Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management Plan A Focus on Voluntary Actions to Improve the Sustainability of Our Water Supply

Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management Plan A Focus on Voluntary Actions to Improve the Sustainability of Our Water Supply

Why Implement a Groundwater Management Plan? Pumping at or near basin annual perennial yield of 97,000 AF/YR Concentrated pumping in localized areas caused sustained water level declines from 1997 to 2009 Focus on voluntary management actions by water users to improve basin sustainability Avoid basin adjudication and maintain local control

Groundwater Management Plan Approach: Stakeholders define Basin Management Objectives Basin water users define and implement Voluntary Management Actions to improve basin sustainability 16-Month plan development process Funded with a grant from California DWR Six public meetings and workshops held to present data and gather input from water users

Water Levels Drive GMP Basin Objectives, Actions, and Monitoring Consensus Objective: stabilize water levels as soon as possible, stop water level declines Annual reports by the Steering Committee will update water level trends and well hydrographs

All Water Users Have a Stake

What is the Payoff? Avoid Higher pumping costs for all users Decreased well production - costs of deepening wells or well replacement Declining water quality as water levels fall (As, Mn, Se, SO2, TDS, hot water) Negative impacts to area s agricultural and urban economy

Potential Long-term Management Actions Utilize other supplemental water supplies Lake Nacimiento (Potential of 17,500 af), State Water Project (20,000 af), recycled muni. wastewater) Projects to improve aquifer recharge

Nacimiento Water Project Current Participants City of Paso Robles Atascadero Mutual Water Co. Templeton CSD - County SA 25 - City of San Luis Obispo 4,000 AF/YR 2,000 AF/YR 250 AF/YR 25 AF/YR 3,380 AF/YR Pipeline now operational Paso Robles water treatment plant on-line by 2015/16 Remaining allocation of 7,845 af could be used by agriculture, water purveyors, or commercial entities

Recycled Municipal Wastewater City of Paso Robles WW Production: 2,900 AF/YR Requires upgrades to WWTP ($50+ million) First Step: upgrade WWTP to advanced secondary treatment standard by 2014 Next Tertiary treatment + distribution system to turf and agricultural users Recycled water is 15+ years in the future

Projects to Increase Recharge of Streamflows Concept: Recharge Salinas R. or tributary flows (in-channel or off-channel recharge) Technical challenges (where can flows be impounded and recharged without third party impacts?) Costly per acre-foot due to infrequent excess flows Potential water rights challenges (Salinas R. is fully appropriated)

Recharge Project Challenges Questions on technical feasibility Need improved basin groundwater model to evaluate Site specific groundwater studies required High cost of recharged water compared to current pumping cost Apportioning benefits and costs (Who would pay?) Regional project would likely require a Water District

What Can Water Users Due Now to Address Water Level Declines? GMP Key Near-term Voluntary Actions - Outreach and education effort to improve water use efficiency in all water use sectors - Improve County s water level data network, and improve basin model capabilities

GMP Steering Committee 15 members representing agriculture, cities, water providers, rural residential stakeholders Meet 3 rd Thursday of month, meetings open to the public Information www.pasobasincommittee@gmail.com Meeting Notices and Groundwater Plan Documents at: pasowater.com

Outreach to Well Owners Encourage voluntary participation in SLO County s water level measurement network

Continue Municipal Programs Continue Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton comprehensive conservation programs (Goal: 20% per capita reduction by 2020) Programs: outreach, incentives, ordinances, water rates Implement Nacimiento Water Project Work toward recycled water use

Rural Residential Water Use Efficiency SLO County has begun a rural residential outreach program (website:www.slocounty.ca.gov/planning/commguidelines/ PRgroundwater Initial brochure mailed to all well owners Steering Committee developing additional material Promote understanding of the basin, efficient irrigation, and shift to drought-tolerant landscaping

Agricultural Irrigation Best Management Practices (BMPs) Leverage Existing Outreach Programs of Central Coast Vineyard Team / Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance / Farm Bureau to: Expand outreach on use of irrigation and winery BMPs based on industry accepted standards Continue programs that educate and encourage growers to conduct self audits to optimize water use efficiency and water budgeting

Paso Basin Management Plan Summary Supplemental water will play important role, but timing uncertain Regional projects would likely require Water District formation Near-Term Focus: - Improved water use efficiency in all sectors - Improve water level network and basin model Stakeholder commitment needed to drive plan

Questions? For More Information www.pasobasincommittee@gmail.com Groundwater Plan Documents at: pasowater.com slocountywater.org