Few issues are more important to Monterey County than water. LandWatch is working to make sure that future development doesn’t lead to continued water overdraft, and that adequate water supplies are assured before development proceeds. There are numerous water facilities being proposed, plans being written, and even new agencies being created. This page covers the new (current) and the old water topics.
Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act established the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency to write a comprehensive sustainability plan and then implement it.
LW Position: Active in the Process
Project Status: Plan Being Written
Marina Coast Water District
The Marina Coast Water District was formed to serve the area’s water and wastewater systems and added the Fort Ord lands officially in 2001.
LW Position: Participate as Needed
Project Status: Varies by Topic
Monterey County Water
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors may at times consider ordinance changes and requests from agencies related to general water issues.
LW Position: Participate as Needed
Project Status: Varies by Topic
Monterey County Wells and Ordinances
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors may at times consider ordinance changes and requests from agencies related to groundwater well pumping.
LW Position: Participate as Needed
Project Status: Varies by Topic
Monterey Peninsula Water Management District
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District was formed in 1978 and handles water supply (ground and surface) for the peninsula and Carmel River Basin. The District serves 112,000 people across the region.
LW Position: Participate as Needed
Project Status: Varies by Topic
California American Water Company Desalination Plant
California American Water has proposed a desalination plant, which is part of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The project would aim to reduce water use from the Carmel River by generating “new” water by removing salt from ocean water.
LW Position: Active in the Process
Project Status: In Litigation with Local Agencies
Monterey One Water Pure Water Recycling Project
The Pure Water Project is an opportunity recycle Monterey County water—creating a new source of potable water for the region. Using waste water and storm water, after being treated, it will recharge the groundwater basin.
LW Position: Support the Project
Project Status: Under Construction
General Water Issues
A sustainable water supply matters to us all. LandWatch has engaged in a variety of water-related topics that don’t fit within our usual categories. This section is a catch all for those outside the typical water topics.
LW Position: Varies by Topic
Project Status: Varies by Topic
Archived Monterey County Water Issues
LandWatch has paid particular attention to water issues for a number of years. Without water, our communities, agriculture, and economy will suffer. These are projects we were involved with, but are now archived.
LW Position: Positions Vary
Project Status: Varies by Topic
