Staff presented that 95% of South County's water supply comes from groundwater recharge, with no water treatment plant serving the area. Valley Water is studying four projects to boost recharge capacity in the Llagas and Coyote Valley sub-basins. Of particular note, the San Pedro Ponds facility has a 4,700 acre-feet/year recharge capacity but is currently recharging less than 500 acre-feet/year due to conflicts with neighboring septic systems that are impacted when the water table rises during recharge. A pre-feasibility study identified alternatives — including replacing septic systems, connecting homes to Morgan Hill's sewer, or acquiring properties — all scoring closely, meaning more study is needed before a recommendation goes to the full board.
Already have an account? Sign In
