Press Releases

SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT TO REPLACE COLLAPSED WELL

Posted on September 13th, 2017

Water production increased at other well sites to make up for loss of top-producing well; new well to be drilled

(SEPT. 13, 2017) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA – The Scotts Valley Water District today announced one of its wells has failed due to a cave-in of the well column at approximately 900 feet underground. The 25-year-old well located at the Orchard Run Treatment Plant site was the district’s top-producing well, providing 30-40% of the district’s potable water. Following an investigation and evaluation of the damage, repair of the well was deemed impossible. To make up for the loss of this source, production has been increased at other district-owned well sites.

“Though we are frustrated to have suffered the problem of aging infrastructure at this scale, we remain confident we can continue to meet customer demand while developing our plan of action for a replacement well,” said Piret Harmon, district general manager. “In the months ahead, the district will proceed with drilling a new well near the old one. We expect to have this work completed by the end of this year. In the meantime, we will rely on other sources and we ask that customers continue to use water efficiently.”

In order to be prepared for anticipated fall hot weather, district staff will have replacement pumps and motors pre-positioned in case they are needed for repairs to any of the district’s other production wells. Additionally, the district is prepared to activate the emergency intertie with San Lorenzo Valley Water District. The intertie was completed in 2016 and was intended specifically for situations such as a well failure, though the district has not needed to rely on it yet.

ABOUT THE NEW WELL

Pacific Coast Drilling has been selected to perform the drilling work.
Drilling is expected to take approximately two weeks, with work taking place 24 hours a day during this time.
The new well is projected to have a depth of 1,400 feet and capacity of up to 500 gallons per minute.
The emergency project cost is estimated to be $1.6 million and it will be funded from district reserves.

WADE LEISHMAN APPOINTED BY SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Posted on July 20th, 2017

The Scotts Valley Water District today announced Wade Leishman was appointed July 17 and sworn in on July 20 to fill a vacancy on its Board of Directors. As a director, Mr. Leishman will also have an opportunity to serve on board committees and represent the District regionally and statewide. The appointment is to complete a partial term that will last until November 2018.

“In joining the Scotts Valley Water District Board, Wade is taking the long view on water resources and the future of our community,” said Board President Ruth Stiles. “I’m confident this district and our customers will benefit greatly from Wade’s perspective and commitment to the community.”

“I have the sincere desire to help manage, maintain, protect and sustain our vital resources in hopes that my daughters may one day be able to raise their families in Scotts Valley,” said Mr. Leishman in applying for appointment to the board.

The Board of Directors has oversight over Scotts Valley Water District and appoints the General Manager to handle day-to-day operations. The Directors have the power to set the budget, set water rates and establish policies that support the vision and mission of the District. The Board meets monthly to provide direction to the staff on matters such as groundwater sustainability, statewide mandates, and regional conjunctive use projects.

Mr. Leishman is currently employed as a senior IT manager for a global technology manufacturing company. He also owns and operates his own small business. Mr. Leishman has lived in Scotts Valley for more than 10 years with his wife, Dewana and twin daughters, Jennifer and Emily.

The Board of Directors vacancy was created when longtime District Director Ken Kannegaard died May 27 following a courageous battle with cancer. Director Kannegaard had served on the board since 2006 and was a highly dedicated public servant.

ABOUT SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

Scotts Valley Water District is a public agency providing water service over six square miles including most of the City of Scotts Valley and a portion of the unincorporated areas north of the city limits. The community of Scotts Valley places a high value on livability, innovation, and planning for the future. Scotts Valley Water District is proud to play a vital role in supporting those efforts by providing a reliable, sustainable, high-quality water supply. Through a partnership with our community, strategic investment in resources and pursuit of new ideas, Scotts Valley Water District is redefining its historic role in order to meet future challenges and turn them into opportunities.

SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT & SCOTTS VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TEAM UP TO TEST DRINKING WATER AT LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR LEAD

Posted on March 17th, 2017

PROACTIVE MOVE IS PART OF NEW STATE REQUIREMENT THOUGH CALIFORNIA’S DRINKING WATER IS GENERALLY AT LOW RISK FOR LEAD CONTAMINATION

Groundwater Recharge System Up and Running During Winter Storms

Posted on February 22nd, 2017

Scotts Valley Water District is putting the final touches on the project

(FEB. 7, 2017) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA – The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) announced today its new groundwater recharge system at the Scotts Valley Transit Center is operational and has been percolating runoff from recent storms into the ground. Click here to view project information including a photo gallery.

Funded by a “low impact development” retrofit grant from the State, the project allows the capture and treatment of stormwater from the Scotts Valley Transit Center parking lot. The District has received more than 51.62 inches of rain as of Monday, Feb. 6, which began Oct. 1, 2016.

The aim of this project is to help recharge the aquifer. Once captured and treated, the water seeps through the soil into the aquifer that Scotts Valley Water District draws on to provide water to customers. It takes years for water to travel through layers of soil and sandstone into...

Scotts Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District Completed Emergency Pipelines

Posted on October 12th, 2016

New System Allows for Water-Sharing in Emergency Situations

OCT. 4, 2016 SCOTTS VALLEY, CA – The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) and San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) announced today they have completed the Regional Emergency Intertie Project, a joint effort between the two districts and the Mount Hermon Association, to allow the agencies to share water resources during emergencies.

Four interties were constructed:

Scotts Valley Water District and San Lorenzo Valley Water District South System
San Lorenzo Valley Water District South System and San Lorenzo Valley Water District North System
San Lorenzo Valley Water District and Mt. Hermon Association
San Lorenzo Valley Water District North System and San Lorenzo Valley Water District Felton System

The interties include pipeline and pump stations that are to be used on an emergency basis. Construction of the water system interties allows SLVWD and SVWD to share water resources in emergencies such as water main breaks and natural disasters like earthquakes, fires, and landslides.

Scotts Valley Water District Prepares for El Nino

Posted on December 2nd, 2015

CUSTOMERS CAN TAKE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR HEAVY RAINFALL

SCOTTS VALLEY — Dec. 1, 2015 — In preparation for a strong El Niño event that could bring major rainfall to the region this winter, Scotts Valley Water District is taking steps to ensure safe and reliable water service to customers during severe storm conditions.

Heavy rainfall and high winds often lead to power outages and debris that can affect the infrastructure of our groundwater system, including wells, booster pumps and stations, and reservoir tanks.

In December, the District will update its emergency response plan and conduct a full training for all operations staff to review roles and responsibilities during emergencies. The District is taking these specific steps now to safeguard against storm impacts:

Testing backup generator power to support wells and pump stations during an outage.
Ensuring battery backups at remote tank sites and booster stations will allow operation up to a week without power.
Ordering extra parts to prepare for the possibility of a high number of repairs to water mains and individual service lines.
Making sure all drainage is clear around tank sites and roads leading to District infrastructure.

“There has been a lot of talk about El Niño and the big storms,” said David McNair, District Operations Manager. “We’re working to ensure the district is prepared.”

Scotts Valley Water District Customers Far Exceed State Goal For Reduction in Systemwide Potable Water Demand

Posted on October 30th, 2015

Average demand during peak summers months down nearly 30% compared to baseline figures in 2013

Scotts Valley, CA — Oct. 30, 2015 — Scotts Valley Water District experienced a 29.75% reduction in potable water use during Summer 2015 compared to the same four-month period in 2013, the baseline year used by the state Water Control Resources Board to set drought-related reduction targets for municipal water districts.

Scotts Valley Water District Honored by Chamber of Commerce for Organization & Man of the Year Awards

Posted on October 29th, 2015

Scotts Valley Water District announced today it will receive two awards from the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce at the annual awards dinner on November 7. As part of the Scotts Valley Community Awards 2015, the Scotts Valley Water District has been named Organization of the Year and Board of Directors Member David Hodgin has been named Man of the Year.

Scotts Valley Water District Recycled Water Fill Station open for City Residents

Posted on August 26th, 2015

Our new Recycled Water Fill Station is open and we're very excited to serve Scotts Valley residents up to 250 gallons of recycled water per day for irrigating landscapes and gardens.

The fill station is located directly across from the Scotts Valley Senior Center (370 Kings Village Road). City Residents can pick up 250 gallons of recycled water per day.

Hours of Operation (Effective November 25, 2015)
Wednesday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

How to Get Started
During your visit to pick up recycled water, you will need to complete and sign an application form and receive a brief one-time training on the proper use of recycled water. Once completed you will be receive an ID card and stickers for the containers that will transport and store the recycled water. Save some time and fill out the application online and print out a completed copy to bring with you on your first fill-up during the hours noted below. The attendant will provide required training and issue your ID card.
Recycled Water Use Application Form
Recycled Water Training

For more information, visit svwd.org/customer-info/recycled-water-fill-station-info

Scotts Valley Transit Center Low Impact Development (LID) Retrofits Project - Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration

Posted on June 1st, 2015

Scotts Valley Water District has prepared an Initial Study (IS) to evaluate the environmental impacts of Scotts Valley Transit Center LID Retrofits Project, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As mandated by State Law, the review period for this document is not less than 30 (thirty) days.

Based upon the conclusions set forth in the IS, the Scotts Valley Water District proposes to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). The project proposes improvements to the existing stormwater control measures on the project site by improving water quality and increasing infiltration capacity through low impact development (LID) and landscape improvement features.

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