Q & A about River Water Transfers

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

We have great news! Based upon evidence driven data, there is actually an abundance of water in this county. Yes, you heard that correctly. This water is also available now. Therefore, we have formed a group – Water for Santa Cruz County – to promote regional water transfers because this solution is the least expensive and most environmentally friendly alternative. It can be implemented right now! Here’s why:

1. The cost to implement the water transfers between the City of Santa Cruz and Soquel Creek is only a fraction of the projected $70 million to build a recycled sewer water facility. It has been calculated based on the data that a recycled sewer water plant proposed by Soquel Creek Water District will cost each household an additional $7,000.

2. The water from the North Coast Streams and the San Lorenzo River produces billions of gallons of water every year. Traditionally, most of this excess water is flushed into the ocean. Both water districts have long-range plans to consider this, but there is indeed water available for transfers NOW. What is required is stepped-up cooperation between the two districts.

3. Utilizing these water transfers simply makes environmental sense. Let’s use what Nature gives us. Let’s cross these man-made district lines and work together.

While there is disagreement regarding the safety of drinking recycled sewer water, we feel that discussion is barely relevant given the above facts. There is no longer reason to worry whether drinking treated sewer water is safe or not.

Please join us on June 16 to learn about why water transfers are not only completely viable; they will save us millions of dollars. For further information, see http://waterforsantacruz.com, or contact rsolick [at] gmail.com.

Water for Santa Cruz County - Our Mission

1. $250 million for both districts to build recycling plants – vs $25 million one-time capital costs to transfer water – and operating costs are ten times cheaper!

2. Hundreds of millions of gallons in stream water available each year.

3. North Coast provides water rights to transfer 500+million gallons/year.

4. Transfers can begin now! Let’s allow the aquifers to refill, keep out the salt water, and supply good drinking water to residents of both districts.