Grover Beach seeks supplemental water to address potential supply shortfall
GROVER BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) - The Grover Beach City Council received a draft report this week detailing the city's water supplies that highlights current and future needs.
The Long-Term Water Supply Study was conducted by independent water experts and indicated existing water supplies for Grover Beach are expected to meet community needs in the near term.
However, the study also found a new supplemental water source need to be determined to meet future demands over the long-term.
Grover Beach currently relies on two water sources, a total water entitlement of 2,207 acre feet per year (AFY) between Lopez Lake (800 AFY) and the Groundwater Basin (1,407 AFY).
The City said factors including climate change, drought and potential future environmental regulations affecting Lopez Lake could make the availability of these sources less predictable over time.
Using various scenarios based on current and potential future vulnerabilities, the study determined Grover Beach would see an initial gap of 15 AFY occurring in the third year of a 30-year forecast, and a potential gap of up to 471 AFY over the 30-year period.
Due to these potential shortfalls, the report indicated the importance for Grover Beach to secure additional water supply over a 30-year period to meet current demands and projected growth.
To meet future demands and bridge the potential shortfalls, the study evaluated three primary options for obtaining a supplemental water: local or regional water purchase, State Water Project purchase, and recycled water for indirect potable reuse.
"Identifying our future water needs early allows us to take thoughtful and measured steps to protect our future and ensure our residents and businesses will always have a safe and dependable water supply," said Grover Beach Mayor Kassi Dee said in a release. "Thanks to thoughtful prior planning and stewardship, Grover Beach can tackle our long-term water needs from a position of strength."
Following the presentation during the Aug. 24 City Council meeting, council members directed staff, as well its consultant, Confluence Engineering Solutions, to conduct further analysis of the three leading options for supplemental water for the final report.
The City said in a release the final report of the Long-Term Water Supply Study, including recommendations for next steps, is expected by late 2026 with implementation beginning in 2027.
"Our focus moving forward will be determining the most cost-effective and reliable options to close these projected supply gaps in the coming years," Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson said in a release. "Pending Council direction over the next year, we will explore partnerships and funding opportunities to ensure Grover Beach has a resilient water supply to meet our community needs."
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