Because over 75% of the water use in the Pajaro Valley groundwater basin is agricultural, the largest potential water savings are from reduced agricultural use. However the Agency also actively cooperates with local urban water purveyors on a number of urban water conservation programs and also sponsors the local watersavingtips.org web-site.
The Agency now offers free low-flow fixtures including showerheads, kitchen faucet aerators and bathroom faucet aerators. These devices are free to homeowners and renters that live within the Agency boundaries outside of the City of Watsonville and Soquel Creek Water District areas (they have their own conservation programs). To receive the free devices come by the Agency office, fill out a simple form, and start saving water, energy and money.
The Soquel Creek Water District has a wide range of programs including free water audits, free water conservation devices, rebates for toilets and washers, plus many other great programs and information. Free irrigation controllers are also available to individual users. The District also has it's own water efficiency requirements for new construction in addition to those required by the County of Santa Cruz. Contact the District at 475-8500.
The City of Watsonville offers rebates for toilets and washers, as well as free water conservation devices. Contact the City Public Works Department at 768-3100.
In the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County, the County's Department of Environmental Health enforces a water conservation ordinance that requires that all residences be retrofitted with low-flow fixtures prior to change of ownership. Contact the Department at 454-2022.