PRESS RELEASE

DATE: APRIL 9, 2024
TO: CEO, DARCIE ANTLE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
FROM: PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES
RE: GROUNDWATER STUDY OF COASTAL MENDOCINO COUNTY BEGINS

Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building Services (County) has initiated a study of groundwater conditions along the Mendocino coast after approximately 40 wells were reported as dry during recent drought years (2021 and 2022). Responding to this issue, the County secured funds from the California Coastal Commission to complete a comprehensive coastal groundwater study. The study aims to enhance understanding of coastal groundwater hydrology and identify the factors contributing to well outages. The last groundwater assessment for coastal Mendocino County occurred in 1982, and subsequent development has intensified pressure on the groundwater resource. This study will propose updated procedures for testing well adequacy and offer development density recommendations to support the County’s Local Coastal Program land use planning update.

To conduct this study, the County has engaged a team of consulting firms led by Larry Walker Associates, with subconsultants Todd Groundwater, Daniel B. Stevens & Associates, and Will Lewis Consulting. With a project budget of $300,000, this study is scheduled to continue through June 2025.

Gus Yates, senior hydrologist at Todd Groundwater, encourages local well owners to participate in the project by measuring water levels in their wells throughout the year. “We need water level data from many wells over the course of the year to best predict whether a well is at risk of going dry. The only cost-effective way to obtain that much data is to have well owners measure wells themselves.” To respect the privacy of well owners, unique well identifiers will be removed when presenting data in the project report.

The study will yield additional products, including an online, map-based database of wells and groundwater information in the coastal area, delineations of marine terrace deposits that create small groundwater “basins”, estimates of groundwater recharge for various land use categories, and an evaluation of climate change effects on groundwater supply. Groundwater level data collection is vital for identifying predictive factors for well outages. Volunteers will receive water-level measuring equipment and instructions. Those interested in participating can contact Gus Yates at gyates@toddgroundwater.com or 510-849-4412. For inquiries about the project, Julia Krog, Director of Planning and Building Services for Mendocino County can be reached at krogj@mendocinocounty.gov or 707-234-6650.

Download Press Release here.