Water is a precious resource that is essential for the Salinas Valley community. One of the most effective ways to contribute to water conservation is by being more water-conscious at home. To build awareness about water use efficiency among rural residents and empower them to contribute to sustainable groundwater management, the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency created the Water Efficiency Pilot Program (WEPP) to assist rural residential water users served by small water systems or private wells. Most rural areas in the Salinas Valley Basin are heavily reliant on groundwater, which can be especially vulnerable to over-pumping and drought.

Small changes can make a big difference, but knowing where to start can be challenging. WEPP provides rural residential water efficiency resources. The program now offers a Home Assessment Program to help residents identify opportunities to improve water use efficiency — details are listed below.

A man giving a thumbs up in front of an open dishwasher

The Home Assessment offers no-cost indoor and outdoor water use evaluations for residential properties in select areas. The program identifies opportunities for residents to improve their water use efficiency. Homeowners can then choose to have select supplies purchased and installed, free of cost! 

As part of the Water Efficiency Pilot Program for Rural Residents (WEPP), the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency is contracting with WaterWise Consulting, Inc. to provide free visits to rural homes owned or rented in the northern portion of Monterey County to assess how residents could improve their water use efficiency.

Eligibility

  • The property must be located in the northern portion of Monterey County, including the Monterey, Langley and 180/400 Subbasins.
  • A large water provider cannot service the property.
  • If you are unsure of your eligibility, please email tregenzah@svbgsa.org.
  • The resident or someone over the age of 18 must be present during the assessment.
  • The homeowner must consent to allow WaterWise Inc. staff on the property.

How to Apply

  • Assessments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • To request an assessment, complete the online application.
  • A property may receive only one assessment for the life of the program.
  • Funding is limited, and applying does not guarantee an assessment.

Learn how to use water wisely and efficiently:

  • Fix leaks and drips
  • Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures
  • Reduce outdoor irrigation

Explore the Water Efficiency page on the SVBGSA website for more.

Large Water System Information

If you are a customer of a large water system, you may be eligible for rebates, conservation programs or free resources from you water agency. The table below shows subbasins served and links to available tools.

Provider

Subbasins Served

Resources
Alco Water Service Eastside, 180/400
California American Water (Cal Am)

Subsections: Ambler, Chualar, Toro – Monterey

 Eastside, Monterey, 180/400 Conservation information; Free house calls (WaterWise program); no rebates
California Water Service (Cal Water)

Subsections: Country Meadows, Foothill Estates, King City, Oak Hills, Salinas, Salinas Hills

 Langley, Eastside, Upper Valley, 180/400, Monterey Conservation and rebate information
Castroville Community Services District 180/400
City of Greenfield Forebay
City of Gonzales Forebay, 180/400 Senior and Low-Income Assistance rebates
Marina Coast Water District Monterey Rebates; Water conservation tips; Free water-saving checkups
Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District Langley, 180/400 Water conservation tips
City of Soledad Forebay
Water Advisory Committee (non-profit partnership) Region-wide Resources page

Rural residents were invited a short survey to help protect local groundwater resources during Spring/Summer 2025. Input will identify tools to improve water efficiency at home, which will assist the community with achieving sustainable groundwater management in the Salinas Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

This program is free for rural residents in northern Monterey County who have private wells or are served by small water systems.

Assessments are conducted Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Yes. WaterWise Consulting, Inc. will provide a digital copy of the assessment and discuss all recommendations in detail.

Only WaterWise Consulting, Inc., the SVBGSA, and the property representative will have access to the information.

  • The property owner must sign the hold harmless agreement (link here).
  • A resident or someone 18 years or older must be onsite during the assessment.
  • The resident must be able to temporarily shut off the property water system.

The exterior assessment identifies inefficiencies in the irrigation system and provides water-saving recommendations. WaterWise Consulting, Inc. staff may also:

  • Qualify properties for irrigation retrofits and minor repairs.
  • Use the assessment as an educational opportunity, reviewing irrigation timers, landscape water use, and more.

  • Inspect and activate each valve.
  • Check for leaks and coverage issues.
  • Record water meter readings.
  • Identify broken, misdirected, or clogged sprinkler heads.
  • Recommend pressure regulators and repairs if necessary.

  • Note run times and start times.
  • Check valve operation and faults.
  • Make scheduling suggestions based on plant types.
  • Assist with timer adjustments if requested.
  • Recommend Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers or rain sensors.

  • Measure landscaped areas.
  • Recommend areas to convert to drip irrigation.
  • Suggest drought-tolerant plants and best practices.
  • Analyze soil type, water retention, root zone depth and other conditions.
  • Review all other outdoor water usage and suggest water-saving actions.

  • Inspect indoor fixtures: faucets, toilets, showerheads, diverter valves, tubs, dishwashers, water heaters, etc.
  • Check for leaks.
  • Review water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, washing machines and pressure regulators.

  • N3126P 1.5 GPM Kitchen Aerator: Easy-to-install faucet attachment that cuts kitchen water use by nearly 30% while maintaining strong rinsing power. Helps lower both water and energy use.
  • N3210B-PC 1.0 GPM Bath Aerator: Faucet device that reduces water use by more than 50% while keeping a steady, splash-free stream. It is easy to install and also saves energy.
  • N2915CH 1.5 GPM Chrome Shower Head: Water-efficient shower head that saves up to 30% more water than standard models while providing a comfortable, consistent spray. Durable chrome finish adds style and reliability.

  • Hunter MP Rotator Nozzles: Sprinkler heads that reduce runoff, improve coverage, and save about 30% more water than standard nozzles by spraying slow, even streams of water.
  • HRC 400 Irrigation Controller: Smart timer that prevents overwatering and can cut outdoor water use by up to 50% by adjusting watering schedules based on weather.

View the Terms and Conditions here.