SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) is hosting multiple workshops this spring to provide residents and businesses of the Salinas Valley with an opportunity to learn about water use and management in the region.
The “Our Water Future in the Salinas Valley: Planning for Uncertainty” workshops will provide valuable information for the community about how water is managed in the Valley, the efforts residents and businesses have taken toward more efficient water use, and the wide range of options for residents and businesses to consider for minimizing water waste, improving efficiencies and reallocating resources to ensure continued availability of water for the Salinas Valley Basin.
The workshops will focus on: future of water supply availability and protection in the Salinas Valley; local water management responsibilities and partnerships; ongoing water use efficiency efforts; tools for urban and agricultural water users; and methods for water demand management and regulation.
“The Salinas Valley depends on groundwater for domestic and commercial use as well as to irrigate crops that feed the world,” according to the SVBGSA in a news release. “It is a vital resource that we have a shared responsibility to protect and manage.”
In addition, 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,” stated the SVBGSA. “Preparing for uncertainty and sustainably managing the shared water resources is our collective responsibility.”
The workshops will run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., including the same format and content. Locations and dates include:
- Salinas, April 19 — Santa Lucia Room at Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St.
- Greenfield, May 3 — Greenfield City Hall, 599 El Camino Real
- King City, May 10 — King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St.
- Salinas, May 11 — Steinbeck Hall at Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave.
The first workshop was held in Castroville on April 12, drawing about 30 attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of water in the Salinas Valley.
Preregistration is encouraged. Spanish translation will be available. For more information, visit svbgsa.org or email cl***@sv****.org.
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.
