Water Quality Analysis

Protecting Water Quality

Clean Water Analyst and Ombudsperson

Strategic Initiatives supports efforts across the County to promote clean water policies. This includes working with a variety of public and private agencies, community groups and non-profit organizations to catalyze water quality improvements, and work collaboratively to solve large, complex problems.

• Why does this work matter?

Water is critical to the health and vitality of Sonoma County residents. It supports our local economy and provides countless recreational opportunities. Strategic Initiatives supports programs that ensure continued access to this resource.

• Examples of work we do:
  • Providing resources for communities wanting to learn more about the work being done by Sonoma County.
  • Advocating for local communities who require additional resources to create lasting environmental improvements.
  • Conducting studies to find and fix sources of fecal pollution in the Russian River.
  • Working with County staff to Develop short and long term strategies for water quality protection and improvement.
  • Collaborating with regulators to understand the implications of future regulations.
  • Staying informed about relevant regulations and best practices in water management.
  • Preparing reports and presentations on water quality issues.

Ensuring Fairness and Resolving Issues

The Sonoma County Clean Water Ombudsperson serves as a neutral and confidential resource for individuals who have concerns or complaints regarding county government services, processes, or actions. The office impartially listens to all sides of an issue, conducts independent inquiries and reviews, and facilitates communication to find mutually agreeable solutions. By identifying systemic issues and recommending improvements to county policies and procedures and operating outside the formal departmental structure to ensure impartiality, the Ombudsman plays a crucial role in promoting fairness and accountability.

Examples of how the Ombudsman can help:

• • Serve as a neutral and confidential resource for individuals with water related concerns or complaints about Sonoma County government services, processes, or actions.
  • Operate outside of the formal departmental structure to ensure impartiality and listen to all sides of an issue.
  • Conduct independent inquiries and reviews.
  • Facilitate communication and finding mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Identify systemic issues and recommending improvements to county policies and procedures.
  • Provide information and referrals to other relevant resources.
• Examples of possible work:
  • Concerns about the application of county policies or regulations.
  • Difficulties in navigating county services.
  • Complaints about the conduct of county staff (excluding personnel matters handled by HR).
  • Questions about County processes and procedures.
  • Feeling unheard or unfairly treated by a county department.
• Work that’s not allowed:
  • Legal matters or court decisions.
  • Personnel issues or disciplinary actions involving county employees.
  • Issues outside of Sonoma County government jurisdiction.
  • Matters already in formal grievance or legal proceedings.

Community Engagement

Staff work closely with a variety of agencies, but primarily with local communities. Engagement with the community takes many forms and includes:

• Participating in public meetings and workshops.
• Providing information and resources on water quality issues.
• Responding to public inquiries and concerns related to water.
• Collaborating with community groups and stakeholders on water protection initiatives.

Contact Information:

If you have an issue, concern, complaint, or want to learn more about what’s happening in your community please reach out to

• Todd Hunsdorfer, Clean Water Analyst and Ombudsperson
• Hunsdorfer@sonoma-county.org
• (707) 565-3747