Role:
The Commission was established in 1975 to serve as a policy advisory body to the Board of Supervisors (Board) on issues relating to the use and protection of the county's water resources.
Staffing, funding, and other resources available to the Commission necessarily limit the duties and responsibilities of the Commission. Therefore, the Commission utilizes discretion in devoting time to those activities that are most important to achieving its overall goal of enhancing and preserving Santa Cruz County water resources. County departments (Planning, Environmental Health (EH) and Public Works) will assist the Commission in its work, by including the Commission in water related correspondence and having staff provide timely oral reports on pending issues.
The Water Advisory Commission is managed in accordance with the following:
Chapter 2.96 of the Santa Cruz County Code (Water Advisory Commission)
Chapter 2.38 of the Santa Cruz County Code (Boards, Commissions, Committees)
Water Advisory Commission Bylaws
Water Advisory Commission 2024-2025 Work Plan
Commission Structure:
The Commission consists of seven members, five of whom are concerned citizens appointed by individual supervisors and two that are appointed at large. The two at large positions represent public water purveyors and private or mutual water companies in the county. Sierra Ryan, Interim Water Resources Manager in the EH division of the Health Service Agency, serves as administrative secretary to the Commission. Sierra may be reached at (831) 454-3133 or via email at Sierra.Ryan@santacruzcounty.us
| INCUMBENT/APPOINTEE (District): |
APPOINTMENT DATE: |
TERM EXPIRATION DATE: |
| Frank Cheap (1) |
April 13, 2021 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Ray Pereyra (2) |
August 10, 2021 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Linda A. Wilson (3) |
March 26, 2019 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Brian Lockwood (4) |
April 16, 2019 |
April 1, 2027 |
| Bryan Largay (5) |
September 10, 2019 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Paul G. Lego – Rep. of Private or Mutual Water Companies ) |
May 18, 2021 |
April 1, 2025 |
| Nate Gillespie – Rep. of Public Water Purveyors |
June 27, 2023 |
April 1, 2027 |
Biennial Report:
Every other year, at the end of January, the Commission submits a bi-annual report to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer. This report highlights the activities, accomplishments and future goals of the Commission.
Click here to view the 2022-2023 Biennial Report
Regular Commission Meetings
Times and dates: 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each even numbered month unless otherwise posted. Meetings are held in person at the 5th Floor Redwood Room at 701 Ocean Street, and are also online via Teams.
Agendas: Agendas are posted at least five days in advance of meetings, and are distributed to all Board members, local water districts, AMBAG, interested persons and the press. Agendas and attachments are posted on the County website, including Past Agendas and Minutes from previous meetings. View upcoming and past Water Advisory Commission Meetings.
Senate Bill 552 Compliance
The WAC has adopted the responsibility for Senate Bill 552 Compliance, more information on that process is available here: https://scceh.com/NewHome/Programs/WaterResources/DroughtResponse/SenateBill552Compliance.aspx