Water Efficiency Pilot Program for Rural Residents Expanded — Now Offers Home Assessments
Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s pilot program aims to serve rural residents
SALINAS, Calif. — The Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) today announced the expansion of its Water Efficiency Pilot Program for Rural Residents (WEPP) with a new offering: free home water efficiency assessments for eligible rural properties in northern Monterey County.
The assessments, conducted by WaterWise Consulting, Inc., include an on-site evaluation of indoor and outdoor water use. Trained experts will check for leaks, review irrigation systems, and evaluate plumbing fixtures and appliances. Residents will receive a detailed report with personalized recommendations, and in some cases, water-saving devices will be purchased and installed at no cost to the homeowner.
“Every drop matters,” said Piret Harmon, General Manager of SVBGSA. “By helping rural residents identify practical ways to use water more efficiently, we’re supporting household water savings and the long-term sustainability of our groundwater basin.”
The program is available to rural residents who own or rent homes in the Monterey, Langley and 180/400 subbasins in northern Monterey County. To qualify, properties must be served by a private well or a small/medium water system.
Participants will benefit from:
- Evaluation of faucets, toilets, showerheads, and appliances for leaks and efficiency.
- Review of irrigation systems, timers and landscapes to identify improvements.
- Free installation of select devices such as efficient aerators, showerheads, irrigation nozzles and smart controllers.