Water?

[Eric Jones]

What’s everybody doing about water this year?

We’ve already received a notice from Contra Costa that we are using above our allocation.

Are there any provisions or exemptions from the County for water used for agricultural purposes?

Appreciate any insights.

[Frank Orson]

I asked EBMUD, and they said no exemptions. We’re also pushing the limit using less than last year….

F

[Karen Maggio]

I just asked Rob Bennaton at UC dept of agriculture about the agricultural designation. Will let you know what he says. It used to be that an acre or more of property used for agricultural use could qualify for special designation and reduced water rates.

[David Rey]

I explored this with EBMUD a couple of years ago on behalf of the Board.  The bottom line is that EBMUD is not in the business of providing water for agricultural purposes.  Both EBMUD (in Emeryville) and CCCSD (in Martinez) will give you reclaimed water (treated to a standard that is safe for viticulture) for free, but you have to haul it.

Dave Rey

[Eric Jones]

Thank you all for your replies.

Any thoughts on ways to minimize things like evaporation, or tips to keep water close to the plant, or tools or devices to maintain soil moisture?

I’ve dug around each plant and created a cache basin, and then put 2″ to 4″ of mulch around each trunk.

Would appreciate any other ideas and approaches.

[Karen Maggio]

When mulching around the vines allow a few inches between the vine and the mulch to allow air circulation and prevent rotting and fungus.

[admin]

At Captain Vineyards, we did start to train our vines in 2007, we planted in 2005! With clay loam soils which retains the water.   with improving the quality, health of the soil & composting all our shredding  from the pruning’s,  we found that the vines will react positively & “I”, believe,  that they , the vines, after many years, get used to the Lamorinda climate.  We have not watered yet!

Susan Captain