Title
Hold a regional water forum to provide an overview of current efforts regarding water management and sustainability, and to initiate a comprehensive discussion on regional water supplies and solutions in northern Monterey County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Board of Supervisors:
Hold a regional water forum to provide an overview of current efforts regarding water management and sustainability, and to initiate a comprehensive discussion on regional water supplies and solutions in northern Monterey County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On September 28, 2021, the Board added Supervisor Mary Adam’s Referral No. 2021.18 (Revised) to the Monterey County Board of Supervisor’s referral matrix that resulted in this regional water forum to provide a more in- depth analysis of how the regional water picture, across subbasins, is now influenced by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act’s required outcomes. The goal of the forum is to provide an overview of current efforts regarding water management and sustainability, and to initiate comprehensive discussions on regional water supply issues and solutions. An understanding of the larger regional water picture is important to forge a consensus approach for water agencies and County leaders.
The first Regional Water Forum, held in March, provided a clear picture of how the regional water picture is now influenced by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act’s required outcomes, particularly in over drafted subbasins. The staffs of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA), the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA), Monterey One Water (M1W), and the Marina Coast Water District/Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MCWD) collaborated on a presentation that focused on the 180/400 Foot Aquifer, Monterey, Langley and Eastside Subbasins.
The second forum will continue to focus on a broad understanding of what is needed for the future of water security in Monterey County, including developing drought-proof water supplies, implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, complying with State and Federal directives, and developing innovative partnerships and forward-thinking water management opportunities. Staff from the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) and the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) will provide a high-level overview presentation of a portfolio of proposed regional projects and management actions that may be implemented to achieve these goals.
Following the presentation, Chair Adams has extended an invitation for input from our federal and state elected officials to share their perspective on federal and state funding and resources that may be available to support regional solutions to our water supply needs.
After comments from federal and state elected official, representatives from our special district water agencies and regulated utilities have been invited to make comments on the following questions:
• What are the water supply needs and conditions facing your agency?
• What role do you see for your agency in implementing regional projects or management actions?
• Where do you see progress towards regional solutions in the next five years?
• What are the biggest challenges to getting there?
• What do you recommend as next steps?
This invitation to speak on these questions was sent to the following water agencies and the regulated utilities in Monterey County:
• Monterey County Water Resources Agency
• Salinas Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• Monterey One Water
• Monterey Peninsula Water Management District
• Marina Coast Water District/MCWD Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• Castroville Community Services District
• Seaside Groundwater Basin Watermaster
• Arroyo Seca Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• California Water Service
• California American Water
• Alco Water Service
Public comments will be received and are also encouraged to address the Board on how to move forward with regional projects and management actions. A third session will be held in December to further address questions and discussion from the first two sessions and to give the Board of Supervisors opportunity to provide direction on potential follow up actions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This meeting will support the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance critical water infrastructure systems that serve Monterey County residents and industries.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
_X_Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: _______________________________________
Brent Buche, General Manager, WRA 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Board Referral No. 2021.18
2. Regional Water Forum Presentation #2