Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Announces Three-Part 'Understanding Our Water' Educational Series

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, formed in 2017 to comply with California’s new Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, today announced it will host a three-part educational series beginning in January to engage and inform all people who rely on the water supply from the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin. The Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin is the major water source for communities in the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, the City of Santa Cruz and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County.

Education series topics will include water supply, land development and population growth, groundwater and surface water management, and climate change. The meetings will be held the second Saturdays of the month from January to March at Felton Community Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• January 12: Land Use and Water: How Much Does Growth Matter?
• February 9: Water Budgets: How Do We Balance All Needs?
• March 9: Managing GroundwaSanter: How Can We Prepare for an Uncertain Future?

The first forum, “Land Use and Water: How Much Does Growth Matter?” will provide information on land use planning and how it relates to the water supply. Details about subsequent seminars will be announced in the near future.

Each seminar will include a keynote speaker; break-out sessions where participants can engage with each other, water management staff and elected leaders; informational displays; and expert panel discussions.

The seminars are free to attend. Preregistration is encouraged. Visit tinyurl.com/smgwaeducation to sign up. Felton Community Hall is at 6191 Hwy. 9, Felton.

ABOUT SANTA MARGARITA GROUNDWATER AGENCY
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a joint powers authority comprised of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Scotts Valley Water District and the County of Santa Cruz, to oversee the groundwater management activities in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin in Santa Cruz County, California. The agency was established in 2017. The Board of Directors of the SMGWA includes two board members from each of the member agencies, one from the City of Scotts Valley, one from the City of Santa Cruz, one from the Mount Hermon Association Community Water System and two well owner representatives. Learn more at www.smgwa.org or on Facebook.