News
Water District Announces New Water Demand Manager
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (District) is pleased to announce the hiring of Mollie Wooden as its new Water Demand Manager.
A resident of the Monterey Peninsula for more than 15 years, Wooden brings a deep understanding of the region’s unique water challenges and the importance of responsible resource management.
Wooden’s role will be to manage conservation, permitting, demand forecasting, and allocation of water to the local jurisdictions. She will be the face of the District interacting with local planning directors, developers, and business organizations. “With the retirement of Stephanie Locke after 38 years of dedicated service to the District, we recognized we had a significant role to fill,” said General Manager Dave Stoldt. “Mollie’s local knowledge and strong critical thinking skills make her an excellent addition to our team. We are confident she will bring a fresh perspective to the Water Demand Division while building upon the important work Stephanie established.”
Wooden most recently served as Compliance Manager for Pebble Beach Company and has extensive experience in water quality and resource management. She has worked in a local water quality laboratory and has significant expertise tracking potable water usage across multiple facilities, analyzing consumption trends, and identifying inefficiencies such as leaks and distribution issues. With more than a decade of direct experience in water operations, Wooden is known for her analytical approach and commitment to effective water stewardship.
District leadership believes Wooden’s experience and dedication will further support its mission to sustainably manage and enhance water resources on the Monterey Peninsula. Wooden will begin her new role in early May.
Amy Anderson Retires From the MPWMD Board of Directors
General Manager David Stoldt, the District’s Board, and their attorney gave heartfelt thanks to Amy Anderson (center) for her five years of service. Amy’s training, experience, and collaboration were highly valued during a period of significant water supply expansion.
Pure Water Monterey Now Produces 60% of Peninsula Water
This month (October), Pure Water Monterey completed their Expansion project on time and on budget, which increased production of recycled drinking water for the Monterey Peninsula to 60% of the total, thereby creating a sustainable water supply for decades to come.
SEE VIDEO >
Steelhead Rescued from Drying Portions of the Carmel River
Every Spring, the Carmel River begins to dry out, trapping thousands of Steelhead in shallow pools along the river. Depending on size, those fish are either rescued and taken to the rearing facility at Sleepy Hollow or released into the ocean to one day return to spawn.
2024 Annual Report Features Plan to Lift the CDO
Other highlights include PWM to Deliver 60% of the Peninsula’s Water, Surplus Rain Results in Record Aquifer Injection, District Manages Grants for New Peninsula Projects, Certificate of Financial Excellence Awarded, District Expands Care of the Steelhead and Carmel River.
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Pure Water Monterey Expansion on Track for 2025
In January, the final phase of the PWM Expansion project was initiated on former Ft. Ord property. When completed, two new wells will inject 2,250 acre-feet per year (730 million gallons) of new drinking water into the Seaside Groundwater Basin for Peninsula use.
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Half a Billion Gallons of Rainwater Stored for Future
Last winter, MPWMD injected 495 Million Gallons from the Carmel River into the Seaside Groundwater Basin—the third best ASR injection season ever! That’s enough water to serve 8,000 homes for a year. We now have 3,677 acre-feet stored in the ground for future use in a dry period. READ MORE >
Water District Hires Assistant General Manager
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (District) announces the arrival of Mike McCullough as their new Assistant General Manager. McCullough, who has resided in the area for over 25 years, understands how important the management of local water resources is for the local communities. The District’s General Manager, Dave Stoldt, said “The District conducted a national search for a dedicated water professional, and the top candidate was literally next door. Mike has proven his knowledge of the complex local water issues, and he will bring a new perspective and energy for our customers, staff, and Board.”
McCullough worked at Monterey One Water (M1W), for the past 13 years. His focus while at M1W was to bring the Pure Water Monterey Project online. The concept of replenishing groundwater with advanced purified recycled water went from planning to production in only seven years. McCullough helped secure low interest loans from the State Water Resources Control Board and the EPA. He scoured various grant funding opportunities for northern California’s first indirect potable reuse project, ultimately resulting in $80 million in state and federal grants.
George Riley, District Board Chair, said, “The Pure Water Monterey Project highlighted the regional efforts required to help develop a sustainable water supply for the area.” adding, “Mr. McCullough was an integral part of this successful project, and we welcome him to the MPWMD team.”
Stoldt said the District believes McCullough’s established reputation, local understanding of water issues, and professional contacts across a variety of state and federal organizations will be an asset for the District and its constituents.
McCullough will start his new position in early April.
Free Landscape Seminars Benefit from Master Gardeners
Four Valuable Principles Will Make You Watershed Wise:
- Size and site your rainwater capture area
- Develop a palette of climate-appropriate plants
- Learn to apply essential design principles
- Create a successful planting plan
Schedule / Register: https://www.montereywaterinfo.org/events/
FREE Virtual Landscape Seminars
3/05/25 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Design Your Own Garden
3/18/25 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Find and Fix Outdoor Leaks
4/10/25 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Shade and Other Challenges
4/29/25 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Grow Roses & Daffodils in Drought
5/14/25 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Pets & Kid Friendly Landscapes
6/19/25 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Drip Irrigation Fundamentals
November 21, 2024 / Two District Board Members End Four-Year Terms
David Stoldt, MPWMD General Manager (far left) and George Riley, Incoming Board Chair (far right) congratulate Mary Adams, Monterey County Board of Supervisors Representative, and Mark Eisenhardt, Division 3 Representative, for their outstanding contributions.
November 1, 2024 / Annual Water Supply Charge
The Water Supply Charge (WSC) was imposed in 2012 to fund the District’s water supply related activities. This charge was collected on property tax bills for properties that were within the District boundaries served by the California American main system. READ MORE >