Engaging the Community

By the Staff of the Soquel Creek Water District

One of our primary goals at the Soquel Creek Water District is community engagement. This involves fostering relationships and open communication with our customers and the community-at-large. We strive to provide excellent day-to-day customer service and accessible information through our website, on the phone, at community meetings, in-person at our office, and at your home or business. As a local public agency, the District values community input and partnerships that help increase water awareness. This month we would like to promote our Speakers Bureau Program, which is a free service that involves District representatives going into the community and speaking with local groups and organizations about key issues related to water, and highlight two new partnerships with local High Schools.

Community Outreach – Got an upcoming meeting or event?

Water is top of mind right now, especially with the statewide drought. Did you know that we offer a free service to the community where members of our District staff and Board are available to speak to small and large groups? We can cover many different topics (groundwater, water reliability, water conservation tips, long-term actions towards sustainability, etc.) and will tailor our talks to be engaging and informative to your specific group. So if you are involved with a service group like Rotary or Kiwanis, live in a mobile home park, apartment complex, or condominium community, or belong to community group focused on church, school, special hobby, etc., we would love to become part of your circle. Increasing awareness on water issues is important and we will make the time and effort to go your meetings! To invite a speaker to a meeting, please try to make arrangements at least three weeks in advance by contacting Matt Orbach at matto@soquelcreekwater.org.

District staff and board members from Soquel Creek Water District also attend community events throughout the year, such as Earth Day Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Fair, the Capitola/Soquel and Aptos Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase, and more. With fun facts, games, and water conservation giveaways, we get to talk with thousands of customers and residents about all things water related. Contact savewater@soquelcreekwater.org to invite us to your next water-smart event.

Groundwater Awareness Poster Contest with Soquel High School

The Soquel High School’s ROP (Regional Occupational Program) graphic design class was invited to submit poster designs for two Groundwater Awareness Day events held at the Soquel Creek Water District office this past March. The open house events gave visitors a chance to learn about groundwater, how it is treated and distributed, and the challenges we’re facing with seawater intrusion. Over 20 fantastic poster designs were submitted and the District staff voted and selected three for recognition. The winning design, created by Kalina Stephani and Addy Hayes, was used for advertising and promoting the events. The poster contest was a fun, educational, and mutually beneficial opportunity for both students and District staff. We plan on making this an annual contest.

Water Conservation Video Contest

The District, as part of the Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County, also put on a “Water Saving Tips Video Contest”. This contest, which was open to all high school aged students in Santa Cruz County, challenged local high school students to inspire others to save water and be water efficient. They were asked to create 30-second water conservation public service announcements (PSAs). The contest received 15 submissions and prizes were awarded in both the indoor and outdoor water conservation tip categories. All of the students did a great job with their videos, demonstrating their knowledge of our local water issues and presenting them in different and creative ways. They are worth watching and can be viewed at: www.watersavingtips.org/act/videocontest