San Lorenzo Valley Water District reminds Residents that Preparation is the First line of Défense of Wildfires

      The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is not only the agency that supplies your water, but we are also committed to safeguarding our community against the threat of wildfire. 

Boulder Creek, CA, July 02, 2021 — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is not only the agency that supplies your water, but we are also committed to safeguarding our community against the threat of wildfire. SLVWD is engaged in work to strengthen fire resiliency and ensure facilities and infrastructure are secure in case of a wildfire emergency. These activities range from fuel reduction on 1,000 of acres, adding neighborhood fire hydrants, increasing backup generator systems in case of power outages and working with local and state agencies to pool resources. Another way SLVWD wants to assist its community, is by encouraging preparedness. 

During a wildfire, responding firefighters must evaluate where to prioritize their efforts to best protect a community. The decisions homeowners make now could very well determine whether or not their home and property make it through a wildfire unscathed. 

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District reminds its customers the importance of preparing themselves and their property. It is your first line of defense for when the threat of wildfire looms. 

Here are some steps to take now: 

• Proper signage: To help firefighters find your home, addresses must be clearly visible from the street

• Access: Is vegetation cleared back from the roads into your neighborhood? Can a car and a fire truck pass each other on your road? Are overhanging branches limbed up at least 20 feet? Is there a place for a large fire truck to turn around?

• Home Zone: Clean out the gutters, sweep off your roof. Screen your attic vents. Consider removing wooden shutters and lattice. Relocate anything stacked up against your home such as brooms, plastic garbage cans, straw welcome mats, and wood piles.

• Five-Foot Safety Zone: Look for things that can catch fire that are within 5 feet of your home or outbuildings. This can include shrubs, overhanging branches, patio furniture, propane-fired BBQs, dog houses, wooden privacy screens, wooden lattices, decks, gates, etc.

• Thirty-Foot Safety Zone: Is there a large enough zone around your house to make it safe for firefighters to defend it? Wildland fires can reach temperatures of almost 1,500 degrees. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire, and it protects your home from catching fire.

• Hundred-Foot Safety Zone: Look at the final 70-feet surrounding your structures. Remove all dead plants, keep grasses and weeds low and have wide spacing between living plants, keeping them limbed up 10 feet from the ground.

• Chipping Services: Chipping programs are currently offered by the following organizations and are funded through grants and private donations. Bonny Doon Fire Safe Council (Bonny Doon Area); South Skyline Fire Safe Council (Upper Summit Area — Covers North Santa Cruz County); Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (serves high-fire risk areas in Santa Cruz County not covered by other FSCs).  

It is also important to remember that during fire emergencies, outdoor water usage is restricted to ensure water is readily available for fire agencies. Customers should not run sprinklers (especially on roof tops), leave water running, or run outdoor hoses. 

Personal emergency water storage is also highly recommended as recovery of the water system after fire damage may take several days. SLVWD recommends that each home’s emergency supply include at least two gallons per person per day for seven days minimum — more if pets are involved. 

SLVWD suggests following these basic storage rules: 

• Follow container manufacturer instructions for storage and maintenance of your emergency water supply.

• Use only BPA-free plastic. Single-use bottles are not designed for long-term storage and can leach plastic over time.

• Store in a cool, dark place or a temperature-controlled environment; inside your home is best.

• Replace emergency water every six months. 

About the District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

 
Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

 
Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
https://www.slvwd.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Reaffirms Stage 2 Water Restrictions Due to 'Severe Drought' Designation in Santa Cruz County

  With Santa Cruz County receiving less than 40% of its average rainfall this past winter, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s Board of Directors reaffirmed the ‘Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency (Ordinance 106) restrictions at the May 6th, 2021 Board of Directors meeting.

 Boulder Creek, CA, May 13, 2021 — With Santa Cruz County receiving less than 40% of its average rainfall this past winter, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s Board of Directors reaffirmed the ‘Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency (Ordinance 106) restrictions at the May 6th, 2021 Board of Directors meeting. The District is requesting a voluntary reduction of outdoor usage by 10%-20%. Many customers have already reduced their water usage, but others can further conserve. 

Under the Stage 2 Water Shortage:

•             Customers must limit watering days to twice per week before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., customers can select the two days per week (the District requests customers to avoid watering on Saturdays & Sundays).

•             Hoses must be equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

•             Potable water cannot be used to wash down hard or paved surfaces.

•             Swimming pools cannot be initially filled or drained and refilled.

•             Restaurants can only serve water to customers upon request.

•             Hotels and motels must offer patrons the option to forgo daily laundering of linens. 

Water usage typically increases significantly on holiday weekends, and on the warmest summer days. These peak water use times will strain the water system and the District requests customer to be especially conscious of water use during these periods. 

The District is offering customers incentives to conserve, including free water saving devices, rebates for water saving appliances, and free water-wise water audits (including a ‘Do it yourself’ kit). A summary of these offerings are listed on the back of this letter. 

“It is really important to conserve water this year, following the loss of the District’s surface water infrastructure sources to the 2020 CZU Lighting Complex fire. Maintaining full water storage is critical with impending fire danger, loss of surface water sources, and the looming drought. Operationally, the District is making sure it is maximizing water conservation through the pursuit of an aggressive Leak Detection and Water Loss program, tightening up old/aging infrastructure.” said Rick Rogers, District Manager. 

You can find detailed information about how the Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency affects residential, and commercial accounts on our website at: https://www.slvwd.com/conservation/pages/drought-information. 

About the SLVWD

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. 

A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. 

The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. 

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com

Phone: (831) 338-2153

Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:

After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153 

Address:

San Lorenzo Valley Water District

13060 Hwy 9

Boulder Creek, CA 95006 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
https://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Releases Report on Quality of District Drinking Water in 2020

  Full report available to community and news media

 Boulder Creek, CA, April 29, 2021 — The 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which informs customers of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) about the quality of their drinking water, has revealed that water provided to its customers has met or surpassed all State of California and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water health standards. 

The 16-page report is now available to the public on the District’s website at https://www.slvwd.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif1176/f/uploads/slvwd_2020_ccr_final_1.pdf.

 To obtain a paper copy of the 2020 Consumer Confidence Report, contact the San Lorenzo Valley Water District at (831) 338-2153. 

The annual report includes information on sources of water distributed by the District and includes a summary of the water quality tested annually. The District safeguards its water supplies and provides surface water treatment to ensure that customers receive the highest quality drinking water possible. In an effort to provide this report to everyone, the District encourages landlords to provide a copy of this report to their tenants. 

In summary, the District provides water to two separate drinking water systems: The San Lorenzo Valley Water District and The San Lorenzo Valley Water District-Felton. Each of these two drinking water systems have their own separate source of drinking water supply. 

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District system service area includes the communities of Boulder Creek, North of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Quail Hollow, Glen Arbor, Zayante, Lompico and the Scotts Valley areas of Hidden Glenn, Lockewood Ln, Pasatiempo Pines, Whispering Pines, Manana Woods and both Spring Lakes and Vista Del Lago Mobile Home Parks. 

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District-Felton system service area includes the town of Felton, Hwy 9 south to Big Trees, San Lorenzo Ave, Felton Empire Grade, Felton Grove and El Solyo Heights. Customers in the SLVWD-Felton system are supplied water from Bennett Springs, Bull Springs and Fall Creek. 

The SLVWD and SLVWD-Felton systems have an interconnection, which allows for the transfer of water between the two systems on an emergency basis. In 2020, the SLVWD received approximately 13.47 million gallons of water from the SLVWD-Felton system, or approximately 2.5% of its total supply; while the SLVWD-Felton system received approximately 9.62 million gallons of water from the SLVWD system, or approximately 7.7% of water provided to the SLVWD- Felton system. 

About the District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. 

A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. 

The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. 

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com

Phone: (831) 338-2153

Fax: (831) 338-7986 

Emergency Numbers:

After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153 

Address:

San Lorenzo Valley Water District

13060 Hwy 9

Boulder Creek, CA 95006 

Media Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
Marci@TheBuzzPr.Net
https://www.slvwd.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Celebrates Earth Day, April 22, By Encouraging Water Conservation to Benefit the Greater Community

  Earth Day, April 22, 2021, will be upon us soon, so the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) wants to remind the public that taking measures at home to conserve water not only saves money, but benefits the greater community. 

Boulder Creek, CA, April 08, 2021 — Earth Day, April 22, 2021, will be upon us soon, so the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) wants to remind the public that taking measures at home to conserve water not only saves money, but benefits the greater community. Since October 2020 the San Lorenzo Valley has only received approximately 18 inches of rainfall compared to the typical water year (October through September) average of 46 inches. 

While most of California is partially or wholly dependent upon snowfall in the Sierras for their water supply, the SLVWD relies on local rainfall only. This means we must make do with whatever rainfall has seeped deep into the ground and stored in our underground aquifers, as well as what is flowing and stored in our local rivers, creeks or reservoir. Due to our heavy reliance on groundwater (and our wells that we pump from) it can take years of average rainfall to make up for past drought conditions. 

In addition, weather patterns are changing. We can expect longer and drier droughts, coupled with more frequent and severe flooding. Warming temperatures are changing rain and snowfall patterns and rising sea levels are expected to have profound effects on our ability to manage water supplies now and in the future. That’s why water use efficiency strategies will continue to be more and more important for the San Lorenzo Valley.  

By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by up to 35%. This means the average San Lorenzo Valley household, which uses 72,000 gallons annually, could save up to 25,00 gallons of water per year. In addition to saving money on your utility bill, conserving water also reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water, along with the associated cost to operate these services.

 Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system. Simply put, the less water entering your septic system, the less water your septic system has to treat. Maintaining and avoiding overloading your septic system will help extend its lifespan and reduce potential contamination of groundwater, nearby lakes and streams, and even your home’s drinking water. 

The most effective way to save water is to upgrade to efficient fixtures. Installing low-flow aerators, showerheads, tank banks and other water-saving devices can be can be done by homeowners with minimal tools. Here are five ways you can save water at home: 

1. Install Low or Dual-Flush Model Toilets

Federal regulations state that new toilets must use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Replacing an old toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 1.6-gallon or lower flush model represents a 70% savings in water and can cut indoor water use by about 30%. Alternatively, consider purchasing a dual-flush toilet or installing a dual flush converter that turns a standard toilet into a dual-flush toilet, can save an average family 15,000 gallons of water each year. 

The District is offering two residential toilet rebate options ranging from $75 up to $200 depending on the gallon per flush of the original toilet you replace. Rebate eligibility requirements and applications are listed on the District’s Rebate Program page at https://www.slvwd.com/conservation/pages/rebate-program.   

2. Consider a High-Efficiency Washing Machine

The most efficient washing machines use as little as seven gallons per load, compared to a whopping 54 for a traditional washer. A high efficiency (HE) washer can easily pay for itself over its lifetime in water and energy savings. New Energy Star-rated washers use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load.

 If you’re in the market for a new clothes washer, the District offers a credit of up to $100 to customers who purchase and install a high-efficiency washing machines. Rebate eligibility requirements and applications are listed on the District’s Rebate Program page at https://www.slvwd.com/conservation/pages/rebate-program. 

3. Install Water-Saving Showerheads, and Shower Timers

Inexpensive water-saving low-flow showerheads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install. Long showers can use five to 10 gallons every minute. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute. You can easily install a low-flow showerhead, or add a ShowerStart converter to existing showerheads, which automatically pauses a running shower once it gets warm. Or take shorter showers!  

The District offers free low-flow shower heads to District customers. Contact customer service at customerservice@SLVWD.com  for more information. 

4. Fit Household Faucets with Aerators

This easy and effective home water conservation method is also the cheapest! Aerators are used to reduce the volume of water that comes out of your kitchen or bathroom faucet. 

The District offers free aerators for both bathrooms and kitchens to District customers. Contact customer service at customerservice@SLVWD.com  for more information. 

5. Check Your Toilets for Leaks

Put a food coloring in your toilet tank without flushing, if the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you may have a leak that should be repaired. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install. To check for leaks, go to https://www.slvwd.com/conservation/pages/how-test-leaks.   

For more water-saving tips, go to: watersavingtips.org. 

The District is proud of the water conservation efforts our community has taken and wants to extend a thank-you to all of its residents for being passionate about the environment and saving water!  

About the District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. 

A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline.  

The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. 

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com

Phone: (831) 338-2153

Fax: (831) 338-7986 

Emergency Numbers:

After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153 

Address:

San Lorenzo Valley Water District

13060 Hwy 9

Boulder Creek, CA 95006 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

The Buzz PR LLC

Salinas, CA

(831) 747-7455

https://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District 2020 State of District Letter

  Over the last 40 years, I have seen the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (District) take on many difficult challenges, including drought, landslides, flooding, earthquakes, and fire. 

Boulder Creek, CA, February 05, 2021 - Over the last 40 years, I have seen the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (District) take on many difficult challenges, including drought, landslides, flooding, earthquakes, and fire. However, none of the previous years proved to be as difficult and challenging as 2020. Before August, the District was focused on its response to COVID-19 to ensure its staff and community’s safety. That included implementing new office and field protocols to improve sanitation, meeting all State and County orders, and separating workforces to ensure adequate staffing.  The District also met the challenge of two PG&E public safety power outages while dealing with changes in staffing and meeting new protocols. Then in August the CZU Lighting Complex Fire moved through the San Lorenzo Valley. The District saw more than 1,600 acres of its watershed properties burned, lost miles of raw water pipeline, and suffered damage to our water storage and surface water infrastructure. It was not only the District who grieved losses but the surrounding San Lorenzo Valley community as well, with many losing homes to the fire. Although these were difficult circumstances, I am beyond proud of our community’s, Board of Directors’ and staff’s response. The resiliency of the San Lorenzo Valley and surrounding areas to work together to rebuild and restore continues to impress me. 

I am looking forward to welcoming the new year and with it the productive track the District remains set on. In 2021 the District plans to continue to improve its infrastructure, restore post-fire damage, harden its facilities from future disasters, deliver high-quality water, provide outstanding customer service, and work with the community to create a stronger San Lorenzo Valley. 

There is no doubt 2021 will be a challenging year, as the District will have to work through new challenges while moving forward a multitude of previously established projects. The impacts from the CZU fire will be felt for many years to come and our community is still preparing for the potential of debris flows. The District completed a project on its watershed property to harden the stream channel in case of a debris-flow disaster, is working closely with the County of Santa Cruz in preparation for evacuations, and has allowed State and other agencies such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to complete debris-flow monitoring studies on our watershed land. 

Beyond the impacts of the fire, customers and the District are still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The District and its customers are in a reciprocal partnership – the District is a public utility and depends on its customers, while its customers depend on the District to receive high-quality water service. Many residents in our community are struggling with economic distress and unable to regularly pay their water bills. The District understands these circumstances and wants to extend help to anyone in need. Customers need to contact our customer service staff to start a payment plan or visit our website (SLVWD.com) to qualify for the District’s Rate Assistance Program. 

We look forward to working with the community, partner agencies, and our Board of Directors in the new year. I am honored to work for our community with such a dedicated Board of Directors and staff. 

Sincerely, 
Richard Rogers 
District Manager 

To learn more about the District’s water quality, fire response, upcoming projects, income assistance programs, and more, visit the full newsletter on our website here. https://www.slvwd.com/home/news/community-report-2019-2020  Our mailing address is: 13060 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, (831) 338-2153.

 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455] 
https://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District begins 2021 with three new directors on its Board of Directors

  The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has elected two directors and appointed one new director to its five-person Board of Directors (board), a governing body responsible for the establishment of policy that affects more than 7,900 connections. 

Boulder Creek, CA, January 05, 2021 - The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has elected two directors and appointed one new director to its five-person Board of Directors (board), a governing body responsible for the establishment of policy that affects more than 7,900 connections. On December 7th, Gail Mahood and Tina Marie were sworn into the board after being elected in November. On December 16th, Mark Smolley was appointed and sworn into the board. These three new directors replace outgoing board members Richard Moran, Lewis Farris and Steven Swan. 

The three new directors have vast experience and diverse qualifications: 

Gail Mahood: The retired Stanford University geology professor has expertise in the effects of geology and climate change on the hydrology and biology of watersheds. She also brings a vast knowledge of groundwater issues, water quality (including post-fire contamination) and geologic hazards that could impact SLVWD facilities (i.e. landslides, earthquakes, floods, debris flows). Mahood served on Stanford’s budget and strategic planning group and the Land and Building Committee, and was chair of the Faculty Senate. She has also served on the SLVWD Engineering Committee since 2019. 

Tina Marie To: A marine environmental scientist and active community member, To holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and Earth Science from UC Santa Cruz, along with a master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Sydney in Australia. As an environmental scientist, To has worked for the California State Water Board and the City of Richmond, specializing in wastewater issues. A frequent attendee and contributor at SLVWD meetings and a member of the community group Friends of San Lorenzo Valley Water, To believes water is the critical life force of the valley. 

Mark Smolley: The Felton resident has participated with the SLVWD Engineering Committee for the past two years. He also served as a board member for six years with Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit in San Jose focused on improving low-income housing. Smolley served as the utilities construction project manager at Apple Inc.’s 170-acre campus from 2015-2018, and in a similar capacity for the University of California, San Francisco (2008-2014). A graduate of Penn State University, Smolley is a state-licensed professional geologist. 

The SLVWD also passed three resolutions to acknowledge and thank the three departing board members: 

Stephen Swan: Swan served on the board for two years, beginning in 2018. During his tenure on the board, Swan served as board president in 2020 and led the District through the CZU Wildfire. The board acknowledged Swan’s dedication to the proper management and fiscal viability of the district, as well as the protection of the watershed properties and the environmental health of the entire San Lorenzo River watershed. 

Lewis Farris: Farris served on the board for 1 year & 7 months, after being appointed in 2019. His contribution and service began in 2014 when he served on the Community Outreach Citizens Advisory Committee and later as a public member of the Engineering Committee, where he was instrumental in the District earning a Transparency Certificate of Excellence and improving outreach to the public. Farris was also involved in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Management Agency and served as one of the District’s representatives. 

Richard Moran: Moran served on the board for 1 year & 4 months, after being appointed in 2019. Before joining the board, Moran participated as a voice in the community, calling for a ban on glyphosate, a suspected human carcinogen. He also served as a public member on the Environmental Committee before he was seated on the board. Moran was responsible for moving forward the adoption of the District’s first Integrated Pest Management Plan, reducing the use of pesticides. 

Established in 1941, the SLVWD supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Lompico, Zayante, Scotts Valley, Manana Woods and Felton. Through a network of distribution lines, pump stations and reservoirs, the district now serves more than 7,900 connections and 35,000 residents.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
https://www.slvwd.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District In Process of Completing Two Major Water Tank and Pipeline Projects

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is in the process of replacing three undersized and leaking redwood tanks in Lompico, as well as of replacing 3.3 miles of pipeline that were deemed inefficient, ineffective (due to age and size), and undersized for fire flow in Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek.

Boulder Creek, CA, November 24, 2020 — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is in the process of replacing six undersized and leaking redwood tanks in Lompico, as well as of replacing 3.3 miles of pipeline that were deemed inefficient, ineffective (due to age and size), and undersized for fire flow in Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek.

New Lewis Tanks in Lompico (Left) and Hillside Drive Pipeline Trench (Right) 

Lompico Tank Project:

The Lompico Tanks Project involves three tank sites with six tanks total that provide the main water storage and service for Lompico and nearby areas, referred to as Madrone, Lewis, and Kaski tank sites. 

The Madrone tank site was completed in November and is now in use. The Lewis tank site has completed construction and is completing water quality sampling before being brought online for use. While the Kaski site is in the process of having its original tanks removed and will begin site grading in early December. 

The tank replacement project was funded through a $2.75 million assessment district as part of the SLVWD/Lompico consolidation project. 

The 5-Pipeline Replacement Project:

The Pipeline Replacement Project will increase the capacity for fire flow and improve water quality in the areas of Boulder Creek (Big Basin Highway - 236, Sequoia Avenue, and Hillside Drive) and Ben Lomond (California Drive and Quail Hollow Road). 

The pipelines in Hillside Drive and Reynolds Drive has been constructed. The final steps of installing service laterals, fire hydrants and air relief valves has begun and should be completed mid-December 2020. 

The pipelines in California Drive have completed the saw cutting of the trench line and potholing of existing services. Construction and installation of the mainline pipeline is in progress and estimated to be competed in January 2021. 

While the pipeline in Quail Hollow Road required additional environmental permitting. The draft Initial-Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) will open for public review in early December with construction slated for Spring 2021. 

For more information, call (831) 338-2153, or go to www.slvwd.com. 

About the District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. 

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com Phone: (831) 338-2153 Fax: (831) 338-7986 Emergency Numbers: After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153 Address: San Lorenzo Valley Water District 13060 Hwy 9 Boulder Creek, CA 95006.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.slvwd.com

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) in Conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board have approved cancellation of the remaining “Do Not Drink-Do Not Boil” in the District’s service area as of Friday, October 23rd

  

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) today announced that based on water quality samples collected since the August CZU Lighting Complex fires, the SLVWD in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board have approved cancellation of the “Do Not Drink-Do Not Boil” notice in all of its service areas. 

Boulder Creek, CA, October 24, 2020 —The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) today announced that based on water quality samples collected since the August CZU Lighting Complex fires, the SLVWD in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board have approved cancellation of the “Do Not Drink-Do Not Boil” notice in all of its service areas. Customers may resume using tap water for drinking, cooking, and all other normal uses. 

Newly added cancellation areas (as of 10/23/2020):

Boulder Creek Area: All services west of the Hwy 236/Paone Dr. intersection, including,

West Park Ave, Boulder Brook Dr; Virginia Ave; Ridge Dr. 

Updated maps can be found here. https://bit.ly/2TmP01Y 

See all memos here. https://www.slvwd.com/home/news/cancellation-do-not-drink-do-not-boil-notice-select-areas-10232020 

“We are very pleased to announce today, 10/23/2020 that we are lifting the remaining Do Not Drink-Do Not Boil (DND-DNB) order in the Boulder Creek area including: all services west of the Hwy 236/Paone Drive, West Park Ave, Boulder Brook Drive; Virginia Ave and Ridge Drive. The District’s water supply is non-detect for contaminants from the August CZU Lighting fire. The DND-DNB release occurred sooner than anticipated do to our staff’s tireless work sampling water quality and restoring the water distribution system. With the DND-DNB order lifted, the District can shift all of its focus to repairing the remaining fire damage. There is still a lot of work to do repairing the system and restoring watershed lands. The District won’t rest until we have the system repaired above and beyond its original structure. The Board of Directors and I want to sincerely thank all of our customers for their patience and understanding during this emergency. It is a pleasure to serve such a wonderful community.” – Rick Rogers, District Manager 

About The San Lorenzo Valley Water District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is located in the mountains of northern Santa Cruz County. The District serves more than 7,900 metered connections. Established in 1941, the District supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Zayante, Scotts Valley, Mañana Woods, Felton and Lompico. For more information, visit www.slvwd.com or www.facebook.com/slvwaterdistrict. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
Chatterbox PR 
Salinas, CA 93901 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Update on the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires Update from The Board of Directors 8.25.2020

As the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires burn within the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to evaluate wildfire impacts to the water system and the community.

Boulder Creek, CA, August 26, 2020 - As the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires burn within the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to evaluate wildfire impacts to the water system and the community.

At the August 24th ,2020 meeting the Board heard an update from District staff, who have been working tirelessly in support of the emergency response from within the San Lorenzo Valley. The District is working closely with CAL FIRE and other key agencies such as the California State Water Resources Control Board to protect water supply.

The Board President, Steve Swan, expressed gratitude to all first responders. He emphasized, “that our hearts go out to those forced to evacuate their homes and the firefighters, District staff and other essential workers keeping our Valley safe”.

The Board passed a Resolution to declare a water shortage emergency and stop any non-essential water use in order to help firefighting efforts. It directs staff to:

Continue communicating with the public about the importance of conserving water; and
Temporarily shut off water connections to structures where staff observes fire damage, water leaks or water running off the property, and notify customers.

It is also important to continue to conserve water when evacuation orders are lifted and residents return to the Valley.

District Manager Rick Rogers asks the public to conserve water to the maximum extent possible. Follow all “Do Not Drink / Do Not Boil” to be issued for Brookdale north, and other safety notices. Mr. Rogers also asks everyone who hears this message to take it seriously and please talk to others.

The District will continue to update its website & social media platforms with news. To see the most updated information please check our website alert page here or our Facebook page here.

For more information, call (831) 338-2153, or go to www.slvwd.com.

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Offering Financial Assistance to Low-Income Water Service Customers

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is implementing a low-income assistance program for up to 208 qualifying residential water customers starting July 15.

Boulder Creek, CA, July 15, 2020 — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is implementing a low-income assistance program for up to 208 qualifying residential water customers starting July 15.

Income-eligible customers who currently receive a discounted rate through PG&E’s CARE program may be eligible to receive $10 off their monthly water bill.

To see if your household qualifies, answer these three questions:

• Yes, I pay SLVWD for an individually metered residential water service AND

• Yes, I receive a discounted rate through PG&E’s CARE program for the same address and in the same name AND

• Yes, I live at the property that receives these services and the SLVWD bill is in my name

If you said yes to all three of the required qualifications, you may apply by doing the following:

• Complete a web form available here https://www.slvwd.com/customer-service/webforms/rate-assistance-program

• Attach your most recent PG&E bill showing participation in the CARE program for the same address as the water bill.

• If you are a tenant, attach a copy of your lease agreement. If you do not have a lease agreement, contact Customer Service so SLVWD can send the owner a verification form.

Approved applications will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please click here to view the full policy, including continued eligibility requirements.https://www.slvwd.com/customer-service/webforms/rate-assistance-program

For more information, call (831) 338-2153, or go to www.slvwd.com.

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.slvwd.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District secures additional generators to ensure power during future outages

In 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., and other California utilities instituted massive preemptive power shutoffs in 30 counties, designed to prevent wildfires during strong and dry winds

Boulder Creek, CA, July 01, 2020 — In 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., and other California utilities instituted massive preemptive power shutoffs in 30 counties, designed to prevent wildfires during strong and dry winds.

Called public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), these events affected more than 3 million Californians, including those in Santa Cruz County.

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District relies on PG&E power to run its facilities throughout the valley. However, to safeguard against future PSPS events, the district has launched capital improvement projects that include the installation of new generators to help ensure power to pump stations, treatment plants and wastewater facilities.

The district has installed six new stationary generators, bringing its total to 17 that supply power to two treatment plants, 11 pump stations, one wastewater facility, one intake facility, the District’s operations building and administration building.

In addition, SLVWD has secured four new mobile generators, bringing its total mobile generators to seven. These are capable of supplying power to seven well sites and 15 different pump stations.

“During PSPS outages the District asks customers to implement strict water conservation measures to save water in case of fire”

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates..

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986
Emergencies: (831) 338-2153
Address: 13060 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

For Media Only:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District Will Be Hosting A Media Tour Day on Wednesday, August 5th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

To Sign Up For the Media Tour Please Contact Marci@ChatterboxPublicRelations.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.slvwd.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Survey Finds Customers Overwhelmingly Satisfied With District’s Services

A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

Boulder Creek, CA, June 10, 2020 — A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

In an online survey of more than 1,000 customers in April, almost 80% said they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the District’s service: 47% said they were satisfied, while 32% said they were very satisfied.

The survey went live on surveylegend.com in early April and asked the taker to rank the District’s services; “how well the District is doing in various areas; how one would like to receive information about the District; what source one derives their information; how much you trust the District when it comes to finding a responsible solution to water supply issues in the area, and more”. Respondents could also take the survey by phone or email.

In addition to the services, 87% of respondents said they would benefit from regular communications via E-blasts and/or Enewsletters by email and social media, with a smaller number wanting both online and intermittent (quarterly) mailed newsletters.

Customers also stated they received District news/updates through local news media and through speaking engagements and participation in community events.

In addition the survey revealed that:

• 98% of survey respondents are SLVWD residential customers.
• 96% live in a single-family house and 93% own their homes.
• 52% of all customers feel the amount they pay for water is “about right.”
• An overwhelming number of respondents (788) were 50 and older.
• 60% of customers would prefer to receive communications via email.
• 27% of customers want to receive communications via both email and regular mail.

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.slvwd.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Gets Information on Groundwater Levels and Goals for Future Groundwater Levels in Santa Cruz County at Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Meeting

With the rainy season behind us, the focus of San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now on future groundwater levels as we head into the drier summer months.

Boulder Creek, CA, May 19, 2020 — With the rainy season behind us, the focus of San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now on future groundwater levels as we head into the drier summer months.

For the District groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for residents from June through October when surface water flow is low during drier months. Rainfall is the main source of recharge to the basin and surface water flows. The groundwater basin is shared by users, including the District, Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD), and Mount Hermon Association, as well as local businesses and residents using private wells.

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) at its Board of Directors meeting in April held an informational session that centered on groundwater levels and the agency’s goals for future groundwater levels. The District is one of three member-agencies that make up the SMGWA, along with the SVWD and the County of Santa Cruz.

The session examined the Santa Margarita Basin and its four primary aquifers: Santa Margarita aquifer, Monterey formation, Lompico aquifer and Butano aquifer. The session identified the unique characteristics of each aquifer and its particular set of users.

• The aquifer closest to the surface is the Santa Margarita. It is about 100 feet thick, on average, and is the most vulnerable to fluctuations in climate conditions. That means it recharges the fastest during periods of rainfall, but also depletes the most quickly during dry times or when lots of pumping occurs. The District and most private well owners draw water from this aquifer.

•The next aquifer down is the Monterey formation, which is not a true aquifer and a very few wells pump from it. It is a clay layer found in limited areas of the basin.

•The third layer down, the Lompico aquifer, is a main source of supply for local water districts. It is generally found around depths of 500-700 feet below the surface.

•Finally, the Butano aquifer is deepest and occurs at around 1,000 feet below the surface of the valley floor. Currently, only the Scotts Valley Water District extracts water from this aquifer.

The aquifers aren’t evenly deposited throughout the basin, according to Georgina King of Montgomery & Associates, who gave the presentation to the SMGWA. Rather, the underground bowl-shaped basin supports varying levels and depths of each aquifer in different areas. The deeper layers are exposed to the land surface in the upgradient of hillsides, which are the principal recharge zone for these aquifers.

Evaluating groundwater levels is one of the state-required elements of the Sustainable Management Criteria (SMC) in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). As a required element of the GSP, the SMGWA board must set minimum thresholds for groundwater levels in the basin as well as measurable objectives to ensure the basin’s sustainability. The board provided input on the significant and unreasonable conditions that will be used to develop a draft qualitative statement for board review.

The SMGWA’s board meeting was held April 23, included time for public comment and participation on each agenda item, and was conducted via all-remote, web- and phone-based access due to the Santa Cruz County Shelter-in-Place Order response to the coronavirus outbreak.

If you are interested in learning more about the SMGWA or the District’s involvement visit www.https://smgwa.org/. The next SMGWA Board of Directors meeting will be held on May 28th at 5:30 p.m. The meeting Agenda and any supplementary materials will be made available www.https://smgwa.org/ as they are generated by staff. Due to the circumstances regarding the ongoing shelter-in-place orders all Agency meetings will be held in an exclusively remote-access format until further notice.

About the San Lorenzo Valley Water District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986
Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

About the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) that was formed as a Joint Powers Authority in June 2017. It has three member-agencies: Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD), San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD), and the County of Santa Cruz (County) and is governed by the Board of Directors comprising of two representatives from each member agency, one representative from City of Scotts Valley, one from City of Santa Cruz, one from Mount Hermon Association (MHA) and two private well owner representatives. The Board of Directors holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The staffing support and funding for the agency is provided by the member agency.

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, overdrafted groundwater basins need to be sustainably managed by a GSA through the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSP must be completed by 2022, and the basin must reach sustainability by 2042.

The three agencies, SVWD, SLVWD, and Santa Cruz County, are committed to working with each other and engage other stakeholders in forming a GSA and developing a GSP after the state approves the boundary modification request.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.slvwd.com