This project will develop and implement an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Pilarcitos Creek Watershed. Pilarcitos Creek is the principal watercourse draining a coastal watershed of 17,922 acres in San Mateo County, California. The land comprising the upper watershed of Pilarcitos Creek is owned by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Coastside County Water District owns the watershed lands downstream of Stone Dam Reservoir and maintains an alluvial well field in this reach. Downstream of CCWD's property, land adjacent to the creek is owned by private and public entities including private parties, the City of Half Moon Bay, State Parks, and Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside. The development and implementation of a local IWMP would involve stakeholders through the Pilarcitos Creek Advisory Committee to determine how to more effectively manage the competing uses of water from Pilarcitos and promote balanced solutions that satisfy environmental, agricultural, public health and economic interests.
Pilarcitos Creek is the principal watercourse draining a coastal watershed of 17,922 acres in north central
San Mateo County, California, south of San Francisco. Dams, diversions, loss of habitat due to
agricultural operations, channelization, and rural and urban residential and commercial influences have
significantly altered Pilarcitos Creek. Many species of wildlife are dependent on this water supply,
including the federally-threatened steelhead trout and the threatened California red-legged frog. Past
studies have identified loss of riparian habitat, migration barriers, sedimentation of stream channels,
proliferation of non-native vegetation, and competition for water between agricultural, domestic and
environmental uses as the principal problems in the watershed.
The project would develop and implement a local integrated watershed management plan across multi-jurisdictional boundaries. The plan would determine how to more effectively manage the competing uses of water from Pilarcitos Creek and promote balanced solutions that satisfy environmental, agricultural, public health and economic interests. Restoring riparian habitat and flows in Pilarcitos Creek and its lagoon would benefit threatened aquatic and terrestrial species dependent upon this resource. Residents, businesses, and visitors to Half Moon Bay and San Mateo County Coastside would benefit from a sustainable water plan ensuring future economic stability. In addition to habitat restoration, the success of the long-term restoration of the creek is linked to better management of stream flows, water conservation, and the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes in the lower part of the watershed, delivered to the endusers safely and economically.
Conjunctive use,
Ecosystem Restoration,
Environmental and habitat protection and improvement,
Flood management,
Groundwater management,
Recreation and public access,
Water Supply Reliability,
Water and wastewater treatment,
Water quality protection and improvement,
Water recycling,
Watershed planning,
Wetlands enhancement and creation
