Water Conversations in Your Community

In a time of uncertainty regarding global environmental integrity, people may wonder how the effects of climate change will affect their own communities. As a resident of the dynamic, vibrant coastal county of Santa Cruz, California, issues related to climate change are ever-present. One topic in Santa Cruz is certain to stir up a discussion whether at a city board meeting or local coffee shop: water.
As warming of the earth’s atmosphere occurs and human development expands, changing precipitation patterns and climatic extremes will have considerable implications for Santa Cruz county. As decision makers work to create adaptable plans compatible with a time of environmental uncertainty, water issues remain controversial. Unpredictable rainfall and increased droughts make these decisions increasingly imperative in order to avoid the worst case scenario of extreme water use restrictions.
Currently, the city of Santa Cruz receives 90% of its water from surface waters such as the San Lorenzo River and north coast streams. Threatened steelhead trout populations struggle to persist in the shallow pools of the heavily diverted San Lorenzo River. Loch Lomond reservoir remains a reliable indicator for the status of water availability fluctuating with wet and dry years, serving as the savings account for the city‘s water. Saltwater intrusion threatens water quality as saltwater seeps into empty underground aquifers as a result of excessive agricultural and residential use. Desalination remains at the forefront of water controversy in Santa Cruz County with it’s large potential supply and high environmental and economic costs.
The City of Santa Cruz Water Department and the Soquel Creek Water District has been searching for a supplemental water source to compensate the supply during times of drought and protect against the ecological detriments of overuse. The proposed desalination plant would pump 5 million gallons of seawater from Monterey Bay each day to produce 2.5 million gallons of potable water (Coombs, 2010). This additional water supply would improve fish habitats by relieving diversion from streams, rivers, and groundwater, reduce air pollution with less water pumped across the state, and reduce pumping of aquifers (McNulty, 2005). However, a desalination plant in Santa Cruz also would increase the cost of water, impinge marine life, and require large amounts of energy to operate. The debate continues as to whether city implemented water saving strategies are sufficient during times of drought or if a desalination plant is ultimately necessary.
Regardless of your stance, here is what you can do to conserve water and promote sustainable environments in your community:
1. Stay informed: Be aware of federal and regional legislation influencing water rights in your community and let your voice be heard.
2. Conserve in your home: Shorter showers, turning off the sink, and efficient appliances are great ways to save water in your home.
3. Consider alternatives: Harvesting rain water through the use of cisterns is pricey for residential use but an effective way to reduce district water usage. Greywater systems are legal and effectively direct wastewater from washing machines to be used for landscaping. Drought tolerant landscapes are easy to establish and save a considerable amount of water.
Sources:
- Coombs, Amy. Q& A Water Ways. Cover Stories. Good Times. Wednesday, 09 June 2010
- McNulty, Jennifer. UCSC desalination project to give cities tools they need to weigh pros and cons. UC Santa Cruz Currents Online. July 11, 2005
- Image Source: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/313.html