Ron Duncan new SqCWD GM

SOQUEL – Soquel Creek Water District’s board of directors appointed Ron Duncan as the agency’s new general manager at their meeting on Tuesday, February 2. Duncan has been serving as the interim general manager since April of 2015. He has worked for the District for thirteen years, mostly as its conservation and customer service field manager.

“Ron has proven his leadership skills, understanding of local water and the community, and commitment to solving our water supply issues,” said Board President Dr. Bruce Daniels.

Currently, the District relies solely on groundwater pumped from local aquifers, which are overdrafted and threatened by seawater intrusion. Hydrologists estimate that the amount of water being pumped needs to be reduced by about one-third for twenty years to replenish the aquifers and prevent further seawater intrusion. In addition, the District has been in drought curtailment for the last four years, and will likely continue into 2016.

In order to address the long-term groundwater shortage, the District is continuing its demand reduction programs and working to obtain supplemental water supplies. These efforts include continuing conservation, requiring builders to fund conservation projects, testing river water transfers with the City of Santa Cruz, evaluating advanced water purification for groundwater replenishment, interest in the Moss Landing desalination proposal, and regional collaboration.

Before coming to the District, Duncan worked in the public sector for the Santa Cruz Port District and in the private sector as a hydrogeologic consultant. He holds a Bachelors degree in geology, a Masters degree in hydrology, and is a licensed geologist in California. He also recently completed a Masters degree in Business Administration and an Executive Masters degree in Positive Leadership and Strategy as part of a fellowship program.

“This has been a life goal of mine,” Duncan said. “My aim is to obtain a supplemental water supply as we continue providing high quality water and outstanding customer service while keeping the District financially sound.” He noted, “It’s an honor to work with such a professional staff, dedicated Board, and engaged community. I’m grateful.”