NORTH COUNTY WATER DISTRICTS EXPLORE CONSOLIDATION

(FEB 2, 2021) SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) and
Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) today announced their respective boards of directors will
consider exploring the possibility of consolidating the agencies’ operations in the future.
Staff from SVWD and SLVWD meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual concern and find ways to
enhance the efficiency of both agencies through collaborative efforts. Staff from both water districts
agree there is the potential of substantial benefits by joining the two agencies.
“This is a collaborative effort to consider what is best for our customers, our water supply and our
environment now and into the future,” SLVWD Manager Rick Rogers said. “It’s a good time to
consider our options and have a conversation with the community.”
“We think we have complimentary strengths that are worth a public review for potential to benefit
customers and employees of both districts,” SVWD Manager Piret Harmon said. “Specific benefits of
merged operation could mean economies of scale, improved levels of customer service and more
opportunities for employees.”
SLVWD and SVWD both draw water from the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin, a series of
aquifers in the region. They also are connected through an intertie system, allowing them to share
water during emergency situations.Boards from both water districts will learn more about the consolidation process when Joe Serrano,
executive officer of the Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) provides an
overview presentation about the consolidation process at each district’s respective board meeting.
SLVWD meets Thursday, Feb. 4, and SVWD will meet Thursday, Feb. 11.
“LAFCOs were created to support how municipal services, such as water, are delivered. It is
encouraging to see that the two water districts continue to collectively search for ways to ensure that
their constituents have adequate water supply through a strong level of service,” Serrano said.
“Consolidation is simply another tool that districts can utilize to improve how water is delivered.”
The process of consolidation, which is facilitated by LAFCO, begins with an exploratory phase of at
least one year that includes an analysis of both districts and input from a stakeholder group that
includes representatives from both districts. If the feasibility study is favorable to consolidation, the
districts can apply for a change of governance with LAFCO. There would be multiple opportunities for
public engagement and feedback, followed by a specified period during which customers would have
an opportunity to support or oppose the proposal. Following public review, the two boards could only
approve consolidation if it is not opposed by a majority of ratepayers.
The SLVWD board meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4.