SVWC Advocacy Update: Managing Multi-Year Drought Cycles

Sustainable Water Management Principles

The Salinas Valley Water Coalition (SVWC) is committed to sustainable water solutions. We present our Guiding Principles for managing Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs during extended droughts.

Purpose

Develop standards for reservoir management during multi-year droughts, based on key SVWP documents.

Objectives

• Ensure water availability and habitat protection.
• Adhere to fishery flow requirements.
• Protect water rights.

Key Standards

• Fishery Flow Compliance: Meet flow requirements to support steelhead migration.
• Operational Adjustments: Reduce operations during dry years.
• Essential Needs Focus: Prioritize water over recreational uses.
• Permit Flexibility: Maintain lagoon breaching permits.

Guiding Principles

• Optimize reservoir operations.
• Ensure community water access.
• Preserve natural resources and agricultural vitality.
• Limit water waste to the ocean.
• Provide supplemental water through MCWRA wells.

Proposed Options

Option 1: Multi-Year Response

• Year 1: Store inflows, minimal releases.
• Year 2: Block flow releases if drought persists.
• Year 3: Continue storage, minimum releases.
• Year 4: Block flow releases if drought continues.

Option 2: Winter Releases

• Trigger-Based Releases: Implement winter releases for steelhead migration and groundwater recharge.

Conclusion

SVWC advocates for effective water management to tackle multi-year drought challenges. Support sustainable water practices for Monterey County.

Thank you for your support. Stay informed with SVWC for critical water management updates.