Water Sources in the Sacramento Region

Rainbow Bridge in Folsom California at sunset

 

The Sacramento region relies on three main sources for water supply: the Sacramento River, the Lower American River and groundwater.  The Lower American River is a Designated Wild and Scenic River, which preserves the character of the river.

Many water providers have access to both surface water (rivers) and groundwater.  Surface water provides the majority of water supply (60-70%) to the region in any given year.  However, the amount of surface water available in any one year is largely dependent on the weather.  Surface water is replenished by the rain and snow the Sacramento region receives each season.  Groundwater is pumped to the surface from underground aquifers and is replenished over time and at a slower rate than surface water.

More than half of all the water supplied in the Sacramento region is consumed by residents.  Therefore, our region’s residents can make a big impact by using water efficiently at home.  Learn how on our Top Ways to Save page.