As we confront climate change, there is a famous saying: “Whiskey is for drinking; water for
“Fighting to the End” resonates as a stark reminder of the historical importance of water scarcity
In california.
Rather than succumb to the antagonism implicit in the quote, Santa Cruz
Our water supply planning approach is based on the reputation of our community
Environmental cooperation and stewardship.
While we had heavy rains last winter and this winter, we must avoid falling into stagnation
A false sense of water security. Climate change is impacting the annual management of our water supplies and making it difficult to know what the future holds. Solving this challenge requires our collective attention. Our local water supply and way of life in Santa Cruz, we depend on it.
The Santa Cruz Water Department is the custodian of our water resources and their success
Continuing to provide reliable water service depends on your cooperation and support.
Addressing our water reliability challenges requires wisdom, innovation, and dedication
From our diverse community.
Before we dive into the proposed solutions, let's take a moment to celebrate the strides we've made
The community has succeeded in using water efficiently. Santa Cruz is a prime example of
Efficient use of water – and we should all be proud of that. However, it is necessary
We realize that efficiency alone cannot carry us through the weather conditions we create
Climate change.
Now, the hard part. – Modernizing old infrastructure and finding new sources of water
It is the only way to create a sustainable and reliable water supply for the future. Through a
A decade of community engagement, financial planning, and climate modeling, Water Management has identified a strategic mix of solutions that can be used to meet our needs
Future water needs. But what is the right mix? I am sure we have a dedicated team
Work on it as you read this article.
Construction has been completed to connect our water system to the Scotts Valley Water District system
Scheduled to start this year. This is the latest connection in a series of projects to connect us
The system is combined with adjacent systems for continuous water delivery from Boulder Creek
To La Selva Beach. This has all been funded through a grant and will improve our resilience
Drought and forest fires.
We are experimenting with aquifer storage and recovery, or ASR, in groundwater wells to the end
Increase the amount of water stored in local aquifers (an aquifer is similar to an aquifer
The lake is located between layers of rock and soil. Other potential solutions, e.g
Recycled/purified water and seawater desalination require continuous analysis
Community input.
Our water stewards are working hard to create a dynamic roadmap for water supply
Enhanced implementation plan, to ensure you get the water you need during the project period
Inevitable droughts. It will build on the success of our water efficiency efforts
The priorities outlined in City Council policy are to secure our water future. The plan will be
It will be presented to the City Council later this year or early next year.
Participate in this crucial conversation about our water future. Attend community forums,
Share your ideas and be an active participant in shaping the plan that will protect
Our water supply for future generations.
Sign up for the Our Water, Our Future newsletter for updates and opportunities
included.
Fred Kelly is the mayor of Santa Cruz.
