Important Upcoming Events in Monterey Peninsula Water Policy

August 19 is the last day for the public to submit comments to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) concerning a Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) proposal dated October 21, 2025 to modify the state's "Cease and Desist Order" imposed in 2009 and amended in 2016. That order imposed a moratorium on new service connections to the California American Water Company (Cal-Am). It prohibits Cal-Am from diverting water from the Carmel River for new water service connections or for any increased use of water at existing service addresses resulting from a change in zoning or use.

MPWMD argues that a modification to the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) is justified because "prior to and since the issuance of the CDO, Applicant [MPWMD] and Cal-Am have dedicated tremendous resources to implement efficiency and conservation measures to control and reduce customer demand and system losses within Cal-Am’s Monterey Water System, such that the community is currently outperforming the Carmel River diversion reduction targets."

A rebuttal period to testimony and exhibits submitted by August 19 will extend through September 18. There will be a public hearing on November 5 to modify the order, followed by a deadline of November 10 to submit closing statements.

Information about this process can be found here: Amended Notice of Hearing to Consider Modification of Cease and Desist Order

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has announced that evacuation orders related to the Timber Fire have been downgraded as conditions continue to improve.

We are grateful for the tireless work of firefighters, first responders and emergency personnel, and we continue to keep our Big Sur community, residents and businesses in our thoughts as recovery efforts move forward.

For those looking for a way to help, the Monterey County Fire Relief Fund has been activated to assist communities those impacted by the Timber Fire.

Please continue to follow official local sources for the latest information regarding evacuations, road conditions and access to the area.

Thank You to our MPCC Leadership Circle!

Visionary Members

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Foundational Members