Friday, Jun 29 2012 4:15PM

As residents and local officials continue to seek solutions to the lack of groundwater in Pajaro Valley, California, a committee says $47 million in capital projects is needed.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports that conservation and tapping recycled wastewater could significantly help the deficit.

A report from the committee, commissioned by the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency board of directors, shows a conservation program could save up to 5,000 acre-feet of water each year. According to members of the committee, the program is a realistic goal, but details have yet to be figured out.

"I believe it has great potential," said Steve Palmisano, Watsonville deputy public works director, of conservation. "If the city can do it, ag can do it. The city is using the same amount of water as we were 10 years ago, and we have 20 percent more population."

The committee also is considering upwards of 40 additional projects such as upgrading a groundwater recharge project at Harkins Slough, costing around $1 million.

The news source notes that more expensive projects, including adding a recharge at Watsonville Slough and piping water from College Lake off East Lake Avenue to coastal farms, cost $39.7 million combined.

On average, 55,000 acre-feet is pumped from Pajaro Valley wells every year, nearly 12,000 acre-feet more than sustainable levels are. Farmers in these rural areas use nearly 85 percent of the water for irrigation.

For further information, check out this source: The Santa Cruz Sentinel