving a 13 AF remaining in 

storage for the new year. The recycled water within the service area is used for the golf course 

and landscape irrigation, institutional use (i.e., high school and fire department), for 

maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant. Recycled water outside the service area is 

discharged to the Geysers pipeline for geothermal use and agricultural irrigation outside the 

Town’s service area. The Town distributes this water for agricultural and urban irrigation, the 

Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project (Geysers), and a small amount for toilet flushing for 

Windsor High School and a Town fire station. Of these beneficial uses, a portion of the recycled 

water use offsets potable water demand. The recycled water directed to agricultural fields and 

to the Geysers, though beneficial, does not offset the Town’s potable use and is utilized outside 

of the Town’s water service area. The Town expects that its contribution to the Geysers 

Geothermal plant may increase substantially between 2020 and 2025 and then again between 

2035 and 2040 based on the agreements between the Town, the City of Santa Rosa, and the 

Geysers plant. 

The Town currently depends almost wholly on surface water supplies obtained directly or 

indirectly from the Russian River—via the Russian River Well Field or imported surface water 

from Sonoma Water. The Russian River is a rain-fed river, depending on the timing and 

magnitude of precipitation events for its flows (unlike snow-fed rivers that rely on Sierra snow 

melt for seasonal flows). As such, flows in the Russian River, and subsequently, the ability to 

divert those flows, may be affected by climate change impacts on precipitation which are 

generally believed to result in shorter periods of more intense flows in the future. 

The North Coast Integrated Water Management Plan, Phase III (NCIRWMP) report (NCRP, 2014) 

assessed climate change vulnerability for regions encompassing the Russian River and its 

tributaries. A primary conclusion is that climate change could lead to an increased dependence 

on groundwater. In addition to climate change, the Town can also experience “regulatory 

droughts.” Sonoma Water manages the two reservoirs on the Russian River (Lake Mendocino 

and Lake Sonoma) and determines the amount of water to be released from each reservoir 

when the lake levels are in the water supply pools. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 

determines the amount of water to be released when the lake levels are above the water 

supply pools and in the flood control pools. Therefore, surface water supplies to the Town can 

be limited by ecological regulations, reservoir operations, and rule curves. However, ForecastInformed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) are being considered for implementation on Lake 

Mendocino, which could increase the flexibility of reservoir operations, potentially 

supplementing water supplies and reducing flood risk. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

Subcriterion 1.B. Evaluation of Project Alternatives (15 points). The feasibility study will 

identify alternatives for expanding recycled water use that can be linked to the WWRF and 

ALWSZ, including 1) take no action alternative; 2) upgrading existing recycled water treatment 

and distribution system to increase the volume of recycled water available for reuse; and 3) 

identifying potential new recycled water users and establishing mutual partnerships. The water 

sources must be safe for use in irrigation and for other approved industrial or other 

applications, according to the standards set by Title 22 and the State of California. In addition, 

the sources must be accessible to the WWRF from an institutional and engineering perspective. 

The Consultant will evaluate the potential reclaimed water market, including barriers to using 

water, required permits for completing the project, utilizing reclaimed water upon project 

completion, and identifying and evaluating feasible alternatives. The study will identify the 

considerations for airport plant consolidation and its impact on the WWRF, including the 

aeration basin upgrade and expansion of the recycled water system out to the airport irrigation 

area, which has already been identified as the best next phase for recycled water expansion. 

Project Alternative Development. The proposed feasibility study and potential project 

alternatives will be informed by previous studies, including a previous 2021 Aeration Basin 

Study and Concept Design Report, which evaluated alternative technologies for the Windsor 

Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to comply with effluent limits, including nutrient limits, 

through the year 2040 (planning horizon year). A conceptual design of the recommended 

alternative is also provided. This feasibility study will build upon the Aeration Basin Study by 

including an evaluation of airport flows. Additionally, the Urban Recycled Water Facilities 

Planning Study targets nine areas to increase the Town’s recycled water service. Alternatives to 

improving the recycled water system and consolidating the ALWSZ with WWRF will be included 

in the feasibility study. The Consultant will investigate distribution systems and identify 

potential sites for reclaimed water use along the proposed expansion airport irrigation area 

site, among other areas that could be supported by the recycled water system expansion. In 

addition to irrigation uses, the feasibility study will examine the potential for reclaimed water 

to be used for other industrial applications, potable reuse, groundwater basin recharge, 

improving flows, and preserving habitats for native species. 

Selected Project Description. The regionally significant planning activities will analyze 

alternatives and assess the feasibility of various ways to expand the quantity and reach of 

recycled water use. The planning effort will meet all the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Feasibility 

studies and will have three primary focus areas: 

▪ Consolidation of Sonoma Water's Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup Sanitation Zone Treatment 

Plant (ALWSZ) with Windsor's Water Reclamation Facility (WWRF): full feasibility 

analysis is required for a multi-jurisdiction approach to maximize recycled water 

benefits. 

▪ Aeration Basin Expansion: Windsor must evaluate the best ways to upgrade the existing 

plant facilities to manage increasing flows from population growth and the potential 

absorption of a neighboring facility, the Sonoma Water Treatment Plant. 

▪ Recycled water system use to airport irrigation area: The Sonoma County Airport 

currently uses approximately 400 AFY of potable water to sustain green spaces 

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The Town of Windsor 

surrounding the airport. Additional analysis, updated assumptions, and design work are 

necessary to advance this beneficial use of recycled water that will have the immediate 

benefit of “freeing up” significant amounts of potable water. 

▪ Other Uses: The study will also evaluate other uses of recycled water, such as farms, 

vineyards, parks, and greenways. 

Project Tasks. The proposed Project will be completed within the 24-month Project 

performance period. While details regarding specific Project tasks and activities will be refined 

by the Consultant selected through the RFP process, it is anticipated that Project Tasks will 

include, but are not limited to, the following activities listed in Exhibit D. Project Tasks. 

Estimated Project Schedule. The 

proposed feasibility study will be 

conducted during a 24-month period 

ending with a completion date of 

October 2025. Please see Exhibit E. 

Estimated Project Schedule. 

Permits/Permit Process. No permits or 

approvals are required to perform the 

feasibility study. 

2023

Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Award Notification

Execute Grant Agreement

RFP Process/Contract Negotiations 

and Approvals

Grant Project Management 

Kick-off Meeting w/ Consultant 

Consultant Conducts Feasibility Study

Consultant to Prepare Draft Report

Consultant to Prepare Final Report

SF-425 Bi-annual Financial Report

Administration Reports to BOR

Final Performance Report to BOR

TOWN OF WINDSOR FEASIBILITY STUDY

Project Schedule

Timeline/Workflow 2024 2025

Engineering and Design Work. The 

proposed Project will include preliminary engineering design work. 

Environmental Assessments. The proposed project will include an initial phase of CEQA+ and 

greenhouse gas (GHG)/sustainability analysis. 

Policies and Administrative Actions. By BOR requirements, this Project will require approval of 

a Resolution by the Town of Windsor Town Council. The Resolution is on the Agenda for the 

March Town Council meeting. The Town will provide a signed resolution within 30 days of 

executing a grant agreement. 

Evaluation Criterion 2: Stretching Water Supplies (20 points). A 2006 Restructured Agreement 

between Sonoma Water and the Town commits that by 2036, water contractors shall take steps 

to reduce withdrawal from Windsor’s Russian River wells by at least 7,500 AFY per year, with

approximately 50 percent resulting from recycled water projects. Currently, Sonoma Water 

provides 900 AF from the Santa Rosa Aqueduct and 4,725 AF from Russian River Diversions. 

Upgrading reclamation facilities can be an effective way to reduce or postpone the need for 

new or expanded non-recycled water supplies. Reclaimed wastewater is a valuable resource 

that can be used for multiple purposes, including irrigation, industrial cooling, and offsetting 

potable water demand. By investing in the latest technologies for treating wastewater, the 

Town can ensure that reclaimed water meets high standards of safety and quality. In addition 

to providing a reliable source of clean water, this can also help conserve natural resources by 

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reducing reliance on fresh groundwater sources. Furthermore, upgrading existing infrastructure 

can create jobs in local communities while ensuring that public health remains protected. 

Potential Water Supply Impacts. The upgraded reclamation facilities will decrease pressure on 

existing water supplies and facilities. By reusing treated wastewater for non-potable 

applications, such as irrigation and industrial cooling, the demand for potable water can be 

lessened. Furthermore, as more water is recycled rather than discharged into rivers or streams, 

it reduces the loading of pollutants from urban runoff that can compromise aquatic 

ecosystems. The use of advanced treatment processes also ensures that quality standards are 

met while providing additional benefits such as reduced energy requirements and cost savings 

associated with reuse operations compared to traditional methods. All these factors combine 

to create a much higher value proposition for the project regarding sustainability and 

environmental stewardship. Potable water demand is projected to increase to 6,258 AFY by 

2040, which is a 46% increase over 2020 water demand. Recycled water demand is projected to 

increase to 2,370 AFY by 2040, an 88% increase over the 2020 recycled water demand. Potable 

water demand projections are 46% higher than 2015 UWMP projections for 2040, and recycled 

water demand projections are 47% higher than those projected in the 2015 UWMP for the 

same year (Windsor, 2021). The Town anticipates an additional 1,000+ AFY of recycled water 

will be available as a result of this proposed expanded use feasibility study and the projects it 

leads to. 

Water Supply Shortages. The Town of Windsor and most of California are facing an increasing 

water supply shortage due to drought. The Town is committed to upgrading its reclamation 

facilities to expand potable and non-potable reuse services and increase storage availability. 

This feasibility study is an important step in securing sustainable water supplies for the region. 

Upgrades to the reclamation facilities will help provide a reliable source of recycled water, 

while also working towards reducing dependence on imported water sources. This will not only 

benefit local communities but will also help conserve regional water resources and reduce 

reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels used to transport harvested 

water. Investing in this critical planning project reflects the Town's commitment to meeting 

current and future water needs for the region for years to come. The advancements made here 

serve as an example of how other communities can address their own water challenges. 

Water Supply Reliability. The planning for expanding recycled water services and storage 

capacity is aimed at bolstering the reliability of Windsor’s overall water supply. The expanded 

non-potable reuse services will allow more efficient recycling of treated wastewater into useful 

products like irrigation water, industrial process water, and drinking water. The additional 

storage capacity created by these upgrades will provide a buffer against droughts or other 

periods of low rainfall. This increased water storage can help prevent potential shortages while 

also providing a reserve in emergency situations. Windsor’s renewed commitment to water

reliability is an important step forward in the Town’s efforts to provide a secure, abundant 

supply of recycled water. By expanding its wastewater reclamation facilities and upgrading 

services, the Town can improve its water resiliency and reliability. 

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Groundwater Depletion. The Town has been experiencing groundwater depletion due to 

moderate drought (D1) as a result of climate change, population growth, and other factors. In 

response, the Town is prioritizing this study and subsequent upgrades to its water reclamation 

facilities to expand recycled water services and storage capacity. These improvements will help 

to reduce the reliance on diminishing groundwater supplies while providing more reliable and 

sustainable sources of regional drinking water. 

By consolidating the ALWSZ and WWRF and implementing upgrades to its reclamation facilities, 

the Town can reclaim far more of its wastewater than before. This reclaimed water can be used 

for various purposes, including irrigation, and industrial processes. By expanding the use of 

reclaimed water, the Town can reduce its dependence on groundwater supplies and help 

conserve this valuable resource. Construction projects based on the feasibility study’s

recommendations will also allow for greater storage capacity of recycled water, which is 

essential during periods of drought or other emergency situations. This increased storage will 

provide a reliable water source when needed and reduce the need to tap into diminishing 

groundwater reserves. With these improvements in place, the Town will be better prepared to 

manage its water needs even under extreme conditions. 

Water Quality Issues. Expanding Windsor’s reclamation facilities will aid in addressing water 

quality issues by providing additional non-potable reuse services and storage. Increased 

capacity will enable the Town to store reclaimed water for use during periods of low supply or 

high demand, reducing the need to rely on more expensive alternatives, including imported 

water. Additionally, introducing advanced treatment processes that further purify and disinfect 

reclaimed water can provide a higher quality product that is safe for use in meeting nonpotable demands. Since treated wastewater is already free of many contaminants, 

technological advances can ensure even greater safety and protection against potential health 

risks. By investing in identified infrastructure improvements, Windsor will be better equipped to 

ensure clean, recycled water for years to come. 

WWRF has recently undertaken a project to upgrade its aeration basins. These upgrades are 

designed to improve water quality by addressing effluent and influent flows in accordance with 

state-mandated regulations. The upgraded secondary treatment system ensures that 

wastewater is properly treated before being released into local waterways and minimizes 

pollutants from entering the environment. These changes not only ensure compliance with 

environmental standards but also provide a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and people in 

Windsor and beyond. The goal of these upgrades is to create an overall cleaner environment 

and preserve natural resources by reducing the amount of contaminants in local waterways. 

Making these upgrades to the aeration basins is just one step forward in improving water 

quality and creating a better environment for everyone. The improved infrastructure will 

ensure that Windsor can continue to adhere to environmental standards while preserving 

natural resources. 

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Combatting Wildfires. The Town is extremely vulnerable to rising temperatures and increasing 

occurrence of wildfires. Recycled water and subsequent additional water storage will be critical 

to ensuring the Town has an adequate firefighting supply if water systems are damaged during 

the fire. 

Potential for Addressing Drought. By upgrading Windsor’s reclamation and treatment facilities, 

the Town helps create additional flexibility for water resources to be utilized during droughts. 

These improvements enable more efficient management of stored water reserves and allow 

changes to be made more quickly in response to drought-related challenges. Reclamation 

facilities provide an important source of supplemental water that can help ensure a reliable 

supply during dry periods when other sources may not be available. Upgrades also allow for 

greater control over the quality of reclaimed water, reducing risks associated with its use. With 

the additional flexibility created by these improvements, it is possible to increase resource 

efficiency and conserve valuable supplies even during times of drought. Ultimately, this will 

help create a secure water future for Windsor and the region. Furthermore, investing in 

reclamation consolidation and upgrades can also reduce the need for water transfers during dry 

periods. By improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure, there is potential to reduce 

pressures on the Russian River watershed and ensure that resources are prioritized for local use 

first. These improvements not only benefit Windsor but can also contribute to a sustainable 

regional water management strategy. Through thoughtful planning and investments in 

reclamation facilities, it is possible to create additional flexibility to address drought conditions 

and improve long-term water security. 

Evaluation Criterion 3: Environment and Water Quality (20 points). Upgrading reclamation 

facilities is a key step to improving the quality of surface water or groundwater. With advances 

in technology, these upgrades can help reduce pollutants and contaminants that pose safety 

hazards in both water sources. For example, new filtration systems can be installed to capture 

sediment, oils, and other pollutants before they enter the water source. Advanced treatment 

processes such as reverse osmosis can also be used to remove any remaining contamination 

from the water. Additionally, upgraded infrastructure such as pumps and pipes can help 

circulation and distribution of treated water back into the environment. Altogether, these 

improvements will have a positive effect on local ecosystems by providing cleaner sources of 

drinking water for wildlife and humans alike. Ultimately, upgrading reclamation facilities is 

essential to protect surface water and groundwater from degradation. It is an important step to 

ensure the long-term safety and quality of our precious water resources. 

Potential to Improve Effluent Quality. Windsor's reclamation upgrades identified in the 

proposed study have the potential to greatly improve effluent quality beyond current State and 

Federal discharge requirements. These upgrades can provide additional environmental 

benefits, such as improved water quality in rivers and streams, cleaner air, and reduced runoff 

of pollutants into local waterways. The upgraded facilities will help to protect public health by 

reducing exposure to contaminants from untreated wastewater. Additionally, with bettertreated wastewater released into the environment, aquatic life is supported more robustly, 

including a wider variety of native plants that rely on nutrient-rich waters for their growth. 

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Thus, Windsor's reclamation upgrades have the potential to bring about a wide range of 

positive effects on both the environment and human health. 

Potential to Improve Flow Conditions in Natural Stream Channel. The resulting projects 

culminating from the proposed feasibility study could expand reclaimed water use, thereby 

keeping more water in the Russian River and improving flow conditions. By eliminating the 

discharge of treated wastewater and reducing water temperatures, nutrient loading to the river 

can be lessened, which improves water quality and aquatic habitat and supports a wider variety 

of species. Windsor’s reclamation projects are essential for maintaining and restoring the 

health of stream channels and their ecosystems in the area. By improving flow conditions, these 

projects will advance a long-term sustainability plan for the region. 

Potential to Restore or Enhance Non-Listed Fish and Wildlife Species Habitats. Windsor's 

reclamation upgrades and consolidation of the Sonoma County Water Treatment Plant present 

a unique opportunity to restore or enhance habitats for non-listed fish and wildlife species in 

the Russian River. These projects can improve water quality by reducing nutrient loading, 

increasing dissolved oxygen levels, and providing essential habitats for threatened species. The 

upgrades can also help to reduce sedimentation caused by upstream development, which can 

be damaging to aquatic life. Additionally, these projects could increase riparian vegetation 

along the river banks, providing shade from summer temperatures and essential food sources 

for wildlife species. By investing in these projects, the Town is taking an important step towards 

protecting endangered fish and wildlife in our region. With the potential to improve water 

quality, provide suitable habitats, and increase food sources for non-listed species, Windsor's 

reclamation upgrades and consolidation of the ALWSZ are critical investments in the local and 

regional environment. The Russian River is federally identified as an impaired water body for 

nutrients and sediment. Achieving 100% recycled water means that there is zero discharge 

from the WWRF, eliminating Windsor's nutrient contributions to the river. 

Potential to Provide Water or Habitat for Federally-listed Threatened or Endangered Species. 

Local wildlife protection plays a crucial role in water availability for the Town of Windsor. Water 

releases from Lake Mendocino support flows in the Russian River for the threatened Chinook 

salmon and Steelhead trout during the fall and winter seasons. Lake Sonoma supports a 

dynamic and fragile ecosystem in Dry Creek that includes the endangered Coho salmon and 

threatened Steelhead trout. When tributary stream flows are low, Sonoma Water releases 

water stored in the reservoirs to supplement the natural flows in the Russian River to provide 

adequate flows for aquatic habitat. State Water Resources Control Board mandatory minimum 

streamflow requirements exist for these watercourses. This results in “regulatory droughts” 

where water exists in Lake Sonoma, but extraction for municipal uses is restricted to protect 

wildlife. Additionally, wastewater management can serve as a tool for enhancing water quality 

within the river system, helping ensure healthy environments that can support diverse aquatic 

species, including those listed under federal protection guidelines. 

Evaluation Criterion 4: Department of the Interior Priorities (15 points) 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

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Climate Change. Upgrading wastewater reclamation facilities can have a positive effect on the 

environment by reducing water waste and addressing climate change. Increased recycled 

services enable more efficient wastewater reuse, reducing the strain on natural resources. By 

conserving precious resources such as water, energy, and other raw materials, this initiative will 

help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, an important factor 

when considering global warming and its effects on our environment. Moreover, recycling 

wastewater can help reduce pollution in rivers and streams by eliminating the need to treat 

heavily polluted waters. The resulting clean water can then be used for irrigation or agricultural 

purposes. This reduces fertilizer runoff that would otherwise pollute waterways and decrease 

our marine life populations. Furthermore, utilizing reuse of treated wastewater can help save 

costs associated with providing additional freshwater sources while reducing risks associated 

with environmental hazards like floods or droughts. 

Increasing water storage helps to capture stormwater runoff, which can then be reused for 

irrigation or other applications. Additionally, stored water from reclaimed sources can help 

reduce flood risks caused by extreme weather events. By increasing the amount of recycled 

water available and capturing stormwater, these upgrades not only decrease emissions but also 

reduce the demand for energy required to continually process new supplies of freshwater. 

Ultimately, upgrading wastewater reclamation facilities is an important step in protecting our 

planet's precious natural resources and combating the effects of climate change. 

Water Supply Sustainability. One of the most effective ways to improve climate change 

resiliency is by making upgrades to wastewater reclamation facilities, which will allow for an 

increase in recycled services. The primary benefit associated with this action is that it allows for 

a greater amount of water reuse and recycling, thereby reducing the demand for imported 

water sources. Additionally, this approach can help conserve energy and prevent runoff 

pollution from entering our water sources. This can be especially important in areas where the 

water supply is limited or otherwise vulnerable to contamination. 

By utilizing efficient technologies, the Town can ensure that the quality of reclaimed water 

remains high enough for use in irrigation and other non-potable applications. Not only does this 

provide a cost-effective alternative to utilizing recycled water, but it ensures that a greater 

percentage of the available water supply is being used for its intended purpose. Furthermore, 

this approach can increase water availability by reducing evaporation and storage costs 

associated with rainwater catchment systems. Making upgrades to wastewater reclamation 

facilities can be an important part of improving climate change resiliency by allowing for 

increased recycling services and better utilization of existing resources. This not only aids in 

conserving energy and preventing runoff pollution but also provides a cost-effective alternative 

to conserving water resources. 

Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities. By investing in reclamation consolidation and 

upgrades, Windsor is helping to ensure clean water for all its citizens regardless of their 

economic status or background. This is critical because wastewater can contain various 

contaminants potentially harmful to human health if not properly treated. The upgrades will 

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allow for more efficient and effective treatment processes, ensuring that only safe and clean 

water is released into the environment. Additionally, this investment will help create jobs and 

stimulate local economies by bringing new technologies into play while providing employment 

opportunities for residents. This ultimately leads to increased financial stability and improved 

quality of life for disadvantaged communities. Reclaimed water will sustain urban green spaces 

and help keep potable water rates lower. These upgrades are an essential part of Windsor's 

commitment to providing equitable access to clean water and a better quality of life for all its 

citizens. 

Ten percent of Windsor’s population is identified as disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged 

based on low-income levels. Despite its picturesque setting in Sonoma County wine country, 

several factors contribute to Windsor’s disadvantaged status. One of the primary challenges 

facing Windsor is poverty. According to the US Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Windsor was 

4% in 2020. This means that a portion of the population struggles to make ends meet and may 

not have access to basic resources and services. The Town has a relatively homogenous 

population, with most residents identifying as White. This means that people of color may 

experience social and economic barriers, including limited access to quality education and 

healthcare services. Linguistic isolation is also a concern, with a sizable population of Spanish 

speakers. Many of these individuals may not be fluent in English, which can create challenges in 

accessing services and resources. The cost of housing in the Town is relatively high compared to 

the median income. This means that many households are spending a significant portion of 

their income on housing, leaving little room for other necessities. Limited water and sanitation 

access is also a challenge in some areas of Windsor. Some residents may not have access to 

clean drinking water or may not have adequate sanitation facilities. This can create health and 

safety risks for those affected. 

One of the key environmental stressors facing Windsor is its proximity to wildfire-prone areas. 

In recent years, the Town has been affected by several large wildfires, including the 2019 

Kincade Fire. These fires can pose a significant threat to public health and safety and can also 

cause damage to property and infrastructure. Another environmental stressor facing Windsor is 

its location in a region prone to drought. The Town relies on the Russian River for its water 

supply, and its flow can be significantly reduced during dry periods. This can lead to water 

shortages, which can have economic and social impacts on the community. In addition to these 

environmental stressors, Windsor residents face a high energy cost burden. The Town has a 

relatively high cost of living, and many households may struggle to pay their water and energy 

bills. This can lead to insecurity, which can have negative impacts on health and well-being. 

Town and Disadvantaged Community Characteristics. The population of the Windsor service 

area grew from 27,486 in 2015 to 29,397 in 2020, with an average growth rate of 1.5% per year. 

The Town has a population density of approximately 3,890 people per square mile. The median 

household income is $106,899, and the poverty rate is approximately 4.0% (United States 

Census Bureau, 2021). The five largest ethnic groups in Windsor are White (Non-Hispanic) 

(59.4%), White (Hispanic) (14.5%), Other (Hispanic) (14.2%), Multiracial (Hispanic) (3.65%), and 

Asian (Non-Hispanic) (3.04%). About 74% of the Windsor population speaks only English, and 

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The Town of Windsor 

Spanish is the second most common spoken language (United States Census Bureau, 2019). The 

median property value in Windsor (2018) is $563,800, and the homeownership rate is 75.8% 

(Data USA, 2021). Compared to the state average, the age of housing in Windsor is younger. 

21% of homes were built after 2000, 70.9% between 1970 and 1999, and 8.1% before 1970 

(United States Census Bureau, 2019). The project will benefit these “underserved communities”

as defined by Executive Order 13985, including those who have been systematically denied a 

full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. The project 

promotes equitable access to recycled water supplies for all individuals, including underserved 

populations. 

The Windsor Water District (WWD) operates the Town’s water utilities for its 28,397 residents,

providing water primarily for residential and commercial use. Approximately 10% of the Town’s 

Service Area is categorized as a Disadvantaged Community, and 4% of the Town’s Water Service 

Area is designated an Economically Distressed Area. These underrepresented communities are 

disproportionately affected by drought conditions and water restrictions. Furthermore, 

according to the Department of Water Resources EDA Mapping Tool (2016 data), there are 

three Economically Distressed Areas (EDA) that fall fully or partially within the Town’s service 

area. Combined, the proposed drought relief projects will provide 500+ AFY recycled water, 

thus increasing water supply reliability and relieving water insecurity for these 

underrepresented communities. For more information on Windsor’s disadvantaged

communities, please see Exhibits F-I in the attachment section. 

Tribal Benefits. The Lytton Rancheria is a federally recognized Pomo Indian Tribe from 

California’s San Francisco Bay area. Lytton Rancheria has purchased lands near its former 

Rancheria in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County (its original homeland). The Town is a 

direct neighbor of Lytton Rancheria, which is in the process of building a 124-acre residential 

development, community center retreat, and ceremonial Roundhouse. Although the tribe 

intends to provide its own water and sewer services, the recycled water expansion could 

position the Town to become a water service partner with Lytton, should their water services 

become compromised due to drought, fire, or other emergencies. Increasing water resiliency in 

the region will provide a benefit to all users reliant on water resources in the Russian River 

Watershed. 

Evaluation Criterion 5: Watershed Perspective (15 points) 

The purpose of this feasibility study is to expand the Town’s capacity to provide recycled water

services and storage for use in the region, thereby reducing reliance on the Russian River 

Watershed. The resulting projects from the feasibility study can potentially increase its water 

supplies by 500+ AFY. The proposed study is anticipated to provide the Town with a method for 

reclaimed water production and conveyance that will provide substantial cost savings. 

In 2001, the Town prepared the Water Reclamation Master Plan - Treatment Storage, and 

Disposal (Recycled Water Storage and Use Study, Brelji & Race, 2020). The Master Plan 

described the Town’s priorities in wastewater disposal, namely: 

▪ Priority 1: Reuse within Town limits or sphere of influence 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

▪ Priority 2: Agricultural reuse outside of Town limits 

▪ Priority 3: Reuse at the Geysers geothermal project 

▪ Priority 4: Discharge to Mark West Creek 

In 2003, the Town and the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) prepared a technical 

memorandum projecting the irrigation demand for recycled water within the Airport Area 

(Sonoma County Airport Area Recycled Water Project Planning, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, 

2003). In 2005, the Town and the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) prepared a technical 

memorandum describing the potential for joint operations of a recycled water system that 

would serve the Airport/Larkfield/Wikiup Sanitation Zone service area, a portion of which (the 

Airport Area) is served potable water by the Town (Evaluation of Joint Operation of the 

Reclamation Systems of the Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup Sanitation Zone, the Town of Windsor, and 

the Santa Rosa Subregional Reclamation System, Brelje & Race Consulting Civil Engineers, 

August 2005). 

The Town and the SCWA updated the 2003 technical memorandum in 2011 (Sonoma County 

Airport Area Recycled Water Project Planning Update, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, September 

13, 2011). This Study builds on and supplements these two earlier studies by: 

▪ Developing recycled water demand projections for the Town plus the Airport Area 

▪ Determining the highest priority target areas for expansion of the existing recycled 

water system 

▪ Estimating the cost of the proposed infrastructure 

▪ Prioritizing projects to achieve an offset of the Town’s potable water demand

▪ Developing a construction financing plan 

▪ Completing an initial environmental review of the proposed work 

In 2012, the Town applied for and was awarded a $75,000 grant from the State Water 

Resources Control Board (State Board) to prepare an Urban Recycled Water Facilities Planning 

Study (Study) in accordance with the Water Recycling Funding Program Guidelines. The purpose 

of this study was to develop priority recycled water projects for the Town and included a: 

▪ Market assessment of recycled water demand in-Town and Outside Service Areas; 

▪ Analysis of proposed recycled water project alternatives; and, 

▪ Construction Financing Plan and Environmental Checklist for the priority projects 

identified. 

Regional Water Demands. Upgrades to the WWRF, including expanding its recycled water 

system and consolidating the ALWSZ, provide numerous benefits to the Russian River 

Watershed and Sonoma County overall. By increasing recycled water and storage, this upgrade 

will help reduce the strain on local groundwater supplies by providing additional sources of 

water during dry periods. This, in turn, helps minimize the risk of low stream flows that can 

have a negative impact on fish populations and other aquatic life. In addition, increasing 

recycled water can potentially lead to increased agricultural production due to access to more 

reliable, high-quality irrigation water; improved water quality and reduced nutrient loads; and 

reduced pressure on local surface drinking water sources. In addition, expanding the Town of 

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The Town of Windsor 

Windsor's recycled water services and storage can help protect the Russian River Watershed 

by: 

▪ Decreased demand for potable water: By using recycled water for irrigation, 

landscaping, and other non-potable uses, the demand for potable (drinking) water will 

decrease in the Town of Windsor, which will help to preserve the watershed for all users 

that rely on the Russian River as their primary water source. 

▪ Improved water quality: Recycled water is treated to remove impurities and can be 

used to recharge groundwater aquifers, which can help maintain the overall water 

quality in the Russian River Watershed. 

▪ Drought protection: In times of drought, recycled water can be a valuable source of 

water for agricultural, industrial, and municipal uses in the Town of Windsor. By having 

recycled water storage facilities in place, the Town can ensure a reliable source of water 

during dry periods, helping to protect the watershed from the impacts of drought. 

▪ Flood control: Recycled water storage can also help with flood control in the Town of 

Windsor by capturing and storing excess water during periods of high flow, reducing the 

risk of flooding and helping to protect the watershed from the impacts of floods. 

▪ Fire Response: Increasing recycled water storage will help reduce the amount of potable 

water needed to fight fires and helps replenish Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino while 

ensuring there are reliable water supplies during extreme weather events like wildfires 

and during periods of drought when lake storage is low. 

Local/Regional Water Partners. The Town actively and regularly coordinates with other 

agencies for water efficiency and water supply planning. The Town is a member of the SonomaMarin Saving Water Partnership. This Partnership gathers resources to implement water 

efficiency programs. The Town also coordinates regularly with Sonoma Water and Sonoma 

Water’s other municipal contractors under the Water Advisory Committee (WAC), and the 

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The Town is also a member of the Santa Rosa Plain GSA, 

which was formed in June 2017 under the SGMA of 2014. The Town is on the GSA Board of 

Directors and the WAC. Collaboration with Sonoma Water and the Town is also a key part of 

the recommendations. An agreement with Sonoma Water is needed to implement a 

consolidation project, and community outreach is needed to inform recycled water 

management opportunities that lead to future service and storage expansion projects. 

Staff anticipates conducting public workshops regarding the results of the feasibility study and 

subsequent project recommendations to receive input from recycled water users and other 

stakeholders. Input and feedback will help inform future project design and construction 

phases. Public Works staff will continue to provide opportunities for public outreach and 

education on its recycled water initiatives. Outreach to customers is an important component 

of the proposed feasibility study. Reliance on storage requires receptors for the recycled water, 

and customer consumption is preferred over Town use of discretionary lands. Securing 

customer commitments through letters of intent or users’ agreements would help substantiate 

recycled water demands and confirm facility sizing. The Town is also in the development phase 

of creating a regional partnership approach to addressing water supply, recycled water, and 

other water resource concerns. This regional partnership is titled the Russian River Reuse 

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The Town of Windsor 

Collaborative and includes six local cities and water utilities with the common goal of securing 

water resiliency for the Russian River Watershed. 

Public Outreach. The Town reviewed its water demand and customer class profile to develop a 

communication plan that will be the most effective within these parameters. Based on 2020 

demands, single-family residential customers used 60% of potable water volume, multi-family 

residential customers used 4%, commercial customers used 12%, industrial customers used 3%, 

irrigation accounts used 13%, and water system operations used 8%. Residents of Windsor are 

afraid. Afraid they will no longer have the water they need for domestic, agricultural, and 

recreational use. They have worked hard to reduce consumption, yet worsening drought 

conditions indicate that those efforts will not be good enough due to demand hardening. The 

Town’s 28,397 residents have watched their main drinking water sources, the Russian River, 

Lake Sonoma, and Lake Mendocino, threatened by drought. 

The Town of Windsor has long been a proponent of responsible water use and conservation. 

The Water Conservation Act of 2009, also known as SB X7-7, established new requirements for 

Urban Water Management Plans with the goal of reducing statewide water consumption on a 

per capita basis by 20% by the year 2020. In the 2015 UWMP, the Town demonstrated 

compliance with the established 2015 interim water use target of 143 gpcd (gallons per capita 

per day) and set a target of 130 gpcd for 2020. Water conservation efforts, including the Cash 

for Grass and Water Smart Home Programs, allowed the Town of Windsor to successfully meet 

and exceed that target by 9.2 percent with an actual 2020 daily water use of 119 gpcd. 

Internal and External Stakeholders. The Town has identified stakeholders and customer 

categories for public outreach, including town staff and elected officials, business owners and 

local industries, environmental and public interest groups, and the general public. 

The Town will inform, engage, and educate the public and its water customers about the 

benefits and importance of recycled water, including addressing safety concerns and the stigma 

regarding recycled water. The Town will utilize a comprehensive set of communication 

interface options and tools that include the following: 

▪ Website information and social media outreach 

▪ Publications and handouts 

▪ Water bill pay portal communication (WaterSmart) 

▪ Presence at local events and public service announcements during Council meetings 

Widespread Project Support. The Town’s application includes letters of support from key 

stakeholders, including Congressman Jared Huffman, Senator Alex Padilla, Russian River Water 

Association, Sonoma County Water Agency, Sonoma Water 4th District. 

Significance of Collaboration/Support. Collaboration/support for this Project represents 

ongoing connections with municipalities, water partners, and community allies to achieve the 

common goals of drought resiliency, water conservation, and preserving our precious water 

supplies. 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

REQUIRED PERMITS OR APPROVALS 

No permits or approvals are required to perform the feasibility study. Title XII of the Town’s 

Municipal Code describes the ordinances controlling the Windsor Water District, the entity that 

is responsible for the Town’s water, sewer, and recycled water systems. Section 12-7-105-Policy 

indicates, “Where the use of recycled water is feasible, appropriate and acceptable to all 

applicable regulatory agencies for the purposes of landscape irrigation, or other uses permitted 

by the controlling regulatory agencies, it is the policy of the Town to require the applicant, 

owner, or user to use recycled water in lieu of potable water.”

The Town’s Municipal Code requires potential recycled water users to apply for a use permit, 

and comply with certain terms and conditions. Section 12-7-200-Application for Permit to Use 

Recycled Water describes the required permitting process. Permit Conditions describe the 

conditions on all permits to use recycled water issued by the Town: 

▪ Any approval or conditional approval of an application for recycled water service shall, 

unless otherwise specified, be deemed to be an approval or conditional approval of 

recycled water service only for the recycled water use area; for the location, size, and 

type of all recycled water service connections and on-site facilities; and for the proposed 

use of recycled water described in the application. 

▪ The use of recycled water service shall comply with all requirements of applicable 

federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations, including the Recycling 

Criteria, and other requirements, including the payment of all fees required by the 

regulatory agencies. 

OFFICIAL RESOLUTION 

A draft official Resolution is included at the end of this document, as per NOFO instructions. 

The authorized Resolution will be brought to Town Council on March 15, 2023. A signed copy 

will be provided to the BOR within 30 days of applying. Please see Exhibit K: Draft Resolution. 

LETTERS OF SUPPORT 

Letters of Support for the Town’s Feasibility Study Project are included as Exhibit L: Letters of 

Support. Letters of Partnership do not apply to this Project. 

OVERLAP OR DUPLICATION OF EFFORT STATEMENT 

There is no overlap or duplication for the Project. 

UNIFORM AUDIT REPORTING STATEMENT 

The Town submitted a Single Audit Report for the most recent fiscal year, 2021. The report was 

filed under TIN #68-0282543, and it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse 

website. 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT 

No actual or potential conflicts of interest exist at the time of the submission of this application. 

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-

RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

PROJECT BUDGET 

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment 

The Town of Windsor commits to making $249,866 from in-kind staff time and its Wastewater 

Enterprise Fund available as a non-federal funding match for the proposed Project. There are 

no time constraints on the availability of funds or any other contingencies associated with the 

funding commitment. 

• Project funding will not include third-party in-kind costs or cash requested or received 

from other non-Federal entities. 

• There are no pending funding requests (grants or loans) for this Project. 

• Project funding will not include third-party sources, and as such, there are no required 

Letters of Commitment. 

• The Town will assume any necessary staffing costs for project or grant management. 

• The Town is not seeking reimbursement for any expenditures incurred prior to the 

award. 

Table 1. Summary of Non Federal and Federal Funding 

Sources 

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT 

Non-Federal Entities 

Town of Windsor (In-Kind Staff 

Time/Fringe) $ 29,066 

Local Cash Contribution - General Funds $ 220,800 

Non-Federal Subtotal $ 249,866 

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING $ 249,866 

Table 2. Total Project Cost 

SOURCE AMOUNT 

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested 

Federal funding $ 249,866 

Costs to be paid by the applicant $ 249,866 

Value of third-party contributions $ -

TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 499,731 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

Budget Proposal 

Salaries and Wages

Hourly 

Rate Hours Total BOR Request

 Applicant 50% 

Match 

Project Manager $64.29 520 $ 33,431 $ 16,716 $ 16,716

Senior Administrative Assistant $38.90 208 $ 8,091 $ 4,046 $ 4,046

Fringe Benefits Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Project Manager $ 13,373 $ 6,687 $ 6,687

Administrative Assistant $ 3,236 $ 1,618 $ 1,618

Travel Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Not applicable $ - $ - $ -

Equipment Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Not applicable $ - $ - $ -

Supplies/Materials Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Not applicable $ - $ - $ -

Contractual Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Data Collection/Research Activities 160 170 $ 27,200 $ 13,600 $ 13,600

Water Reclamation and Reuse Opportunities 160 200 $ 32,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000

Reclaimed Water Sources and Recycled 

Water Background 160 200 $ 32,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000

Recycled Water Supply Alternative 

Development and Analysis 160 250 $ 40,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000

Cost and Benefits 160 200 $ 32,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000

Energy Evaluation 160 200 $ 32,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000

Environmental Considerations, Impacts, 

Compliance 160 250 40,000$ $ 20,000 $ 20,000

Economic and Financial Impacts 160 250 40,000$ $ 20,000 $ 20,000

Recommend Course of Action 160 250 40,000$ $ 20,000 $ 20,000

Public Outreach 160 140 22,400$ $ 11,200 $ 11,200

Implementation and Funding Plan 160 150 24,000$ $ 12,000 $ 12,000

Prepare Draft Report 160 300 48,000$ $ 24,000 $ 24,000

Prepare Final Report 160 200 32,000$ $ 16,000 $ 16,000

Total Direct Costs Total BOR Request Applicant Match

2760 499,731$ $ 249,866 $ 249,866

Indirect Costs Total BOR Request Applicant Match

Not applicable -$ -$ $ -

Total Project Costs 499,731$ $ 249,866 $ 249,866

TOWN OF WINDSOR 

Table 3. Feasibility Study Project Budget

Fringe Rate

40%

40%

BUDGET NARRATIVE 

Salaries, Wages, and Fringe Benefits 

The total salaries for the proposed project are $41,522 (12.5% FTE), including the following 

positions: 

Deputy Director of Water and Environmental Compliance, Veronica Siwy 

$64.29/hour x 520 hours (12.5% FTE) = $33,431 

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RECLAIMED WATER EXPANDED USE FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The Town of Windsor 

Ms. Siwy’s annual salary in this capacity translates to an hourly rate of $64.29 per hour. The 

Project Manager will be responsible for reviewing and signing contract and deliverable 

documents, soliciting and reviewing bids from qualified consultants, and reviewing and signing 

contract documents, including a categorical exemption under NEPA. The Project Manager will 

review data collection efforts and assist the consultant in obtaining necessary information, as 

well as review the Consultant’s efforts to define and describe the project effort. She will review 

and provide assistance to the Consultant in their efforts to evaluate the potential reclaimed 

water market. The Project Manager will oversee efforts by the Consultant to develop and 

evaluate feasible alternatives and the water distribution system. She will also oversee efforts to 

evaluate environmental impacts. Similarly, she will review the Consultant’s efforts to develop a 

course of action and a draft final report. Finally, the Project Manager will be responsible for 

reviewing and revising the final draft of the final report. 

Senior Administrative Assistant (To be determined upon award) 

$38.90/hour x 208 hours (.05% FTE) = $8,091 

The Senior Administrative Assistant will provide assistance as needed throughout the project in 

managing the reporting contracting documentation and reporting requirements, as well as 

managing the review process associated with the draft and final reports. 

Fringe Benefits 

The City’s fringe rate is 40% and includes health, life, worker’s compensation insurance, 

vacation, and sick leave benefits. 

$41,522 x .40 = $16,609 

Travel 

There are no travel expenses anticipated for the Project. 

Equipment 

There are no equipment costs for the Project. 

Supplies and Materials 

There are no materials and supplies costs for the Project. 

Contractual 

Reclaimed Water Expanded Use Feasibility Study - Contractual costs make up most of the 

budget for the Project, for a total of $441,600. A Consultant will be determined by an RFP and 

bidding process. The Consultant will be responsible for carrying out all feasibility study 

activities. 

All these items combined lead to a total of $499,731 for the Project budget. The Town has 

committed to providing a 50% match of $249,866, and the Town’s Project funding request is for

50 percent or $249,866. 

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RESOLUTION NO. XX-XXXX 

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE 

TOWN OF WINDSOR AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION 

OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF 

RECLAMATION, FOR THE 2023 WATERSMART 

WATER RECYCLING AND DESALINATION PLANNING 

GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF 

WINDSOR, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, TO EXECUTE 

A GRANT AGREEMENT. 

WHEREAS, The United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), 

released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (NFO: R23AS00076) WaterSMART Grants: Water 

Recycling and Desalination Planning for 2023; 

WHEREAS, The Town of Windsor is a California township and, through its Public Works 

Department, has the authority to construct, operate, and maintain the water distribution system and is 

responsible for providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable water and electric services; 

WHEREAS, The grant application requires the adoption of an authorizing resolution designating 

a representative to sign and file a financial assistance application and all necessary documents related to a 

grant agreement with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation; and 

WHEREAS, The Town of Windsor, if selected, will enter into a grant agreement with the United 

States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation to develop a multi-feasibility study for the 1) 

Consolidation of Sonoma Water Treatment Plant, 2) Aeration Basin Project, and 3) expansion of recycled 

water system to the airport irrigation area. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Windsor as follows: 

1. The Public Works Director is hereby authorized and directed to sign, submit and file, for and on 

behalf of the Town, an application for a grant agreement with the United States Department of the 

Interior, Bureau of Reclamation for planning and pre-construction activities to facilitate 

development of water reuse and desalination projects. 

2. The Public Works Director is designated to provide the assurances, certifications, and 

commitment required for the financial assistance application, including executing all documents 

in furtherance thereof, including but not limited to a grant or cooperative agreement with the 

United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation and any amendments or changes 

thereto. 

3. The Town of Windsor is capable of providing the matching funding and/or in-kind contributions 

specified in the grant application funding plan. 

4. The Town Council of the Town of Windsor has reviewed and supports the application to be 

submitted to the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. 

5. The Town of Windsor will use reasonable efforts to work with the United States Department of 

the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or 

cooperative agreement, and 
 

 

_______________________ 

_________________________________ 

6. The Public Works Director is designated to represent the Town of Windsor in carrying out the 

Town of Windsor’s responsibilities under the grant agreement, including certifying disbursement 

requests on behalf of the Town and compliance with applicable state and federal laws. 

CERTIFICATION 

I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly 

adopted at a meeting of the Town Council held on this ____ day of February 2023 by the following vote: 

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS 

NOES: 

ABSTAIN: 

ABSENT: 

Sam Salmon, Mayor 

ATTEST: 

Irene Camacho-Werby, Town Clerk 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FP 304-30 

February 22, 2023 

Secretary Deb Haaland 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 

Denver Federal Center 

Bldg. 67, Room 152 

Denver, CO 80225 

Subject: Town of Windsor’s Multi-Feasibility Application to the Bureau of Reclamation 

Dear Madam Secretary: 

The Sonoma County Water Agency is pleased to support the Town of Windsor’s application for funding 

from the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a water recycling feasibility study that will result in increased 

recycled water service and storage availability for the Town. 

As General Manager of Sonoma Water, I am responsible for Sonoma Water’s core functions of providing 

drinking water to 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties and wastewater 

management for eight zones and districts throughout Sonoma County. Sonoma County Water Agency 

maintains nearly 100 miles of streams and detention basins for flood protection and manages a nationally 

recognized Russian River Watershed Restoration Program for the benefit of three federally listed fish 

species. 

The proposed project aligns with our 2017 Strategic Plan to improve the efficient use of water in the Water 

Agency’s service area, including optimizing and managing water supply sources and increasing recycled 

water storage, distribution, and use. By undertaking this feasibility study, the Town will gain the ability to 

apply for future WaterSMART funding to construct and implement projects that will increase the region’s 

water resiliency and reliability. 

We are excited to see this planning project come to fruition as it provides an innovative solution that will 

contribute to meeting the region's water demands for generations to come. 

Sincerely, 

Grant Davis 

General Manager 

SCH: S:\Clerical\Pinks\02-20-23\Letter of Support TOW.docx 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 

COUNTY OF SONOMA 

CHRIS COURSEY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAIR 

575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A DAVID RABBITT 

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403 VICE CHAIR 

SUSAN GORIN (707) 565-2241 

FAX (707) 565 JAMES GORE -3778 

LYNDA HOPKINS 

February 17, 2023 

Secretary Deb Haaland 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 

Denver Federal Center 

Bldg. 67, Room 152 

Denver, CO 80225 

Subject: Town of Windsor WaterSMART Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Grant Program 

Dear Madam Secretary: 

On behalf of Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, I am writing in support of the Town of Windsor’s 

application to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to conduct an in-depth feasibility study to increase its 

recycled water capabilities and storage through strategic infrastructure improvements. 

Sonoma County is a regional leader in water resources management. Its mission is to effectively manage 

water resources in our care for the benefit of people and the environment through resource and 

environmental stewardship, technical innovation, and responsible fiscal management. 

Despite the substantial increase in water levels due to the series of recent storms, the region continues to 

face long-term drought impacts and water quality issues. For these reasons, I commend the Town on its 

approach to implementing projects that significantly impact the region’s water quality, resiliency, and 

reliability. 

A key issue of the Sonoma County Legislative Platform is to promote efficient implementation of recycled 

water projects through California. I respectfully ask for your support of the Town’s application for BOR 

funding to increase its recycled water services and help conserve water resources in the Town of Windsor 

Sincerely, 

Chris Coursey, Chair 

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors 

cc: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors 

and Sonoma County region. Thank you for your full and fair consideration of this grant request. 
 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD COUNTY OF SONOMA 

BOARD OF CHRIS COURSEY SUPERVISORS CHAIR 

575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A DAVID RABBITT 

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403 VICE CHAIR 

(707) 565-2241 SUSAN GORIN 

FAX (707) 565-3778 JAMES GORE 

LYNDA HOPKINS 

February 15, 2023 

Secretary Deb Haaland 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 

Denver Federal Center 

Bldg. 67, Room 152 

Denver, CO 80225 

RE: Support for the Town of Windsor’s Application to the Bureau of Reclamation 

WaterSMART Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Grant Program 

Dear Madam Secretary: 

On behalf of Sonoma County’s Fourth District, I want to express my support for the Town of 

Windsor’s application to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to conduct an in-depth feasibility study to 

increase its recycled water capabilities and storage through strategic infrastructure improvements. 

Sonoma County is a regional leader in water resources management. Its mission is to effectively 

manage water resources in our care for the benefit of people and the environment through resource 

and environmental stewardship, technical innovation, and responsible fiscal management. 

Despite the substantial increase in water levels due to the series of recent storms, the region 

continues to face long-term drought impacts and water quality issues. For these reasons, I commend 

the Town on its approach to implementing projects that significantly impact the region’s water 

quality, resiliency, and reliability. 

I respectfully ask for your support of the Town’s application for BOR funding to increase its recycled 

water services and help conserve water resources in the Town of Windsor and Sonoma County 

region. 

Sincerely, 

James Gore 

Fourth District County Supervisor 

Sonoma Water Director 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 21, 2023 SENT VIA: EMAIL 

Secretary Deb Haaland 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 

Denver Federal Center 

Bldg. 67, Room 152 

Denver, CO 80225 

SUBJECT: Support for the Town of Windsor’s Multi-Feasibility Study to the BOR 

Dear Madam Secretary: 

On behalf of the Russian River Watershed Association Board of Directors, I am 

pleased to offer our strong support for the Town of Windsor’s application to the 

Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to conduct a multi-feasibility study to expand its 

recycled water service and increase its recycled water storage availability to Windsor. 

The Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) is a coalition of ten cities, 

counties, and special districts in the Russian River watershed that have come 

together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and 

watershed enhancement. RRWA was formed in 2003 to create opportunities for 

our member agencies to expand their stewardship role in the watershed. 

The Town of Windsor, California, is located within the Russian River Watershed, which is particularly 

vulnerable to the current megadrought that has been ravaging much of California for several years. By 

increasing its recycled water service, Windsor can help protect this important watershed from further strain. 

The proposed planning project would reduce the demand for groundwater and surface water sources from 

the watershed and ensure that the existing freshwater supply remains protected and undiminished. 

The Town of Windsor has a responsibility to help protect the Russian River Watershed and taking 

measures like this feasibility study is an effective way to do so. Not only will it help to conserve 

freshwater resources, but it can also have other positive impacts, such as reduced pollution runoff. By 

taking this step now, future generations can enjoy a healthier and more sustainable environment. These 

efforts will help protect the Russian River Watershed from drought-related damage and ensure its 

sustainability for future generations. 

We urge the BOR to fund this important initiative. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. 

Sincerely, 

Andy Rodgers, Executive Director 

Russian River Watershed Association