On August 23, Soquel Creek Water District hosted Santa Cruz Works staff and members for a private tour of the new Pure Water Soquel Purification Center. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on at the corner of Chanticleer Avenue and throughout Santa Cruz, then check out this recap of some of the amazing information we learned about the project during our field trip!

What is Pure Water Soquel?

Attendees make their way around the Liquid Oxygen Tank, which will store liquid oxygen for the on-sight Ozone system.

Pure Water Soquel (PWS) is Soquel Creek Water District's groundwater replenishment and seawater intrusion prevention project. PWS will take highly treated wastewater that would have previously been discharged into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and purify it using a proven three-step advanced treatment process consisting of microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation. This high-quality water will replenish the groundwater basin — our sole source of drinking water— to prevent further saltwater contamination and provide a reliable, sustainable, and drought-proof water supply.

Why is this project needed?

Currently, our only source of water for the Soquel Creek Water District and much of the Mid-County region 2 is groundwater from the Mid-County Groundwater Basin. The State of California has designated this basin as “critically overdrafted” and has a mandate for it to be sustainable by 2040.

A process pipe is being installed around the Microfiltration Tank, which stores water prior to microfiltration, the first of three Advanced Purification steps at this facility.

That means we’re pumping out more water than the basin can naturally replenish through rainfall — which causes two serious problems: a shortage of available water, especially during a drought, and seawater moving inland and contaminating our only water supply. PWS will address those two water supply issues in order to meet the mandate.

If no action is taken, our only source of groundwater will be contaminated because of seawater intrusion along the coast. Meaning, without this project, even if we somehow acquire more water in our basin, it would end up contaminated, and thus rendered unusable for consumption. The project protects our existing water source and ensures we have water for generations to come. Learn more about seawater intrusion here. Without addressing this problem, it is estimated the cost of water for Santa Cruz residents would increase by 4x.

Graphic shows the impact of seawater intrusion and how Pure Water Soquel Purification Center will prevent intrusion.

How does this project address seawater intrusion and water supply concerns?

Pure Water Soquel will take already treated wastewater (that otherwise would be pumped out into the ocean) and instead pump it to a new water purification center where it will undergo a state-of-the-science, multi-step purification process. Purified water is safe and clean — it will be tested regularly to ensure it meets all federal and state drinking water standards. PWS will employ some of the same purification methods used by baby food manufacturers, and other industries where ultra-purified water is required. Removing or neutralizing pathogens such as viruses has been part of most water treatment processes for many years — and advanced water purification goes even farther. The purification process, including ozone, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation, is proven to produce clean, safe, near-distilled water. You can learn more about the water purification steps here.

Has something like this been done before?

Yes. Purified recycled water is already being used for groundwater recharge in other parts of California, including Monterey, and throughout the world.

Some interesting facts about PWS:

This is the largest Capital Improvement Project (CIP) that the District will ever take on!
With the unique partnership of a Danish company, SkyTem & Ramboll, we’re able to use cutting-edge technology to identify where our freshwater/seawater interface was. The data provide a new perspective at the imminent threat of seawater intrusion on our coastline.
PWS will provide a drought proof supply of water.
The project is designed for expansion. The conveyance pipelines are built to double capacity and the Purification Center can be expanded as needs change.
Pure Water Soquel was selected by BBC Storyworks in 2022 to be featured in a worldwide film series called Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water. We invite you to watch our mini-documentary, Pure Water Soquel: A Refreshing Treatment.
Prop 1 Grant was discovered by a community member Larry Freeman. Through the Prop 1 Grant, we’ve received $2M for a planning grant and $63.25M for the design and construction of Pure Water Soquel Purification Center.
The Bike/Ped Bridge by the SC RTC is co-located with the PWS Water Purification Center. The Regional Transportation Commission’s new bike/pedestrian bridge will be located at the front of the property, along the frontage of Highway 1, so residents and tourists can see our community embraces sustainable transportation and water recycling.

How long does it take for water to be processed from one point to another aka hydraulic residence time?

Source Water Pipeline (SC WWTF Secondary Effluent to Chanticleer AWPF): ~170 minutes
Chanticleer AWPF (Source Water Plant Feed to Purified Water Plant Discharge): ~90 Minutes
Purified Water Pipeline: (Chanticleer AWPF Discharge to Injection Wells): ~140 - 175 Minutes (Depending on which wells you are going to)

How much does the project cost and how is it funded?

The Pure Water Soquel's capital construction costs are approximately $145 million. The District has been very fortunate to receive state and federal grants and loans which reflect the investment into our community's water future. The project is funded through the support of:

Planning grant from the State Water Resources Control Board ($2M)
Implementation grant from the State Water Resources Control Board ($50M)
Title XVI Reclamation and Reuse Grant from the Bureau of Reclamation ($30M)
Low-interest loans through CA Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program and the US EPA's WIFIA Program

When did the project begin and how long will the project take to complete?

In 2014, the Soquel Creek Water District Board approved further evaluation of purified water for groundwater replenishment as a water supply option which initiated the technical feasibility and environmental review and permitting phase. In 2018, the Project's environmental review was certified and approved by the District's Board of Directors. The Project is currently in construction and is anticipated to come online in 2024.

Want to taste some purified water?

If you want to sample purified water, add the Water Harvest Festival to your calendar: Saturday, October 14 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Chanticleer County Park (Leo’s Haven). We will be releasing a limited edition kombucha specially made by the local business, Living Swell Kombucha, and purified water from the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System. Additionally, we will have other festivities like raffles, educational water-themed activities, and music from SambaDa. It is an event for all ages – so bring family and friends

Want to learn more or have questions?

Visit https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/184/Pure-Water-Soquel

NOTE TO READERS: Is there a place or company in town you want to tour? Let us know by commenting below or reaching out to us!