Project implementation began in 2008 to address high priority needs identified in the region's IRWM Plan (2005). Projects are summarized below by water resource issue; though numerous projects address more than issue.
Funding for these projects is provided, in part, through the competitive IRWM grant program with funds from the State Water Resources Control Board and the local partner agencies.
The list of projects included in the 2014 IRWM Plan is available here. Previously completed projects are summarized below.
Water Supply ProjectsDavenport Drinking Water ImprovementLead Agency: Davenport County Sanitation District Schedule: April 2008 – February 2012 Project Description: The District upgraded an existing treatment facility to supply water to the residents Davenport. The facility treats surface water diverted from San Vicente and Mill Creeks. The former facility did not meet state drinking water health standards. The District installed an improved filtration system and a larger capacity water tank to increase storage. Conjunctive Use and Enhanced Aquifer RechargeLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Environmental Health Services Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: To identify approaches and projects for conjunctive use and enhanced aquifer recharge. “Conjunctive use” means the active, coordinated management of both surface water and groundwater to maximize their benefits, particularly to water supply. Surface and groundwater differ in the availability, quality, management needs and cost of development and use. The project includes studies to evaluate alternatives and determine their feasibility. Scotts Valley Recycled Water Distribution SystemLead Agency: Scotts Valley Water District Schedule: April 2008 – December 2011 Project Description: This project expanded the existing recycled water distribution system in Scotts Valley to new areas and users. Scotts Valley has a state- of-the-art water recycling facility capable of providing high quality, treated wastewater suitable for landscape irrigation. Expanding the recycled delivery network enables increased use of recycled water for landscape irrigation and decrease use of groundwater for irrigation. Polo Grounds Well, Treatment Plant, Pipelines, and Water ConservationLead Agency: Soquel Creek Water District Schedule: April 2008 – March 2012 Project Description: The District is redistributing a portion of its groundwater pumping to inland locations away from the coastal wells to reduce the threat of seawater intrusion into groundwater aquifers. An existing irrigation well was converted to a supply well and a treatment facility constructed. A water main and sanitary sewer line were installed to serve the water treatment system. A weather based irrigation systems was installed at the park for water conservation. Partners include the County Sanitation District and Parks Department. Groundwater Monitoring WellsLead Agency: Soquel Creek Water District Schedule: April 2008 – December 2011 Project Description: The District installed new monitoring wells to record inland groundwater levels. This improves the ability to evaluate the impacts of local pumping on groundwater levels and understanding of local aquifers. The data benefits the district, the Central Water District, the County of Santa Cruz, and private well operators in the vicinity by filling data gaps in the network and enabling more informed decision making. Intake Evaluation for Desalination FacilityLead Agencies: City of Santa Cruz and the Soquel Creek Water District Schedule: April 2008 – November 2011 Project Description: This project provides critical design parameters for the source water intake structure for a regional desalination project being pursued by the City of Santa Cruz and Soquel Creek Water District. The intake study addresses system performance as well as environmental concerns. It is a comprehensive investigation into the viability of an open-ocean intake versus a subsurface intake for a proposed desalination facility. The study assesses system performance as well as environmental concerns. Information on this joint effort is available at www.scwd2desal.org. Groundwater Recharge Projects and PoliciesLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Environmental Health Services Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: Implement small-scale groundwater recharge projects and establish policies and ordinances to protect and enhance groundwater recharge in groundwater basins. Projects include culvert redesign and improvement, creating grassy swales, use of retention and detention ponds to capture stormwater runoff. Work includes the review and update of County policies, programs and regulations to enhance requirements and incentives for protection and restoration of recharge during new development and remodel projects. Aptos Sewer Transmission Main RelocationLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Sanitation District Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: The District replaced a faulty sanitary sewer transmission line located in Monterey Bay offshore of New Brighton and Seacliff State Beaches. The pressurized pipeline ruptured several times in the past, spewing sewage into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. To prevent possibility of future sewage spills, a new sanitary sewer transmission line was installed inland and upgrades were made to facilities and equipment at multiple pump stations along the transmission line. Santa Cruz County Stormwater Pollution Prevention ProgramLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Public Works Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: This project is to reduce polluted runoff discharging into Monterey Bay. This is part of a larger multi-agency effort to reduce polluted runoff and comply with state and federal regulations. The work was implemented in partnership with the Coastal Watershed Council, Ecology Action, and the County Sanitation District. Partial funding was provided to support:
Abandoned Well Destruction ProgramLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Environmental Health Services Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Flood and Stormwater Management ProjectsAptos Watershed Drainage Master PlanLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Public Works Schedule: April 2008 – June 2013Project Description: The County prepared a drainage master plan for the Aptos Creek watershed and adjoining urban and coastal areas (Flood Control and Water Conservation District Zones 5 and 6). This includes the urban areas of Soquel Creek, Noble Gulch, Rodeo Gulch and Arana Gulch. Work included field-verification of drainage infrastructure and condition, evaluations of the drainage systems and analysis of the watershed and the proposed improvements. The Master Plan assesses stormwater flows and facilitates development of policies and projects to manage flooding, reduce channel erosion, promote groundwater recharge and improve stormwater quality. Watershed Stewardship and Aquatic EcosystemsIntegrated Watershed Restoration Program (IWRP, Phase 2)Lead Agency: Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: This is the second phase of the highly effective Integrated Watershed Restoration Program. IRWP facilitates and coordinates projects to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality in Santa Cruz County watersheds using a voluntary, non-regulatory approach. Phase 2 included the implementation of 39 watershed enhancement projects, erosion control projects, habitat restoration projects, watershed education programs, and a permit coordination program to promote voluntary participation in long-term watershed restoration. Watsonville Sloughs Integrated Watershed RestorationLead Agency: Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: This includes numerous projects to restore and enhance wetlands and native habitats in the Watsonville Sloughs. Work includes improving the existing system of agricultural and stormwater drainage and habitat restoration to benefit water quality and habitat in the sloughs. Partners include Watsonville Wetlands Watch, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the City of Watsonville. Other Multi-benefit ProjectsCoordinated Monitoring ProgramLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Environmental Health Services Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the Santa Cruz IRWM projects through a status and trends analysis of environmental indicators. The objective of this project was derived from the original Proposition 50 IRWM guidelines, which required IRWM programs to evaluate the effectiveness of individual components as they are implemented as well as the integrated strategy as a whole, and to establish a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts. Expand Integration of Regional Water ManagementLead Agency: County of Santa Cruz, Environmental Health Services Schedule: April 2008 – March 2013 Project Description: This project aimed to expand and improve regional water management and inform future efforts. A steering committee, composed of IRWM partner agency representatives, led the effort to work with local partners and stakeholders to identify planning priorities, future opportunities and regional issues. Work included quantifying seasonal water supply and demand, assessing infrastructure capabilities and limitations, and identifying potential effects of climate change for effective future water resources planning. |
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