As we wind down from our latest summer season of drought we, as a community, need to pat ourselves on the back. We not only met the challenge laid out for us by the state and the city for water savings but we exceeded them to the tune of 31.5% average savings for June and July. The responsiveness of our community has allowed us to weather this extended drought but looking forward we want to be able to take on future challenges that arise, like climate change and flows for fish habitat.
This was the challenge that the Water Supply Advisory Committee (WSAC) was presented with after its formation in April 2014. Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz was one of 3 environmental groups represented on the 14 member panel. After 18 months, feedback and suggestions from the community, technical analysis and monthly 10 hour meetings the WSAC has come to a recommendation that not only builds a sustainable supply but in the long term carries with it additional environmental benefits. The main focus of the plan is to utilize winter water flow to refill our local aquifers-providing future water supplies, reducing seawater intrusion and potentially increasing natural flows to our waterways. Can this be possible that Santa Cruz has not only come up with a water supply solution that provides us with more water during dry periods but also helps with some of our other environmental concerns? In short-YES!
Join us for an Open House where you can learn about the plans and provide your input. Be the voice for our oceans and our watershed-come out to show your support for restoring our aquifers as a water supply solution: Wednesday September 9th from 5-7:30pm at the Louden Nelson Center. https://www.facebook.com/events/670654676403001/
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