Soquel Creek Water District received the Organization of the Year award from the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Community Recognition Gala April 3.
The district’s Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project, identified as a solution to seawater intrusion, was constructed last year, a milestone in the effort to replenish the critically overdrafted groundwater basin and prevent contamination of groundwater wells that are the sole source of drinking water.
The district has 14,400 water connections in Aptos, La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, Seacliff Beach, Soquel, and part of Capitola, serving 40,000+ residents, supplies water to businesses that support approximately 18,000 jobs, and provides water for 22 parks and 18 schools.
The Pure Water Soquel facility — now undergoing final testing before full operation — will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced treatment processes to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water per year.
This purified water will be used to replenish the groundwater basin, providing a barrier against seawater contamination and creating a reliable, safe, clean supply of water.
The project also has the significant environmental benefit of diverting millions of gallons of effluent from being disposed of daily in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
The District’s participation in the Chamber’s community leadership activities, which involved a tour of the Pure Water Soquel facility, along with its commitment to building a better future for all who live and work in the region, were another factor in the award.
“Our Board and staff are truly gratified to be recognized with this award, and we thank the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce for this honor,” said Rachél Lather, president of the District’s Board of Directors. “A reliable water supply is fundamental to the health and vitality of the entire community. We work hard to ensure our customers are provided with clean, safe, reliable water every day. And with the Pure Water Soquel project coming online soon, we can assure our community of a sustainable water supply for generations to come.”
District General Manager Melanie Mow Schumacher said, “The District is all about partnerships – including with the community, with businesses, with local, state, and federal officials, and with other local and regional agencies. It’s gratifying to be recognized by the Chamber for our efforts on behalf of the community we serve, and we count the Chamber among our valued partners.”
Soquel Creek Water District has in the past received a Top Workplace Award, an Award of Excellence in Outreach & Education, and a Transparency Award, among others. It is also known throughout the water industry for its creative and successful community outreach programs.
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Other Honorees
- Person of the Year: U.S Rep. Jimmy Panetta, 19th District
- Business of the Year: West Coast Community Bank (Formerly Santa Cruz County Bank)
- Small Business: Sante Adairius Rustic Ale
- Lifetime Achievement: Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (2013 – 2025)
TOP PHOTO: Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors (from left): Dr. Bruce Jaffe, Jennifer Balboni, Carla Christensen, President Rachél Lather, Vice President Dr. Tom LaHue.