Well Owner Alternate vacancy needs to be filled SMGA Board of Directors – Apply today!

We are accepting applications to fill a vacancy for the role of Well Owner Alternate on the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Board of Directors.

To be eligible, an applicant must own, operate, or be served by an individual well, small water system, mutual, or other non-municipal water system within the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin. They must also be able to meet the time commitment of approximately 5 hours per month, including evenings.

An ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative setting. They will have the means and motivation to communicate with the community they are representing. They will have knowledge and experience that will benefit the SMGWA and the development of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. They agree to operate under the Guiding Principles outlined by the SMGWA Board and adhere to the code of conduct, Bylaws, and Joint Powers Authority that outline the goals and operation of the agency. The process for selection is outlined in the Fact Sheet.

Interested parties are requested to fill out and submit the application (Word) by 5pm on Monday, February 25, 2019. Questions and completed applications can be directed to Amy Poncato, aponcato@svwd.org.

Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Announces a Three-Part ‘Understanding Your Water’ Educational Series

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, formed in 2017 to comply with California’s new Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, today announced it will host a three-part educational series beginning in January to engage and inform all people who rely on the water supply from the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin. The Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin is the major water source for communities in the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, the City of Santa Cruz and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County.

• February 9: Water Budgets: How Do We Balance All Needs?

• March 9: Managing Groundwater: How Can We Prepare for an Uncertain Future?

The second workshop, “Water Budgets:  How Do We Balance All Needs?” will provide information on the complex aquifers in the basin, how water budgeting is done, and the connection between groundwater, surface water, and aquatic ecosystems in our rivers and streams.

Education series topics will include water supply, land development, and population growth, groundwater and surface water management, and climate change. The workshops will be held on the second Saturdays of the month from January to March at Felton Community Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Each workshop will include a keynote speaker; break-out sessions where participants can engage with each other, water management staff and elected leaders; informational displays; and expert panel discussions.

The workshops are free to attend. Preregistration is encouraged.