Funding for this section of the website was provided by the California Department of Fish and Game, SB271.

WHY SAVE WATER?

In the recent years, water conservation has become an important project. In late summer and early fall of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, sections of the river above Whitethorn dried up.

Juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead trout require cool, clean, flowing water to survive. When water levels get low, as they do between August and the first rains, river pools can become shallow and too warm, and many dry up completely. Fish trapped in these pools frequently die due to high water temperatures or total habitat loss.

Please CLICK HERE to view an informational brochure about the Mattole Low Flow problem and what our partner organization Sanctuary Forest is doing to address it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

You can make a big difference for our fish and wildlife by conserving water.

• Install water storage tanks: If large storage tanks are filled during the rainy season for use during the dry season, significant amounts of water will remain in the river at the most crucial time of year.
  
  
  

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• Install a greywater system: Greywater systems allow you to 'recycle' your household water by utilizing it multiple times before it leaves your property. In fact, if you set up your greywater system properly, plants utilized in the system can filter out nutrients, soaps, and other contaminants. Please click here to see a list of plants recommended for your system.
  
  

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• Use water saving devices: Tank shut-off valves are the single most effective way to conserve water. Other devices, such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, also help to conserve water.
  
  

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• Examine your water system: Look for leaks and repair any before the dry season.
  
  

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• Use only as much water as you need: Plan gardens and other spaces to use less water in the dry season and set up drip systems.
  
  

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• Read water conservation FACT SHEETS, available by clicking here.

WHAT THE MRC OFFERS:

While supplies and resources last, the MRC offers the following water conservation devices for Mattole residents and landowners:

Please contact Flora Brain at the Petrolia office for information.