At Soquel Creek Water District, we are grateful for the active involvement of our customers in shaping the future of our water resources. The dedication and enthusiasm of those who have participated in our public Committees and attended our Water Academies play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and quality of our water services. Their contributions not only enhance our decision-making processes but also strengthen the bond between the District and our community we serve.

Public Advisory Committee: A Pillar of Community Engagement

The Public Advisory Committee (PAC) is a cornerstone of our commitment to transparency and community involvement. After several years of having three committees: our Public Outreach Committee, Water Resources and Infrastructure Committee, and our Finance Committee, we combined all three into one committee to provide a more integrated, holistic approach. 

This committee provides a platform for customers to voice their opinions, share their insights, and collaborate with us on various projects and initiatives. The diverse perspectives brought forth by PAC members help us address the unique needs and concerns of our community, making our policies and strategies more comprehensive and effective.

By participating in these discussions, our customers ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in our collective efforts to protect and preserve our precious water resources.

Our current public committee members on the PAC are James Zachos, Joseph Morici, Karen McCarty, Kellie Guerra, Meryl Abramson, Michael Gutierez, and Steven Graff.  

The next PAC committee is August 13 at 4pm.  For more information visit: www.soquelcreekwater.org/200/Standing-Committees ;

Water Rates Advisory Ad-Hoc Committee: Balancing Affordability and Sustainability

Last year, our Ad-Hoc Water Rates Advisory Committee played a vital role in providing input on maintaining a balance between affordability and sustainability in our water services. The committee was represented by two board members with participation from 10 public participants, all of whom are ratepayers.  Comprising of community members with a keen interest in financial and environmental issues, the group reviewed and provided feedback on proposed rate structures and financial plans. The purpose of the Committee was to review water rate structures based on options, priorities, and objectives requested by the Board and to provide ideas, feedback, and recommendations in areas including social equity, administrative manageability, and outreach.

Customers who served on the Water Rates Committee contributed their time for 10 months and worked with our rate consultant to ensure that our financial decisions were transparent and  represented differing viewpoints of the community.  Their participation is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our District forward, and we are immensely grateful for their commitment to this critical aspect of our operations.

Water Academy: Educating and Empowering the Community

Our Water Academy is an educational initiative designed to inform and empower our customers about the complexities of local water management and gain a better understanding that we are a not-for-profit local government special district agency. Through a series of meetings and a facilities’ behind-the-scenes tour, we cover topics such as water treatment and distribution, investments in infrastructure, water challenges, finances, monitoring and testing, community programs, and more. 

Now in our seventh cohort, graduates of the Water Academy often become ambassadors for water stewardship within the community. Armed with knowledge and a passion for sustainable water use, they inspire others to learn more about our initiatives. Their passion and outreach efforts help to amplify our message and help build a culture of water awareness and responsibility.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To all our customers who participate in our standing Public Advisory Committee, Ad-Hoc Water Rates Committee, and Water Academy, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your dedication and involvement are vital to our mission of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water services. Your contributions make a significant difference in our ability to serve the community effectively and responsibly.

At Soquel Creek Water District, we believe that an engaged and informed community is our greatest asset. Together, we can navigate the challenges of today and build a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for your unwavering commitment to our shared vision.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.soquelcreekwater.org or contact us directly at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org. Your participation and support are always welcome and greatly appreciated!