Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
831•658•5600 / FAX 831•644•9560 / www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us5 Harris Court, Bldg G / PO Box 85 / Monterey, CA 93942-0085

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
To Water Users in the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District
From the Board of Directors

On January 15, a Draft Cease & Desist Order (CDO) was issued against California American Water (CalAm) by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

What does the Draft CDO say?
S In 1995, the State ordered CalAm to reduce diversions of water from the Carmel River by 76% (Order 95-10). CalAm has not yet met that goal.
S Over pumping of the Carmel River continues to cause significant harm to wildlife, steelhead, other fish, and their habitat.
S CalAm would need to reduce the amount of water it is currently allowed to take from the Carmel River by 15% starting October 1st 2008 (beginning of the water year).
S Further reductions equaling 50 percent would be required starting October 2014.

What could approval of the Draft CDO mean to us?
S The State could fine CalAm $1,000 per day as well as other penalties. Those costs could be passed on to CalAm customers.
S Emergency plans could be put into effect, including
water rationing for households and businesses; a moratorium on new or expanded CalAm water connections; and outdoor watering restrictions (e.g. on businesses, golf courses and parks).

What have we done to conserve/find other sources of water to date?
S CalAm customers (households, businesses, golf courses, cities, etc. collectively) have reduced water use by 20% from pre-Order 95-10 levels every year since 1988. In fact, the community now uses 28% less water than it did in 1988 (refer to table on back page titled CalAm Water Demand).
S The Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project has been constructed, used successfully and is in the process of being expanded. This project draws water from the Carmel River when it is plentiful and stores it in the Seaside Groundwater basin for use when the river is dry.
S Facilitated construction of the Pebble Beach golf courses’ recycled water project; desalination project proposals currently being considered are: CalAm Coastal Water, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD), Pajaro Sunny Mesa, REPOG, Seawater Vessel; the potential for cloud seeding is being studied; greatly expanded water conservation rebate program; actively supporting MRWPCA’s proposed purified recycled water project.
S MPWMD proposed construction of a dam and a desalination project in the 1990’s but they were not approved by voters.

What are CalAm and the MPWMD doing about the Draft CDO?
S CalAm has filed a protest with the SWRCB due to concerns for health, safety and other reasons. This has triggered public hearings and consideration of a decision by the State which could approve, modify or reject the Draft CDO.
S MPWMD will be participating in the hearing and considering a position on the Order.
S Before the hearing, MPWMD will reactivate a Citizens Advisory Committee to study the Draft CDO, and conduct a special meeting to receive public opinion on the matter.

What can CalAm customers and concerned citizens do?
S Attend the April 1 SWRCB public input meeting on the Draft CDO set for 1 PM in the De Anza Room at the Portola Hotel & Spa, Two Portola Plaza, Monterey.
S Voice your opinions on the Draft CDO to the SWRCB, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), your legislators, local elected officials, citizen’s groups, and neighbors by phone, fax or letter.
S If you have already been reducing, reusing and recycling water, keep up the good work!
S All water users—including businesses, hotels, golf courses, parks, industries, schools, institutions and households should do their fair share to stop water waste and water loss.
S Advocate sustainable ways that the District can improve water reduction/recycling/reuse or augment the current supply.
Where can you learn more?
S CalAm (831) 646-3208; www.calamwater.com and www.waterfacts.com
For issues affecting the Monterey Division, water conservation tips, and staff contact.
S CPUC (415) 703-1584; www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/
S SWRCB (916) 341-5300; www.waterrights.ca.gov/Hearings/CalAm.html
For draft CDO, hearing dates and staff contact.
S MPWMD (831) 658-5600; www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us
For water supply alternatives, water conservation ideas and complete text of Order 95-10.

SOME WATER WISE TIPS
Commercial Industrial Public

Residential
March 10, 2008

The Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility was constructed and is operated by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District to preserve the Carmel River steelhead run and allow the needs of municipal water users in the area to be met. The facility was innovative in its design that focused on the use of a natural channel rather than conventional tanks or raceways for rearing and has been imaginative in adapting to continuing challenges. As origionally envisioned as a temporary mitigation measure, the District's Steelhead Rescue and Rearing Program can be duplicated by other water agencies in coastal environments. Ultimately, when additional water supplies are developed for the Monterey Peninsula area and the risk of the lower Carmel River drying up is reduced, the facility will be taken off-line or used to provide emergency rearing habitat for juveniles steelhead during drought periods. Until that time, the District is committed to operating the Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility to preserve the Carmel River steelhead population for future generations.