Alternative Water Supply Program

The Central Coast Water Board is developing an Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Program to support the provision of safe drinking water to residents and communities impacted by nitrate from agriculture in groundwater. This webpage provides background on the AWS Program, opportunities for public engagement and input, and access to key program development documents.

Announcements

The Central Coast Water Board is hosting an Alternative Water Supply Program public workshop. Please see details under ‘Upcoming Events’.

Program Background

On September 20, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted Order WQ 2023-0081, directing the Central Coast Water Board to develop an Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Program for residents in the Central Coast Region relying on groundwater in areas where the nitrate maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is exceeded as a result of agricultural operations.
The AWS Program is a component of the Central Coast Water Board’s ongoing efforts to address nitrate contamination in groundwater from agricultural discharges. The program will support the planning, coordination, and funding of interim alternative drinking water supplies and long-term drinking water solutions for residents impacted by unsafe groundwater.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

The Water Board is conducting outreach to gather input from interested parties, including agricultural dischargers, communities and residents relying on groundwater that exceeds the MCL for nitrate, and any other interested persons. Outreach will include:

• Public comment opportunities
• Public workshops
• Direct engagement with representatives from the agricultural, environmental, and environmental justice communities
• Email notifications and updates

Upcoming Events:

AWS Program 1st Public Comment Opportunity – July – September 2025:
Public Comment Period and Workshop 1
What: the Central Coast Water Board is hosting a public workshop at its regularly scheduled meeting to solicit input from the public on the development of the Alternative Water Supply Program. All interested parties are invited to participate and provide input.
When: AWS Public Workshop – August 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public notice PDF   |   Agenda Webpage

• Supporting Documents available for comment July 22-Sept 9:
• Conceptual Structure for the Alternative Water Supply Program: Request for Public Input
• Assessment of Interim Drinking Water Needs and Costs in Areas Affected by Agricultural Nitrate Groundwater Contamination

How to Participate

We invite community members, agricultural representatives, water providers, and other interested parties to participate in program development. You can:

• Attend outreach events
• Submit written comments
• Subscribe to updates
• Contact program staff