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) to residents in all six of the subbasins under the agency’s purview, offering free home water efficiency assessments for eligible residents through the end of 2026.
The expansion builds on the momentum and success of the program in helping homeowners in northern Monterey County over the last year.
“This program supports homeowners and renters by providing personalized recommendations and free devices to help households save money, energy and water,” said Piret Harmon, General Manager of SVBGSA. “The program is one part of the larger efforts by SVBGSA to support the long-term health of groundwater in the Salinas Valley.”
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.
The program is available to rural residents who own or rent homes in the Salinas Valley.
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.
Assessments are offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis. A resident or property representative over 18 must be present during the visit, and homeowners must grant consent for WaterWise staff to conduct the evaluation.
Rural residents can request an assessment by completing the online application available at www.svbgsa.org/demand-management/wepp. Funding is limited, and applications will be accepted until capacity is reached. The program will operate through the end of the calendar year.
The Water Efficiency Pilot Program is part of SVBGSA’s response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which was signed into law in 2014 and adheres to a scientific understanding that groundwater in California is being used faster than it’s being replenished. The act requires designated groundwater basins to form a public agency, develop a groundwater management plan, and implement actions that help basins reach and maintain groundwater sustainability.