Earth Day: Time to Celebrate and Protect Our Groundwater

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Every April 22, people around the world come together for Earth Day, a movement dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability.

Since its start in 1970, Earth Day has highlighted critical issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation. One essential yet often overlooked concern is groundwater protection — key to our drinking water supply, ecosystems, and even the health of our oceans.

Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater—water stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers — sustains nearly half of the U.S. population. Unlike rivers and lakes, it remains unseen, making it easy to forget. Yet, as climate challenges intensify, safeguarding this vital resource is more crucial than ever.

For Soquel Creek Water District, groundwater is the sole source of drinking water. It also supports local creeks, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — one of the most ecologically diverse marine environments. However, coastal communities face a serious threat: seawater intrusion. As freshwater levels drop, saltwater seeps into underground aquifers, permanently contaminating drinking water sources. Without action, this can render wells unusable and create a significant water crisis.

A Sustainable Solution

To address groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion, Soquel Creek Water District developed Pure Water Soquel (PWS) — an advanced water purification project that replenishes the aquifer, safeguards our drinking water, and reduces wastewater discharge into Monterey Bay.

Using a cutting-edge purification process, PWS treats recycled wastewater to an ultra-pure standard, ensuring it is safe for groundwater recharge. Instead of sending treated wastewater into the ocean, 25% is captured and purified, reducing pollution and creating a drought-proof water supply. PWS is currently in the startup and commissioning phase of the project. To learn more about the project visit purewatersoquel.com

Key benefits include:

• Preventing seawater intrusion — By replenishing the groundwater basin with purified water, Pure Water Soquel helps maintain a freshwater barrier, preventing saltwater from contaminating drinking water sources.
• Providing a sustainable local supply — Rather than relying solely on rainfall, the project ensures a drought-resistant water source, ensuring a reliable supply for future generations.
• Protecting Monterey Bay — By reusing treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged into the ocean, the project reduces pollution and helps preserve marine ecosystems.
• Enhancing climate resilience — With climate change leading to unpredictable rainfall and longer droughts, the project ensures a steady supply of clean water, regardless of future weather patterns.

A Reminder to Protect Our Water

Earth Day serves as an important reminder that our planet’s resources are finite and must be managed responsibly. Groundwater is a hidden but essential part of the environment, and it’s up to all of us to protect it.

There are steps we can take every day to contribute to groundwater sustainability:

• Reduce water waste — Small changes, like fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances, help preserve our water supply.
• Prevent pollution — Avoid using harmful chemicals that can seep into groundwater, and dispose of hazardous materials properly.
• Support groundwater recharge efforts — Projects like Pure Water Soquel play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater and protecting it for future generations.
• Educate and advocate — Raising awareness about groundwater issues and supporting policies that promote sustainability can help ensure long-term water security.

Commitment for the Future

This Earth Day, let’s commit to valuing and protecting our groundwater. Through innovative projects like Pure Water Soquel, we’re securing our water future while preserving the incredible ecosystems of Monterey Bay.

By recognizing the importance of groundwater and embracing sustainable solutions, we can ensure clean, reliable water for generations to come — while maintaining the natural beauty and biodiversity of our coastal environment.