Excerpt from the 2006 General Plan (GPU4) - Public Services Element Use your browser's back button or click here to return to the table. Download the entire text of the Public Services Element in pdf format (210kB, requires Adobe Reader).
	PS-3.1     No new development, except for the first single family dwelling and non-habitable accessory uses on an existing lot of record, for which a discretionary permit is required shall be approved without proof, based on specific findings and supported by evidence, that there is a long-term, sustainable water supply, both in quality and quantity, to serve the development. PS-3.3     Specific criteria for proof of a long term sustainable water supply for new residential or commercial subdivisions shall be developed. Criteria may include but are not limited to: a.  Water quality. b.  Production capability. c.  Recovery rates. d.  Effect on wells in the immediate vicinity. e.  Existing groundwater conditions. f.  Technical, managerial and financial capability of the water purveyor of the water system. g.  Cumulative impacts and planned growth in the area h.  Status and surety of planned new water supply projects PS-3.4    Specific criteria shall be developed for use in the evaluation and approval of adequacy of all new wells. Criteria shall assess both water quality and quantity including, but not limited to: a.  Water quality. b.  Production capability. c.  Recovery rates. d.  Effect on wells in the immediate vicinity as required by the Monterey County Water Resource Agency. e.  Existing groundwater conditions. f.  Technical, managerial, and financial capability of the water purveyor of a water system. PS-3.6     The County and all applicable water management agencies shall not allow the drilling or operation of any new wells in known areas of saltwater intrusion as identified by Monterey County Water Resource Agency until such time as a program has been approved and funded which will minimize or avoid expansion of salt water intrusion into useable groundwater supplies in that area. This policy shall not apply to deepening or replacement of existing wells. PS-3.9     A program to eliminate overdraft of water basins shall be developed as part of the Capital Implementation and Financing Plan (CIFP) of this Plan using a variety of strategies, which may include but is not limited to: a.  Water banking; b.  Groundwater and aquifer recharge and recovery; c.  Desalination; d.  Pipelines to new supplies; and e.  A variety of conjunctive use techniques. The CIFP shall be reviewed every five (5) years in order to evaluate the effectiveness of meeting the strategies noted in this policy. Areas identified to be at or near overdraft shall be a high priority for funding.