County launches ambitious plan to safeguard vital aquifers

In a recent government meeting, the water resources program manager for Santa Cruz County outlined critical strategies aimed at protecting and managing local aquifers, emphasizing the importance of sustainable groundwater management. The county's water supply relies heavily on local precipitation, as it is not connected to any state water projects, making responsible water use essential for future sustainability.

The presentation highlighted that groundwater constitutes 76% of the county's water usage, with a significant portion coming from agricultural activities in the Pajaro Valley. Despite a growing population, water consumption has decreased, reaching the lowest levels since tracking began in the 1980s. This trend underscores the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

The manager detailed the county's compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which mandates the establishment of groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs). These agencies are tasked with developing and implementing sustainability plans to address issues such as groundwater depletion and seawater intrusion. The county is actively involved in two GSAs and collaborates with the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency.

Several projects aimed at enhancing water supply were discussed, including the Pure Water Soquel recycled water project, which will purify wastewater for potable use and inject it into the aquifer. Other initiatives include the College Lake project and the Watsonville Slough project, both designed to capture and treat water for distribution, significantly increasing the available water supply.

Additionally, the county is updating its well ordinance, which governs the installation and management of wells. This update is crucial for ensuring that new wells do not negatively impact existing water sources or quality. The revised ordinance will introduce a tiered permitting system, enhanced water quality testing, and metering requirements for larger wells.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, inviting public input on the well ordinance updates, which are vital for maintaining the health of the county's water resources. As climate change poses increasing challenges, the county's proactive measures aim to secure a sustainable water future for its residents.