For many years, groundwater levels in our area have been dropping and remain too low to protect against seawater intrusion. Despite extensive conservation efforts by customers, the Soquel-Aptos Area groundwater basin is in a state of overdraft because more water is being pumped out annually than is naturally recharged through rainfall. The groundwater basin is the SqCWD’s only source of water.
Overdraft of the groundwater basin is not sustainable and seawater intrusion at the coastline is present in the Aptos, Seascape, and La Selva Beach area.
What does a healthy aquifer look like?
The ideal balance in a coastal water cycle, when it comes to groundwater, is when the amount of water pumped out of the basin is naturally replenished by rainfall and groundwater levels can maintain an active barrier to keep saltwater from coming in.
What is Seawater Intrusion?
Seawater intrusion is a condition whereby groundwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished by rainfall and seawater or ocean water moves into the freshwater aquifers. When groundwater levels are too low they can become contaminated with seawater. This condition can be irreversible and can result in either abandoning wells or requiring costly treatment.
Images of Seawater Intrusion Occurrence within the Monterey Bay Region
Resources
- 2 page fact sheet from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) entitled "Just the Facts - Groundwater in California" (May 2017)
- Soquel Creek Water District's Groundwater Emergency Declaration: Resolution 14-22
- Department of Water Resources Designation of Basin as Critical Overdraft: Press Release and Finals List of Critically Overdrafted Basins
- Coastal Monitoring Data: June 2016, June 2015
- Groundwater Management Plan Annual Review and Report, Water Year 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
- Santa Cruz County Water Resources Status Report 2016, 2015, 2014