Earth Day is every day in April! Over the month of April, we have the opportunity to welcome spring with a variety of activities, raising awareness about environmental issues and taking action toward ensuring a sustainable future. From water resiliency to renewable energy, this year's theme, Our Power, Our Planet, serves as a reminder of the challenges our planet faces and our collective responsibility to protect it.

This month can also serve as a reminder to all of us that there is no replacement for fresh air and getting outdoors (I too am guilty of spending too much time sitting in front of my computer or attached to my smartphone). As Sacramento County gears up for Earth Month, I'm pleased to help highlight our County's dedication to environmental stewardship. 

From sustainability efforts at Sacramento International Airport to the Rosemont Community Association's first ever Earth Day Party, to cleanup efforts along the 23-mile gem of the American River Parkway, everyone can find a way to celebrate and protect our natural environment . . . air, land and water. Learn more about how Sacramento County is investing in our planet here.

A great example of the County's commitment to environmental stewardship is the Sacramento Area Sewer District's (SacSewer) Bufferlands, a 2,150 acre open space in south Sacramento County that serves as a natural buffer between the EchoWater Facility and the community. This space was specifically designed to help reduce the potential for odor and noise from the sewer treatment plant and is also a habitat preserve reflecting over 30 years of restoration and management for wildlife to thrive. 

Each year, SacSewer Bufferlands hosts public tours and exciting events, including Walk on the Wildside, an annual celebration with wildlife demonstrations, hikes, music and opportunities to engage with local wildlife. For more information about Walk on the Wildside, please visit their website at sacsewer.com/event/walk-on-the-wildside-2025.

Another County project I'm sure many of you are familiar with is the Harvest Water Program, California's largest-ever agricultural water recycling project aimed at delivering recycled water to agricultural lands and habitats in southern Sacramento County. This water has been treated biologically, mechanically, and chemically to meet the stringent requirements for discharge and reuse. While it is not recommended to drink it directly, it is completely safe for crops and livestock. When complete, the program will provide up to 50,000 acre-feet (approximately 16 billion gallons) of drought-resistant, recycled water annually. A few of the key goals of this impactful project include:

Groundwater Restoration: By supplying recycled water for irrigation instead of groundwater, Harvest Water aims to promote natural groundwater recovery and increase regional and state water reliability. ​

Sustainable Agriculture: The program supports sustainable farming practices by delivering up to 50,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water to irrigate up to 16,000 acres of agricultural lands. ​

Habitat Enhancement: Delivering recycled water to existing habitats is expected to strengthen local ecosystems and benefit wildlife while improving groundwater conditions that sustain local riparian and wetland areas. ​

Last month, Harvest Water was awarded an additional $73 million in funding from the California Water Commission as part of the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). Grant funding for the project now exceeds $394 million, further solidifying Harvest Water's status as a cornerstone of sustainable water management in California. 

With significant construction occurring in the area south of Elk Grove, SacSewer is reaching out to residents regarding road closures and construction impacts through multiple methods and channels. The inconvenience is real but so are the benefits the Harvest Water pipeline project will provide including the scheduled road improvements once the pipeline is constructed. You can sign up for construction updates at www.SacHarvestWater.org. Questions, comments and concerns may be directed to the Harvest Water team by calling (916) 876-3322 or emailing [email protected].

As we celebrate Earth Day every day in April, I encourage all of us to reflect on how we can continue to contribute to the restoration and protection of our planet. Even small steps can count and when multiplied across our County, these efforts can have a profound and lasting impact on this area we call home.

Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume represents District 5, which encompasses nearly 700 miles of the county, including the cities of Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Isleton, Galt and portions of the City of Sacramento. For more information, visit bos.saccounty.gov/District5.