The Salinas Valley depends on groundwater for domestic and commercial use as well as to irrigate crops that feed the world. It is a vital resource that we have a shared responsibility to protect and manage. Also, the Valley along with the rest of the State, more frequently faces weather extremes that can result in too much or too little water. These extremes create uncertainty that impacts our communities, our businesses, and our health and safety. Preparing for uncertainty and sustainably managing the shared water resources is our collective responsibility.
Five community workshops — Our Water Future in the Salinas Valley: Planning for Uncertainty — will be hosted across the Salinas Valley over April and May 2024. Workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Doors open at 8:30. Preregistration is encouraged. Spanish translation will be available.
The workshops are an opportunity for dialogue about:
- Future of water availability and protection in the Salinas Valley
- Local water management responsibilities and partnerships
- Ongoing efforts on water use efficiency
- Tools for urban and agricultural water users in times of uncertainty
- Methods for water demand management and regulation
The workshops, all of which will be similar in content, will provide valuable information about how water is managed in the Valley, the steps residents and businesses have taken toward more efficient water use, and the wide range of options for us to consider in minimizing water waste, improving efficiencies and reallocating resources to ensure continued availability of water for the Salinas Valley Basin.
During 2024, the SVBGSA will work with landowners, business and agricultural managers, community representatives, water leaders, technical specialists and other stakeholders to disseminate information, gather input and prepare long-range plans for how to address water scarcity.
