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Role: The Commission was established in 1975 to serve as a policy advisory body to the Board of Supervisors (Board) on issues relating to the use and protection of the county's water resources. The roles of the Commission, as outlined in its bylaws are as follows:
1. Advise the Board on all policy issues impacting water resources in Santa Cruz County, including but not limited to the following categories:
a. Water quality and conservation.
b. Water supply development, storage and distribution.
c. Forestry and watershed management.
d. Preservation of fish, wildlife, and riparian habitat.
e. Groundwater extraction.
f. On‑site sewage disposal systems.
g. Recreation.
h. Water reclamation.
i. Public health and safety.
j. Monterey Bay preservation
k. Local agency water management plans.
l. Water resource development proposals.
m. Santa Cruz County Water Master Plan/General Plan.
n. County ordinances, and departmental policies and regulations.
2. Staffing, funding, and other resources available to the Commission necessarily limit the duties and responsibilities outlined above. Therefore, the Commission will utilize discretion in devoting time to those activities that are most important to achieving its overall goal of enhancing and preserving Santa Cruz County water resources. County departments (Planning, Environmental Health Services (EHS), and Public Works (DPW)) will assist the Commission in its work, by including the Commission in water related correspondence, and by having staff provide timely oral reports on pending issues.
Regular Meetings:
Times and dates: 4:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each active month
(January and July are considered inactive months)
Location: County Governmental Center at 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, fifth floor Redevelopment Agency conference room
Agendas: Agendas are posted at least five days in advance of meetings, and are distributed to all Board members, local water districts, AMBAG, interested persons and the press. Agendas and attachments are posted on the County website:
Current and past agendas & past minutes are available by clicking here.
Commission Structure: The Commission consists of seven members, five of whom are concerned citizens appointed by individual supervisors and two that are appointed at large. The two at large positions represent public water purveyors and private or mutual water companies in the county.
Current Membership is available by clicking here.
Commission Staff: Michael Cloud, presently staff Hydrologist in the EHS division of the Health Service Agency, serves as administrative secretary to the Commission. Mike may be reached at (831) 454-3133 or via e-mail at Mike.Cloud@co.santa-cruz.ca.us
Click here to send an e-mail to Mike Cloud
Annual Report: Each year, at the end of January the Commission submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer. This report highlights the activities, accomplishments and future goals of the Commission.
Click here to view the latest Annual Report
Links:
County Water Conservation Ordinance
Water Saving Tips for the local area!
Local Major Water Purveyors:
City of Santa Cruz Water Department
Pajaro Valley Water Management Association
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