SALINAS, Calif. — The Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) today announced the launch of its Water Efficiency Pilot Program to help rural residents improve water efficiency and contribute to sustainable groundwater management.
The Salinas Valley, like much of California, relies on groundwater for residential, commercial and agricultural uses. In rural areas, communities are often at a greater risk of losing their water supply, due to dependence on a single source, limited conveyance infrastructure and financial resources.
SVBGSA is taking a three-track approach as part of the program: conduct a bilingual survey to assess current water use patterns, offer free home visits from trained experts to identify water-saving opportunities, and provide an online resource to help rural water users become more water efficient.
“Small changes can make a big difference,” said Piret Harmon, General Manager for SVBGSA. “Groundwater is a vital resource for all of us. Being mindful of our water use and making efforts to be more water efficient helps the entire region work toward groundwater sustainability.”
The survey is designed to better understand water use habits and conduct a need assessment among rural residents who rely on private wells or small water systems. The survey, available online in English and Spanish through June 2025, will help SVBGSA identify practical tools and strategies to support water efficiency. Participants will have the chance to enter a raffle for prizes. Take the survey here: svbgsa.org/demand-management/wepp
Free house calls will be offered, through which trained experts conduct an evaluation of plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and household water habits. The expert will provide personalized recommendations for improvements and retrofits to help rural residents use water more efficiently.
Additionally, SVBGSA has developed an online resource with practical water-saving solutions tailored for well owners and small rural water systems. For more information, visit: svbgsa.org/resources/water-efficiency
The Water Efficiency Pilot Program is part of SVBGSA’s response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which was signed into law in 2014 and adheres to a scientific understanding that groundwater in California is being used faster than it’s being replenished. The act required designated groundwater basins to form a public agency, to develop a groundwater management plan, and to implement actions that help basins reach and maintain groundwater sustainability.
About the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
The SVBGSA was formed in 2017 to develop comprehensive Groundwater Sustainability Plans and implement the plans to achieve groundwater sustainability by 2042, as required by the State of California. The Agency’s 11-member Board is comprised of stakeholders who represent diverse interests from across the Salinas Valley. Learn more at www.svbgsa.org and on Facebook and Instagram.
