Soquel Creek Water District Completes $200 Million Pure Water Project to Combat Seawater Intrusion

The Soquel Creek Water District has officially completed the construction of its Pure Water Soquel project, a significant water recycling initiative aimed at replenishing the local groundwater basin and preventing further seawater intrusion. The project, which has been a decade in the making, represents a substantial $200 million investment in the region's water security. Its completion marks a critical step in addressing the long-standing issue of groundwater over-extraction in the mid-county area.

The Pure Water Soquel project is designed to divert a quarter of the treated wastewater from the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility. This water then undergoes advanced purification processes, including reverse osmosis and UV purification, before being pumped back into the ground through a series of injection wells. Melanie Mow Schumacher, General Manager of the Soquel Creek Water District, explained that the initiative directly tackles the problem of ocean water seeping into the fresh groundwater due to historical over-extraction.

The comprehensive infrastructure includes four miles of new underground pipes, a state-of-the-art treatment facility, and three injection wells. Cameron Kostigen Mumper, Associate Manager of Water Resources, highlighted the transformation of wastewater into clean, potable water, emphasizing the rigorous four-step treatment process that concludes with pH adjustment and mineral re-addition. This method ensures the water meets stringent quality standards before being used for groundwater replenishment.

Similar advanced water purification projects have demonstrated success in other regions, such as Orange County and Monterey, providing a proven model for Soquel's efforts. The district is currently undergoing final checks with state authorities to ensure full compliance and operational readiness. This project is a cornerstone of the district's strategy to ensure a sustainable water supply for its more than 40,000 customers in the Santa Cruz Mid-County region.