Education Commons^™

1995 - Monterey County Water Conservation Alternatives - An Analysis

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Engineering Reports

The major goal of this study ,prepared by Agland Investment Services, Inc. on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, was to estimate the direct and regional economic impacts of different policies aimed at encouraging agricultural water conservation in the Salinas Valley. The study also looked at combinations of conservation measures which could provide a least cost conservation contribution to the seawater intrusion problem. Agland concluded that policymakers should consider adopting a least cost approach when they considered the mix of infrastructure projects and urban and rural conservation measures.

2011 - California Gama Special Study - Nitrate Fate And Transport In Salinas Valley - Final Report

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

This study is one in a series of special studies that address the fate and transport of nitrate in basins where groundwater is the main source of water for both irrigation and public drinking water supply under the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program managed by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

The Salinas Valley, known as ‘the salad bowl of the world’, has been an agricultural center for more than 100 years. Irrigated row crops such as lettuce and strawberries dominate both land use and water use in the valley. The most common water quality issue that …

2003 - Geohydrologic Framework Of Recharge And Seawater Intrusion In The Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz And Monterey Counties, California

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Engineering Reports

This report provided the Salinas groundwater basin hydrogeology informaion documented since the 1950s in order to provide a better understanding of the advancement of seawater intrusion into groundwater zones. Since the later 1990s, well logs, geopyhsical and lithological data supporting a three-dimensional study of the inter-related ancestral fluvial and alluvial-fan depositional environments making up the groundwater bearing zones (180-Foot and 400-Foot aquifers) and their implications on seawater intrusion pathways.

The economic importance of a detailed rendition of hydrostratigraphic characteristics was to assist in the construction and placement of future water supply and monitoring wells within the study area. Seawater was …

1997 - Water Resources Data Report, Water Year 1994-1995

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Water Reports

California State legislation outlines the objectives and purposes of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) and states that the MCWRA is to “carry on technical and other necessary investigations, make measurements, collect data, make analyses, studies and inspections pertaining to water supply, water rights, control of flood and storm waters and use of water both within and outside of the agency ...” The MCWRA is responsible for the managing, planning and engineering of the water resources of the Salinas Valley. This report was prepared in part to fulfill that responsibility.

1998 - 2030 Land Use And Water Needs Conditions

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

Documentation of the methodology and data used to estimate the land use, M&I water needs, and pumped agricultural water under the 2030 conditions. One of the primary goals of the Salinas River Basin Management Plan (BMP) is to meet the agricultural, and municipal and industrial water needs of the Valley under the existing conditions (1995 level of development) as well as, under the future conditions (2030 level of development), while stopping the seawater intrusion and balancing the hydrologic conditions in the basin. In order to meet the 2030 water needs, a reasonable estimate of land use and water use conditions …

2010 - Excerpt From Master Response 4 - Water Supply Re Salinas Valley Water Supply (10-28-10)

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

In addition to the Master Response to the Monterey County General Plan pertaining to the analysis of the Salinas Valley water supply, tables and figures referenced in the response are included at the end of the response. This document is for informational purposes only to provide a summary of information relative to the Salinas Valley water supply analysis contained in the Final EIR.

2006 - Salinas Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Functionally Equivalent Plan Summary Document Update

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) are encouraging local and regional water management planners to establish integrated regional water management plans through the collaboration of planning efforts and project coordination. The intent is to encourage planners to implement projects focused on meeting multiple water resources needs on a regional basis. Jointly, both agencies are soliciting grant applications for Proposition 50 Chapter 8 grant funding, which was established to provide a fiscal tool to support integrated regional water management. In order to take advantage of this funding opportunity, Monterey County Water Resources …

1988 - Simulated Effects Of Groundwater Management Alternatives For The Salinas Valley, Water Resources Investigations Report 87-4066

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

This 1988 investigation was done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The purposes of this study were to identify and quantify the various types of flow into and out of the ground-water basin and to describe the physical processes that control them. The hydrologic analysis included development of a two-dimensional digital flow model. One of the goals of the study was to update and improve a previous digital model of the basin. The report noted that because of the proximity of Salinas Valley to the ocean, large rates of …

1974 - Geology Of The Southern Salinas Valley Area, California

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

This 1974 report about the geology of the southern Salinas Valley was concerned mainly with relating the occurrence of petroleum and other mineral commodities to the Cenozoic history of the area. The investigation had two phases. First phase involved detailed geologic mapping of quadrangles that cover most of Tertiary beds west of the Salinas River. Second phase included a reconnaissance geologic mapping to extend the results of the first phase to a larger area. The report summarizes results of the geologic investigation of the entire southern Salinas Valley area.

1978 - Water Resources Investigations - Two-Dimensional And Three-Dimensional Digital Flow Models Of The Salinas Valley Ground-Water Basin, Report 78-113

Miscellaneous Federal Documents & Reports

This 1978 report discussed a group of hydrologic models that were developed for the Salinas Valley that included the small-stream model, river model, two -dimensional ground-water model, and three dimensional ground-water model. The small-stream model simulated ground-water recharge from small streams that were tributary to the Salinas River. The river model simulated ground-water recharge from and surface-water discharge in the Salinas River. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional ground-water models simulated hydraulic head in the ground-water basin. The report noted that in addition to being an important agricultural area, Salinas Valley contained several growing urban areas that obtained water from the ground …

1988 - Simulated Effects Of Groundwater Management Alternatives For The Salinas Valley, Water Resources Investigations Report 87-4066

Miscellaneous Federal Documents & Reports

This 1988 investigation was done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The purposes of this study were to identify and quantify the various types of flow into and out of the ground-water basin and to describe the physical processes that control them. The hydrologic analysis included development of a two-dimensional digital flow model. One of the goals of the study was to update and improve a previous digital model of the basin. The report noted that because of the proximity of Salinas Valley to the ocean, large rates of …

1978 - Water Resources Investigations - Two-Dimensional And Three-Dimensional Digital Flow Models Of The Salinas Valley Ground-Water Basin, Report 78-113

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

This 1978 report discussed a group of hydrologic models that were developed for the Salinas Valley that included the small-stream model, river model, two -dimensional ground-water model, and three dimensional ground-water model. The small-stream model simulated ground-water recharge from small streams that were tributary to the Salinas River. The river model simulated ground-water recharge from and surface-water discharge in the Salinas River. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional ground-water models simulated hydraulic head in the ground-water basin. The report noted that in addition to being an important agricultural area, Salinas Valley contained several growing urban areas that obtained water from the ground …

1995 - Hydrogeology And Water Supply Of Salinas Valley, White Paper By Salinas Valley Ground Water Basin Hydrology Conference

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Water Reports

The solution to the water resource problems within the Salinas Valley had been known since at least 1946. The best solution, proposed at that time by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), recognized that sufficient supplemental water could be developed within the basin recognizing the need to transfer water from the Forebay Area to the Pressure and East Side areas. The Salinas Valley Ground Water Basin Hydrology Panel urged Monterey County Water Resources Agency to focus on completion of the extraction facilities and conveyance system similar to those outlined in the DWR Bulletin 52 in 1946; to continue studies …

1997 - Salinas Valley Integrated Ground Water And Surface Model Update - Final Report

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Water Reports

In order to fulfill Monterey County's need for a long-term water resources management plan to ensure good quality water, improve existing water quality, and to provide adequate water supplies, the county developed the Salinas River Basin Management Plan. The goal was to stop seawater intrusion, create a long-term balance between recharge and withdrawal, and to provide a sufficient water supply for Salinas Valley up to the year 2030. Due to complexities of the hydrologic process and their interaction on a basin-wide scale, sophisticated analytical methods and tools are used for better understand the nature and behavior of the hydrologic system, …

1974 - Geology Of The Southern Salinas Valley Area, California

Miscellaneous Federal Documents & Reports

This 1974 report about the geology of the southern Salinas Valley was concerned mainly with relating the occurrence of petroleum and other mineral commodities to the Cenozoic history of the area. The investigation had two phases. First phase involved detailed geologic mapping of quadrangles that cover most of Tertiary beds west of the Salinas River. Second phase included a reconnaissance geologic mapping to extend the results of the first phase to a larger area. The report summarizes results of the geologic investigation of the entire southern Salinas Valley area.

2018 - Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Of The Greater Monterey County Region – Updated

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

Integrated regional water management (IRWM) is an approach to water resource management in California that is being strongly promoted by the State as a way to increase regional self-sufficiency. IRWM offers an approach for managing the uncertainties that lie ahead, particularly in light of climate change. The IRWM planning process brings together water and natural resource managers, along with other community stakeholders, to collaboratively plan for and ensure the region’s continued water supply reliability, improved water quality, flood management, and healthy functioning ecosystems—allowing for creative new solutions and greater efficiencies. This IRWM Plan has been developed for the Greater Monterey …

2017 – The Development Of The Land Tenure And Water Systems In California And Specifically In The Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin [Draft]

Related Research and Documents

Beginning with the Aboriginal era through the Spanish, Mexican and United States eras, maps and governmental documents reflect the state of knowledge concerning California (and the Salinas Valley) along with the driving needs and policies that determined how water was used and managed. By examining the maps, it is possible to determine the state of knowledge in Europe (and later in the United States) as it related to the physical and geographical attributes of California prior to colonization and subsequently throughout the Spanish and Mexican periods. Governmental documents provide a window to how land was used and granted during the …

1999 - Water Resources And Land Use Change In Salinas Valley, Watershed Institute Report No. Wi-1999-01

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

The 1999 report prepared by Fred Watson, Lars Pierce, Mel Mulitsch, Wendi Newman, Adrian Rocha, Mark Fain and Jodiah Nelson of the Watershed Institute, describes the progress made toward the use of computer modeling to provide both understanding and predictive capability. The Salinas River watershed of over 11,000 square kilometers supports large areas of intensive agriculture production, including large areas of intensive crop production, and extensive cattle ranches supporting annual grasslands. Mainly a dry climate with limited surface water resources, the valley has a finite groundwater system. Agriculture accounts for 93.5% of the groundwater extractions that exceed recharge by 40,000-50,000 …

2015, Aug. 20 - Groundwater Recharge On East Side Soils Of The Salinas Valley

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

Discussion of the historically low groundwater levels in the Salinas Valley, noting that the shallower wells have become unreliable. As the groundwater levels drop below sea level, the seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers will worsen. Because of the fast-declining groundwater levels on the east side of the Salinas Valley, the potential for seawater moving inland increases. Enhancing recharge in these areas would be beneficial in reducing seawater intrusion while lowering flood risk and erosion damage. The article reviews potential strategies to increase infiltration of rainwater during winter storms thereby recharging the underlying aquifer.

1900 - Conceptual And Historical 1900 Land Use And Development In Salinas Valley And Vicinity [Draft]

Groundwater Basin Maps

A digitized map created in 2017 representing land use and development in the Salinas Valley and vicinity in 1900. The map reflects private rancho; high probability of harming and Irrigation areas; land suitable for grazing cattle, sheep and horses with some agriculture; California native habitat (least developed lands); canals; railroads; pump houses, oil seep, population centers; 1898 USGS Monterey County Road & Historic El Camino Real; Salinas River Watershed; Township and Range; County boundary; historic Mission sites; springs; wetland, sloughs and lakes; intermittent stream or slough; Salinas River; as well as rivers and streams. Data sources include Bureau of Land …

1950 - Digitization Of 1949 Dwr Bulletin 52 – Groundwater Wells In Salinas Valley And Vicinity [Draft]

Groundwater Basin Maps

A 2017 digital representation of groundwater wells in the Salinas Valley and surrounding area as depicted on 1949 maps found in the California Department of Public Works, Division of Water Resources, Bulletin No. 52-A, Salinas Basin Investigation, Basic Data, 1949.

1949 Salinas Basin Investigation, Basic Data Used In Bulletins 52, 52-A And 52-B

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

The 1949 Salinas Basin Investigation - Basic Data publication presented the previously unpublished basic data supporting the analyses and conclusions in Bulletins 52, 52-A and 52-B. The documents includes well descriptions in Salinas Valley, water levels at wells, quality of water, water levels at wells, quality of water, well logs, and maps depicting lands irrigated in Salinas Valley in 1945.

1950 Salinas Basin Investigation - Basic Data (1948-1950)

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

This supplemental report contains basic data collected between September 1948 and April 1950 on measurements of water levels at wells and quality of water checks as it related to the saline intrusion into groundwater located in the lower Salinas Basin, previously presented in Bulletins 52, 52-A and 52-B.

1904, Water Resources In Salinas, United States Department Of Interior, Homer Hamlin

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

The 1904 report pertains largely to that portion of the Salinas Valley lying within the boundaries of Monterey County. It describes the geography, topography, geology, climate factors and hydrology of the region discussing the methods of irrigation and irrigation systems, the extent of underground waters, and the possibility of extending irrigation by utilization of surface streams and impounding of flood waters.

1946 Salinas Basin Investigation Summary Report, Bulletin No. 52-B

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

This joint 1946 18-month investigation of the Salinas Basin by the State Department of Water Resources and the County of Monterey deals with conditions in the lower Salinas River Basin near Monterey Bay due to saline water intrusion into the groundwater supply that was utilized for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes. The report discusses the history of the basin, a description of the Salinas Valley, sub-basins, inflow and outflow, crops, wells, percolation, underground hydrology, quality of water, evaluation of water problem, methods of conservation, proposed solution and legal considerations.

1925, Soil Survey Of The Salinas Area, California, E. J. Carpenter And Stanley W. Cosby

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

The 1925 reports describes the area surveyed, the climate, agriculture, soils, irrigation and drainage of the Salinas Valley. The report was prepared by E. J. Carpenter, United States Department of Agriculture and Stanley W. Cosby, University of California. The report covers the greater part of the area previously addressed in the Lapham and Heileman 1901 soil survey report.

1957 May - Fifth Supplement To Bulletin 52-A, Salinas Basin Investigation, Basic Data 1954-1955

State and Federal Documents Relating to Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

The May 1957 fifth supplement to the Salinas Basin Investigation, Bulletin 52-A, contains basic hydrologic data for the period of spring 1954 through fall 1955.

1905, July - Map Of The Salinas Valley Beet Districts No. 3 - Spreckels Sugar Company

Groundwater Basin Maps

This 1905 map depicts the water distribution system of Spreckles Sugar Company, District No. 3, along with the sugar beet growers in Salinas River Valley, Monterey.

1905 - July Map Of The Salinas Valley Beet Districts Nos. 1 And 2 - Spreckels Sugar Company

Groundwater Basin Maps

This 1905 map depicts the water distribution system of Spreckles Sugar Company and the sugar beet growers in Salinas River Valley, Monterey.