Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) is a unique water management agency that serves the Pajaro Valley region of California. The agency is responsible for managing, protecting, and preserving the water resources within the Pajaro Valley, which includes the cities of Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and Salinas. The Pajaro Valley is a critical agricultural area, and the management of water resources is crucial to the economy of the region.
The PVWMA was established in 1984 as a joint powers authority by the County of Santa Cruz and the City of Watsonville. It was created to provide a coordinated and integrated approach to water management in the Pajaro Valley. The organization is governed by a board of directors, which is composed of representatives from the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville, the City of Santa Cruz, and the City of Salinas.
The mission of the PVWMA is to manage the water resources of the Pajaro Valley in a sustainable manner while protecting the interests of all stakeholders. The agency is guided by a set of core values, which include transparency, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and innovation.
One of the key functions of the PVWMA is to maintain the groundwater resources of the Pajaro Valley. The agency is responsible for managing the groundwater basin, which is the primary source of water for the region. The groundwater basin is a complex system that is influenced by a variety of factors, including rainfall, water use, and land use. The PVWMA works closely with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure that the groundwater basin is managed in a sustainable manner.
In addition to managing the groundwater basin, the PVWMA also oversees a number of programs designed to protect and preserve water resources in the Pajaro Valley. These programs include water conservation, water quality monitoring, and watershed management. The agency also provides technical assistance and education to help farmers and other stakeholders implement best practices for water management.
One of the innovative programs developed by the PVWMA is the Groundwater Replenishment Program. This program involves treating and recharging recycled water into the groundwater basin. The program ensures a sustainable water supply for future generations while reducing the discharge of recycled water into the ocean. The program has been recognized as a model for sustainable water management and has received numerous awards.
The PVWMA also works closely with other agencies and organizations to address regional water issues. The agency is a member of the Monterey Bay Regional Water Management Group, which is a collaborative effort to manage water resources in the Monterey Bay region. The PVWMA also participates in the Central Coast Groundwater Coalition, which is working to establish a sustainable groundwater management program for the Central Coast region.
In conclusion, the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency plays a critical role in managing and protecting the water resources of the Pajaro Valley region. The agency is guided by a set of core values that promote transparency, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and innovation. The PVWMA works closely with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders to manage the groundwater basin in a sustainable manner. The agency also oversees a number of programs designed to protect and preserve water resources in the region. The Groundwater Replenishment Program is an innovative program that has received numerous awards for its sustainable water management practices. The PVWMA is a model for regional water management and is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations.
