Rain is welcome sound for North Bay farmers

NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- By no measure is California's drought over. Not officially, at least. But consider that we are still in fall, and more than 20 inches have already fallen on parts of the North Bay, farmers are feeling more confident.

Maybe you're tired of the rain, but we know a man for whom this sight and sound is more welcome and beautiful than anything else on earth.

"Nobody thought we would have this much water, this time of year," said Don DeBernardi.

Maybe you remember him from last year. That's when ABC7 News paid him multiple visits to the two-rock area of Sonoma County, following the saga of drought. DeBernardi followed a green patch on the ground and spent a bundle hoping for a well.

"I was pretty desperate. That was a little dribble we found. I was happy but it didn't lead to any water," explained DeBernardi.

This year, he almost has too much of it. Not that he's complaining.

"Two weeks ago this was almost empty,' he said.

The rain is lifting a big burden for all ranchers around in the area.

Neil McIsaac had the same concerns last year. Now, he has a stronger sense of security.

"We won't have to haul any water. Tanks are running over. Springs and wells are recharged," said McIssac.

And it's not even winter.

For more on the current storm and how it's impacting the entire Bay Area, click here.