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of monitoring wells helps us understand how much water is in the underground aquifers we pump from and where seawater intrusion is occurring. We closely measure how much water we pump, monitor water quality, and are shifting well pumping away from the coast. We’re also working together with other local agencies and private well owners who pump water from the same groundwater basin to find regional solutions to protect our shared water supply. Securing Supplemental Water Supplies: Conservation and groundwater management are helpful, but not sufficient to protect The District welcomes input and wants to ensure that information on the Pure Water Soquel project is available and accessible for its customers and community members. Informational meetings will be held throughout the environmental review period for the community to learn about the technical studies being conducted, the project study process, upcoming milestones, and to provide input. The District is preparing an environmental impact report (EIR) on its Pure Water Soquel Project and the draft is scheduled to be released in late Spring 2018. There are several ways to stay informed: • Visit out website at soquelcreekwater.org • Subscribe to our monthly eblast • Attend public meetings • Follow us on social media PROJECT OVERVIEW The District has developed an action oriented, multi- faceted Community Water Plan. This long- range plan (Figure 1) is based on community input and serves as the District’s roadmap to meet our goal of long-term sustainability by 2040. The Community Water plan’s key components include: water conservation, groundwater management, and securing supplemental supplies. Furthering Water Conservation and Zero Impact Development: Our customers are helping to protect our limited groundwater supply by making conservation a way of life. We offer many tools and programs to help customers use water efficiently at home and at work. We’re proud of the work our customers have done to conserve water and we’re committed to supporting these efforts. Pro-Active Groundwater Management: Our network Our Water Supply Challenges The groundwater basin that Soquel Creek Water District (District) relies on for 100% of its water supply is not sustainable and seawater intrusion is present in the Pleasure Point, Aptos, Seascape, and La Selva Beach areas. The basin also provides water for over a thousand private well users, small mutual water systems, and municipal pumpers. The main challenges we face include: • Critically overdrafted groundwater basin • Seawater intrusion and contamination • Meeting the State mandate of sustainability by 2040 • Addressing stricter water quality standards • Future climate change impacts such as seawater rise and reduced recharge In order to address these challenges and ensure a reliable water supply for current and future generations, the District needs a new water supply. Participate. Evaluate. Be Informed. River Water Transfers: The District has embarked on a pilot project of purchasing excess treated river water from the City of Santa Cruz and is addressing water quality issues with blending river water with groundwater. The District recognizes river water is not a guaranteed, reliable source of supply. Limits due to future drought conditions, habitat protection, and the City’s own water supply needs may impact the availability and timeliness of this source for the District. The District continues to partner with the city to further the evaluation. Desalination: The District has signed a non-binding, non-financial agreement to potentially purchase desalinated water from the proposed Deep Water Desal Project in Moss Landing. The project is undergoing environmental review. The District recognizes this project is a back-up option for Cal-Am in Monterey and is being co-located with data centers which may impact the availability and timeliness of this source for the District. The District continues to watch the development of this project. Storm Water Capture: Capturing available storm water may provide some water to aid in recharging the groundwater basin. The District is examining this option by exploring potential sites and technologies for stormwater recharge. The District is investigating geological factors, rainfall runoff patterns, and potential water quality concerns. CONSIDERING OPTIONS: Diversifying with river water transfers, desalination, and/or storm water capture 5180 Soquel Drive Soquel, CA 95073 www.soquelcreekwater.org For more information: www.soquelcreekwater.org/cwp Melanie Mow Schumacher, PE | Special Projects-Communications Manager 831-475-8501x 153 | melanies@ soquelcreekwater.org WHAT’S INSIDE? What is Pure Water Soquel? Why Purified Water? What are the Project Benefits? Understanding the Water Purification Process Technical Studies Project Timeline and Proposed Milestones How to Learn More and Participate Considering Options: River Water Transfers, Desalination & Storm Water Capture 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 Our Community Water Plan Conservation Well Management Water Reuse River Transfers Desalination Storm Water Water Supply Sustainability 4 Potential Water Supply Options Figure 1: Community Water Plan the groundwater basin from being contaminated by seawater intrusion. A new source of supply is still needed. Through phone and on-line surveys, the three qualities that are most important to our customers for a new water supply project are timeliness, water quality, and reliability. The District has been evaluating four different supply options: Pure Water Soquel, a groundwater replenishment project using purified water; river water transfers with the City of Santa Cruz; desalination from Moss Landing; and stormwater capture. Our water solution may involve a combination of supplemental water supply options. Mobile Education Trailer This interactive education trailer was created to help educate our community about the Pure Water Soquel project. Bright, colorful information panels and hands-on-samples of actual materials involved in the water purification process give guests of all ages a better understanding of the Pure Water Soquel project and how it fits into the Community Water Plan. Request the water education trailer to visit your organization, church, club, or school. Contact: Vai Campbell 831-475-8501 x142 [email protected]
