Our
Water
San Andreas Mutual Water Company draws from three production wells tapping a coastal groundwater aquifer in southern Santa Cruz County. Serving a small residential community nestled between the Santa Cruz coastline and San Andreas Road, SAMWAC has provided clean, reliable groundwater to its members since 1952. The system is monitored regularly in compliance with state and federal drinking water standards, with water quality testing conducted throughout its more than 70 years of continuous operation.
Water Usage
Monthly Water Usage
This chart tracks SAMWAC’s monthly water usage across the service area. Usage typically peaks in summer months as outdoor irrigation increases, then eases through the cooler, wetter winter season. Understanding your household usage patterns is one of the simplest ways to conserve water and manage costs.
Water Table
This table reflects changes in groundwater levels in SAMWAC’s coastal aquifer over time. Rising levels generally indicate healthy recharge from seasonal rainfall, while declining levels may signal increased demand or reduced precipitation. Changes in water table levels can affect long-term supply reliability, making conservation a shared community responsibility.
Consumer Confidence Reports
Each year SAMWAC publishes its Consumer Confidence Report, a federally required summary of your water’s source, quality testing results, and compliance with state and federal drinking water standards.
Chromium-6
San Andreas Mutual Water Company has detected hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6, above California’s drinking water limit of 10 micrograms per liter in both of its active wells. Chromium-6 occurs naturally and through industrial activity, and long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with an increased risk of cancer. To meet the State compliance deadline of January 1, 2028, SAMWAC has prepared the compliance plan and petition available below.
