Seawater intrusion is the biggest challenge for groundwater management in the Salinas Valley. The Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project, which combines the seawater intrusion extraction barrier identified in the 180/400-Foot Aquifer GSP with the regional water supply project identified also in the 180/400, Monterey, Eastside, and Langley Subbasin GSPs.
This project has been identified as the most effective approach to mitigate seawater intrusion in the Salinas Valley. It combines brackish water extraction wells with advanced water treatment, and injection of treated water, to both stop seawater intrusion and create a new, reliable water supply.
Phase 1 Feasibility Analysis
SVBGSA completed these analyses in October 2025.
The BGRP Phase 1 feasibility evaluated 7 project scenarios and in October 2025, the injection only scenario was selected as the preferred project to carry forward in the feasibility study. Modeling of the seven project scenarios to see how they perform under future conditions found that:
- All scenarios are better than doing nothing — they slow or reverse seawater intrusion
- An Injection-Only option — where all treated water is reinjected — was the fastest to meet thresholds, reaching them within 10 years, and users continue to operate existing water systems
- Localized options (such as North of River or Eastside projects) help specific areas, but don’t protect the region from continued seawater intrusion
Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project Feasibility Study
In March 2026, SVBGSA completed the Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project Feasibility Study, prepared following U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI guidelines. Completion of the feasibility study positions the project for consideration of future federal participation of up to 25% of eligible project costs. The feasibility study team included Carollo Engineers, Montgomery & Associates (M&A), ERA Economic, and Minasian Law.
Appendices
Appendix A – Baseline Model
The Baseline Model simulates projected seawater intrusion from Water Year (WY) 2023 through WY 2072 under status quo operations, providing the basis of comparison for projects and management actions.
Appendix B – No Action Alternative Model
The No Action Alternative (NAA) Model characterizes the projected groundwater pumping reductions needed to halt seawater intrusion if no new infrastructure is constructed.
Appendix C – BGR Scenarios
Conceptual project descriptions of 7 project scenarios and configurations of the Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project.
Appendix D – BGR Scenarios Modeling
Modeling results for the 7 project scenarios and configurations of the Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project.
Appendix E – Updated BGR Injection Only Modeling
Refinements to Injection-only Scenario and updated modeling of the preferred scenario from the Phase 1 analysis.
Appendix F – BGR Infrastructure Memo
Documentation of the infrastructure planning effort in the development of scenarios evaluated in the Phase 1 feasibility analysis.
Appendix G – AWS Infrastructure
Conceptual project description of the Alternative Water Supply Project included in the feasibility study.
Appendix H – AWS Modeling
Modeling results for the Alternative Water Supply Project included in the feasibility study.
Appendix I – Economic Analysis
Economic feasibility analysis and financial analysis for the BGRP and AWSP alternatives, compared to the No Action Alternative.
Appendix J – Detailed BGR Cost Estimates
BGRP cost estimate details.
SVBGSA has completed a CEQA Initial Study for the project to define environmental review requirements and support future phases of project development. The Initial Study will be made available for public review and comment in accordance with CEQA guidelines upon Board direction to initiate an environmental impact report for the BGRP.