MPWMD

General information

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, or MPWMD, was created by the legislature in 1977 and ratified by voters in June 1978.

MPWMD is responsible for regional water supply planning within a 170-square mile area including the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Valley. MPWMD manages the production of water from two sources: surface water from the Carmel River stored in San Clemente and Los Padres Reservoirs; and ground water pumped from municipal and private wells in Carmel Valley and the Seaside Coastal Area.

Legislative functions include:
(1) Augment the water supply through integrated management of surface and ground water resources
(2) Promote water conservation (includes rationing, if needed)
(3) Promote water reuse and reclamation of storm and waste water
(4) Foster the environmental quality, native vegetation, fish and wildlife, scenic values and recreation on the Monterey Peninsula and in the Carmel River basin

MPWMD is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. Five directors are elected from voter divisions; one is a member of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors; and one member is an elected official or chief executive officer appointed by a committee comprised of mayors from jurisdictions within the District boundaries.