Central Coast businesses working to save water

It’s April with still no major rain in the Central Coast. With summer around the corner, local water districts are finding new ways to conserve water.

The Soquel Creek Water District is 100 percent reliant on groundwater. But the water supply is starting to show signs of seawater contamination. Even when the drought ends, the district’s water shortage problem will not.

On Tuesday night, the Soquel Creek Water District Board learned more about desalinization. That’s the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater.

But while the district’s water is showing signs of seawater contamination, staff isn’t sure desalinization is the right move for this community.

Instead, the district is stepping up its outreach programs. Soon businesses will be getting a friendly visit from the water district to show owners how they can better save water.

“We’ve put in a new irrigation drip system, we also replaced all the shower heads in our apartments,” said Mollie Calvillo with Aegis of Aptos.

But that’s not all. Aegis of Aptos, a senior living center, also put in motion sensors on all public bathroom faucets.

In addition, the facility “has replaced 50 percent of the turf in out front area with mulch,” said Calvillo.

And added drought tolerant plants.

With 80 apartments and on average 150 residents, water is a huge cost.

“We’re going to continue to make new changes and so that we can continue to save money and most importantly save water,” said Calvillo.