Permits and Rebates Assure Greater Water Efficiency The District approved 577 rebates totaling $174,900, saving 1.5M gal of water annually, and issued 941 Water Permits plus 68 Water Use Permits. Staff completed nearly 900 inspections to ensure compliance with indoor and landscape water efficiency standards. Twenty-six landscape permits were issued, covering 104,856 sq. ft. of new and 111,150 sq. ft. of rehabilitated landscapes. These conservation measures create a permanent reduction in demand, easing the need for new supplies. Three Water Distribution System amendments were approved, and nine exemptions were granted for eligible well users. Efforts to promote water efficiency and compliance continue. Locals Win Big in Summer Splash Now in its sixth year, the District, in partnership with Cal-Am, once again hosted the Summer Splash Water Challenge Giveaway, a fun, family-oriented conservation game. Participants completed an educational gameboard by visiting the event website and watching water efficiency videos to find the answers. The challenge was designed for families and timed for summer when children were out of school. Completed gameboards were submitted for a sweepstakes drawing. Prizes included high-efficiency clothes washers, iPads, and gift cards. Gameboards were printed in the newspaper, and promoted in Facebook. The June challenge received 485 entries, 48 more than the previous year. Water Conservation Classes Staff continued to engage the community on water conservation through various outreach channels. In partnership with Cal-Am, the District hosted 14 virtual classes covering rainwater capture, greywater use, irrigation efficiency, soil improvement through composting, landscape design, and lawn removal. Water-saving devices were distributed at community events, including the Carmel Valley Fiesta, Monterey County Fair, and West End Celebration, and the “Mulch Madness” giveaway was held twice during the year. The District maintained an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, participated in school presentations and assemblies with the Water Awareness Committee for Monterey County, and ran monthly media ads highlighting District programs and activities. Water Permit Amnesty Program a Huge Success The Resolution 2024-13 “Amnesty Program” concluded on September 30, 2025. Staff contacted property owners associated with 1,470 open (unfinalized) Water Permits and successfully closed 1,242 permits, achieving an 84% resolution rate. A total of 1.7M gal of District Reserve Allocation was utilized. The program was generally well-received and significantly reduced a backlog of permits dating back to 1993. Most property owners responded positively once they understood the opportunity to finalize permits with temporary water availability, fee waivers, and staff assistance. Local jurisdictions were cooperative and assisted as necessary. Remaining open permits are largely attributable to inspection scheduling delays, property owner inaction, jurisdictional permitting delays, or removal of unpermitted fixtures instead of seeking proper authorization. Staff will continue follow-up efforts. Remaining properties will not have access to District Reserve water and may require jurisdictional allocations or be subject to Regulation XI enforcement. Property owners remain responsible for arranging final inspections when they have a Water Permit. PAGE FOUR
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