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.
LandWatch Involvement
- Letter: LandWatch Support for MPWMD’s Application for CDO Relief (173K PDF file)
LandWatch supports the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s Application for Modifying State Water Board Order. The current prohibition on the Monterey Peninsula of installation of new meters or increases in use of water at existing sites is frustrating progress toward critical housing goals. (03.23.21)
Project History
- Water Year Classifications (84K PDF)
This chart compiles all of the data and highlights in red “below normal,” “dry,” and “critically dry” years. In the past decade, 60% of the years have been below normal or worse. Because 2017 and 2019 were “extremely wet” years, 2018 doesn’t count as a drought year. From 1992-2011, there were a number of below normal years, but never two consecutively. (10.12.22) - LAFCO Decision Needed for Cal Am Purchase
The Local Agency Formation Commission must decide if the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District can make an offer to Cal Am for purchase of its water system. The longer LAFCO waits to make a decision the higher the price may become. If not approved, the District may use eminent domain. (06.24.21) - The EIR for the Potential Acquisition of the Monterey Water System
The board of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District will consider Certification of Final EIR for the Potential Acquisition of Monterey Water System and District Boundary Adjustment at a Special Meeting of the October 29, 2020. (10.29.20) - District Requests Extension to Meet Water Requirements
After failing to meet a state mandated requirement—to stop illegal pumping of the Carmel River—after 25 years the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District requests an extension from the state. (07.23.20) - Water Use Decreases During Pandemic
As compared to April 2019, the water use recorded during lockdown from COVID-19 shows a 15% decrease in water use, even with an increase in rainfall. (05.21.20) - District Takes Next Step in Buy Out
The Water District Board voted unanimously to approve spending up to $1.24 million on work by a team of consultants to help make a formal offer to Cal Am for purchase of its water system. If the offer is rejected, the next step could be eminent domain. (12.17.19) - How We Got Here With Water
This article gives an interesting perspective to the region’s water issues dating back 65 million years and getting us up to present day. Learn the details of the water wars that have been ongoing for decades. (11.14.19) - Presentation on Buy Out Draws Crowd
More than 200 people attended the public hearing offered by the Water Management District to listen to the discussion on the public take over of the region’s water system. (11.14.19) - Savings May Be the Solution to Purchase
The estimate to purchase the Cal Am local water supply system is $574.5 million. The funds to acquire the system could be cobbled together from a variety of sources, including the savings from ratepayers from operational cost reduction. (11.13.19) - Buying Out Cal Am, Might Just be Possible
Voters approved Measure J, which would look at the feasibility of a Cal Am buy out. The analysis is in and it appears to be feasible with a $513 million price tag—but in the end, the buyout would save money for customers. (11.06.19) - Buy Out Plan to be Released November 12
One week prior to the scheduled special meeting on November 12th, a report outlining the findings for the public buy out of the Cal Am water system will be released. The report will outline the feasibility of the buy out. No action will happen at the meeting. (10.17.19) - Feasibility Study Moves Forward
Consultants are expected to do additional analysis on the feasibility of a Cal Am buyout by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. Cal Am says it isn’t for sale, which means the courts may decide its fate. (08.21.19) - Buyout Could Take Several Years
It appears more time is needed to determine if the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District would buyout the privately held Cal Am water agency through a resolution of necessity. Because Cal Am states it is not for sale, the District would purchase it via eminent domain. (08.20.19) - District Considers Buyout Soon
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District will consider the public buyout of Cal Am’s local water system at its upcoming board meeting. A 15-page plan outlines the approach. (08.16.19) - Buy Out Plan Delayed
A written public ownership plan will be presented to the Monterey County Water District later this month, but the report on actual feasibility of a public buy out of the Cal Am local water system has been delayed. (08.02.19) - Attorneys Advise Needing Early Benefits
Attorneys for the Monterey Peninsula Water District indicate an early cost savings—and one that lasts—is needed to ensure the public’s interests are served by the buyout of Cal Am, otherwise the District is taking a risk. (03.01.19) - Requests for Transparency on Study
Sand City and a coalition of businesses are asking the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District to ensure a transparent process on the feasibility of Measure J—the Cal Am buyout. A response from the District shows it is trying to balance transparency and a legal strategy. (02.21.19) - Listening Tour Continues
The question of the definition of what is feasible and what is desirable—were both asked as part of the listening tour being run by the Marina Coast Water District. Voters approved Measure J, which allows for a public buy out of Cal Am if feasible. (01.17.19) - Pacific Grove Workshop on Cal Am Buy Out
Dave Stoldt, General Manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, outlined the steps for the possible public buyout of Cal Am at the first of several public workshops—this one in Pacific Grove. (01.11.19) - Analysis Begins on Cal Am Buy Out
Voters approved Measure J, which considers a public takeover of California American Water. The feasibility study will be completed in nine months. (01.03.19) - Water District Launches Listening Tour
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District will host a listening tour to hear from ratepayers on the possible buy out of Cal Am. Tour dates include January 7, 8, 9, 10, and 15. (01.03.19) - Pacific Grove Workshop on Cal Am Buy Out
Dave Stoldt, General Manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, outlined the steps for the possible public buyout of Cal Am at the first of several public workshops—this one in Pacific Grove. (01.11.19) - Water District Launches Listening Tour
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District will host a listening tour to hear from ratepayers on the possible buy out of Cal Am. Tour dates include January 7, 8, 9, 10, and 15. (01.03.19) - Cal Am Fights Measure J Ballot Measure
On the ballot for November is Measure J, which after a feasibility analysis if it was in the public’s interest would complete a public buyout of the water system of California American Water. Cal Am is spending thousands fighting this proposal by sending out mailers. (10.04.18) - Second Ballot Attempt Successful
Four years ago a public buy out of California American Water failed at the ballot box. After a few changes to the key players and a new strategy, it was successful in November 2008. Public Water Now, the ballot measure backer, noted the public is fed up with Cal Am and that’s why they supported the measure. (12.26.18) - Weekly’s Editorial Board Recommends Yes Vote on Measure O
The Monterey Weekly Editorial Board recommends a YES vote on Measure O since it calls for a feasibility study. This study would determine if Cal Am should be bought out and then become publicly owned. If bought out the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District would take it over. (05.08.14)
