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Sonoma County: Kundes turn wastewater into profits

Posted by: Maven on May 26, 2009 at 8:01 am

From the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

Saralee and Rich Kunde are doing their parts to keep the Russian River free of Santa Rosa wastewater, a move that has helped them earn a profit and produce award-winning wines.

Today, the couple uses 25 million to 35 million gallons of the city’s highly treated wastewater each year to irrigate 260 acres of premium wine grapes, landscaping surrounding their Slusser Road home and a three-acre, park-like setting used to host weddings and high-profile community events.

“We use it on everything. It’s been a priceless commodity for us,” Saralee Kunde said. She and her husband, both with long-standing roots in Sonoma County’s farm community, bought the vineyards and home in the rural foothills a short distance from the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and turned it into what is know known as Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard.

She recalls that they started using the wastewater in 1992 as Santa Rosa, desperate to ease tensions over its discharges into the Russian River, searched for those willing to use it for irrigation. At that time the city’s effluent was widely scorned, including by some in agriculture who believed it could harm the reputation of their crops.

Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.

May 26, 2009 · Filed Under Recycled Water

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