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 is establishing 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 is a three-tiered approach to providing rural residential water efficiency resources.

Rural residents, please take this short water use survey — available in English and Spanish — and help protect local groundwater resources. Your input can identify tools to improve water efficiency at home, which will assist the community with achieving sustainable groundwater management in the Salinas Valley.
Through the WEPP, rural residents will be able to request a free house call to provide water-saving recommendations.
- Personalized home assessment by trained experts
- Evaluation of plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and household water habits
- Immediate identification of water-saving opportunities
This service is expected to be rolled out in Summer 2025
- Fix leaks and drips
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures
- Reduce outdoor irrigation
Explore the Water Efficiency page on the SVBGSA website for more.