Sonoma County Protects Groundwater After Fires

Sonoma County, Calif., began efforts to protect streams and watersheds threatened by the Tubbs and Nuns Fires, which hit wine country and portions of the foothills northeast of Sacramento, Calif., starting Oct. 8.

With rain in the forecast, many agencies in the area are working to prevent ash from running into local streams, contaminating watersheds and polluting drinking water. According to CBS SF Bay Area, there are 617 streams in the area affected by the wildfires. The creeks and streams in the burned area are more at risk of flooding, debris flow and landslides from runoff.

The agencies are cleaning and checking storm drains, installing straw wattles and sandbags to protect storm drains, and capturing, storing and treating runoff from the most impacted urban areas. They also are checking and installing debris-capture devices along roadways.