Project Information

Bid Title

RFP 2025 Urban Water Management Plan

Issuing Agency

Scotts Valley Water District

Location

California

Published Date

Nov 11, 2025

Closing Date

Nov 21, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

RFP Urban Water Management Plan

Published on October 30, 2025

Request for Proposals

2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

for SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

PROPOSALS DUE BEFORE 3:00 P.M. on NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Scotts Valley Water District

2 Civic Center Drive,

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

dmcnair@svwd.org

I. BACKGROUND

Scotts Valley Water District

Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) was formed under County Water District Act in 1961 with the purpose of providing water for domestic, commercial, municipal and firefighting purposes. Beginning in 1962, SVWD acquired and consolidated several small mutual water supply systems. SVWD is located six miles north of the City of Santa Cruz, along State Highway 17 and covers approximately six square miles including most of the incorporated area of the City of Scotts Valley and a portion of the unincorporated are north of the City through 4,200 service connections. It generally follows the boundary of the City of Scotts Valley. Notable exceptions to the service are include Pasatiempo Pines and Manana Woods subdivisions, and Vista Del Lago and Spring Lakes Mobile Home Parks, which are served by San Lorenzo Valley Water District. Groundwater from the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin is the sole source of potable water supply for the District. SVWD operates wells that vary from 350 to 1,750 feet deep. Pumped water is filtered through a pressurized system of sand, gravel and anthracite to remove iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide. SVWD is also a distributor of the recycled water that is treated at the City of Scotts Valley Tertiary Treatment Plant.

A. Water Demand

Scotts Valley Water District

SVWD total water production has ranged between 975 and 2,100 acre-feet per year since 1984 and averaged approximately 1,098 AFY since 2015. Recycled water comprises about 12% of the total production. SVWD maintains a number of ongoing activities to support the sustainable management of its groundwater resource including water use efficiency activities, recycled water program and water audit and loss control program.

B. Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency

Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) that was formed as a Joint Powers Authority in June 2017. It has three member-agencies: Scotts Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, and the County of Santa Cruz (County) and is governed by the Board of Directors comprising of two representatives from each member agency, one representative from City of Scotts Valley, one from City of Santa Cruz, one from Mount Hermon Association (MHA) and two private well owner representatives. The Board of Directors holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The staffing support and funding for the agency is provided by the member agency.

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, over-drafted groundwater basins need to be sustainably managed by a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) through the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSP must be completed by 2022, and the basin must reach sustainability by 2040.

II. PROJECT OBJECTIVES & DESCRIPTION

SVWD is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to complete a 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) for its water system. The UWMP is a public planning document required by urban water suppliers every five years to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future water demands. This UWMP will be in full compliance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, as codified in Section 10610 et. seq., of the California Water Code and the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook or Water Suppliers (slated for final release in August 2025) and shall meet the July 1, 2026, submittal deadline. The Consultant shall submit the adopted UWMP electronically using the reporting system established by the DWR.

The selected Consultant will provide the full range of services necessary for develop a complete UWMP that meets the needs of SVWD, including but not limited to: water production and consumption data gathering, review and analysis; population and demographic analysis; demand projection development; system supply analysis; water supply reliability assessment; water shortage contingency planning (WSCP) updates; demand management measure analysis; and climate change impact analysis. Certain key sections such as the standardized tables and water shortage contingency plan components will be developed individually for the agency.

The Consultant will make several presentations to the SVWD Board of Directors and the public at regularly scheduled Board meetings, either in person or via video conference as required. The purpose of these presentations will be to solicit Board and public input well in advance of developing a final draft UWMP.

The Consultant will also assist SVWD with making the required notifications to other local agencies and public hearing notifications as specified by the Urban Water Management Planning Act. The Consultant will assure that electronic versions of the plan meet the specifications of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and be fully available to people with disabilities.

III. PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

The proposed scope of required services for this project includes:

TASK 1: KICK-OFF MEETING/PRELIMINARY WORK

1.1 Review SVWD’s 2020 UWMP, and any other relevant reports and documents necessary for preparation of the 2025 UWMP.

1.2 Host a meeting with SVWD staff to review the scope of services, develop a detailed work plan and schedule, identify initial data needed to begin work and methods to obtain data, and establish schedule for weekly or biweekly check-in meetings. The meeting may be done in person or via video conference as appropriate.

TASK 2: DEMAND PROJECTIONS

2.1 Using the following information, develop water demand projections in five-year increments from 2025 through 2045.

2.1.1 Demographic data (e.g. population, housing unit and employment projections, etc.) from general plans for the County of Santa Cruz and the 2025 U.S. census, etc.

2.1.2 Historical and current water production data and consumption data by user class (single-family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, institutional, dedicated irrigation, fire and other). Trends in water use reduction at the district since 2015 should be analyzed and factored into the demand projection update.

2.1.3 Data to estimate impacts of the current and future water use efficiency standards, as well as the impact of on-going behavioral modification/social norming programs.

2.1.4 Historical and current water savings estimates from on-going conservation and water use efficiency programs.

2.1.5 Economic information including historical, current and projected rates in regard to elasticity impacts.

2.1.6 Any other information necessary or beneficial for this task.

2.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present the draft water demand projections to the SVWD Board of Directors and public either at joint or individual meetings (in person, or via video conference).

2.3 Incorporate required changes to the demand projections based on Board of Directors feedback and present a revised version of the demand projections (if necessary). Solicit comments from the Board and public and finalize the corresponding chapters of the 2025 UWMP.

TASK 3: WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN

3.1 Working with SVWD staff and using information supplied by the Districts’ hydrogeologist consultants, draft the chapters of the 2025 UWMP related to water supply reliability and water shortage contingency planning. The new Water Shortage Demand Assessment (WSDA) procedures necessary for completing subsequent annual water shortage assessment reports must be included.

3.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present draft information to the Board and the public. Make any necessary adjustments/revisions and finalize these chapters.

TASK 4: COMPLETE DRAFT OF 2025 UWMP

4.1 Identify any remaining data needs and draft the remaining required chapters of the 2025 UWMP and the supporting sections of the plan (e.g., table of contents, list of tables & figures, acronyms & abbreviations, references, appendices, etc.), as well as the optional section on climate change impacts to supply, and the checklist developed by DWR to assist them with their review. (note: SVWD staff may take remaining the chapters to the Boards for feedback as they are developed. however, it is not anticipated that consultant will need to attend.)

4.2 Send electronic copies of the draft plan (or notify of plan’s availability on-line) to local water agencies and other public agencies designated by SVWD staff, at least 60 days prior to public hearing.

4.3 Present a draft of the complete 2025 UWMP to the SVWD Board and the public for review. Make final revisions to the plan.

TASK 5: COMPLETE FINAL 2025 UWMP

5.1 Incorporating all Board of Directors feedback on the draft UWMP, complete final draft of UWMP.

5.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present the final draft to the Board(s) and the public at a public hearing.

5.3 Provide SVWD with digital copies in Pdf (fully indexed) and Word formats, and (4) bound copies of the final adopted 2025 UWMP by July 1, 2026. The consultant will assure that electronic versions of the plan meet the specifications of section 508 of the rehabilitation act and be fully available to people with disabilities.

TASK 6: PLAN SUBMITTAL

6.1 Following adoption of the 2025 UWMP, submit the plan electronically as required/requested by the DWR by the July 1, 2026, submittal date for both agencies.

TASK 7: CORRECTIONS

7.1 Make any corrections identified as necessary by DWR after adoption. Provide digital and bound of the final report.

IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal should not exceed 10 pages excluding resumes, cover letter, dividers, front and back covers. Responses must be in the following order and must include:

1. Executive Summary

I. Include a brief overview of the specific approach proposed to meet the needs of SLVWD and SVWD. May also propose varying approaches that meet the same goal yet may save money, increase efficiencies, result in a better outcome, etc.

II. Summarize the contents of your firm’s proposal in a clear and concise manner.

2. Project Description

I. Explain the objective of the project and how you propose to accomplish the recognized goals.

II. Describe the services and deliverables to be provided.

III. Include a statement on what makes your company uniquely qualified.

3. Contact Information

I. Legal name and address of the company.

II. Legal form of company (partnership, corporation).

III. If company is wholly owned subsidiary of a "parent company," identify the "parent company."

IV. Name, title, address and telephone number of person to contact concerning the Response Submittal.

V. Number of staff and the discipline/job title of each.

VI. Sub-Consultants, if any

4. Organization and Experience of the Project Team

I. Describe proposed team organization, including identification and responsibilities of key personnel, including sub-consultants. Include only one-page resumes.

II. Describe the experience of the Project Manager and the experience that the proposed personnel have working on past projects as a team.

III. Describe project management approach to the work effort, locations where work will be done, responsibilities for coordination with SVWD staff, lines of communication necessary to maintain design on schedule.

IV. Describe a proposed schedule showing all facets of work.

V. Describe the company’s capacity to perform the work within the time limitations, considering the firm’s current and planned workload and the firm’s current and planned work force.

5. Experience and Past Performance, Including Cost and Schedule Control

I. Include a summary of the past experience and performance of the Project Manager on similar projects. Include the following information:

1. Owner, contact name and phone number

2. Project size and description

3. Project design budget and total dollar value of completed design

4. Budgeted project design schedule and total time to design completion

5. Estimated construction costs and actual construction costs

II. Describe the company’s past experience and performance on similar projects. Include the information listed above.

6. Creative Alternatives

I. Discuss any creative solutions to meet the project objectives.

7. Proposed Total Cost and Fee Schedules

I. Proposed fee must be organized into tasks, as discussed above, with appropriate further breakdown into subtasks.

II. Proposed fee schedule must include an estimated timeline for completion of each task and subtask.

III. Proposed fee will not be the sole basis of award but will be considered in evaluating the proposal.

IV. Proposed fee must include the hourly rates of all staff that will work on the project.

8. Contractual Scope of Services

I. The Consultant will include a detailed scope of services to be provided. This must be responsive to the requested scope of work with additional detail as necessary.

II. The Consultant will prepare a detailed schedule showing all facets of work. Both the scope and schedule will become attachments to the contract.

III. The Consultant certifies that it has fully read the RFP and takes no exceptions to this RFP. If the Consultant does take exception(s) to any portion of the RFP, the specific portion of the RFP to which exception is taken shall be identified and explained.

V. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria and the respective weights that will be given to each criterion are as follows:

1.  Project Description ....................................................................................................... 20%

2.  Organization and Experience of Project Team .............................................................. 20%

3.  Past Performance, Including Cost and Schedule Control ............................................ 25%

4.  Creative Alternatives ..................................................................................................... 10%

5.  Proposed Fee ................................................................................................................. 15%

6.  Overall Quality of the Proposal ……………………………………………………………………………… 10%

VI. SELECTION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded to the highest-ranking firm. However, SVWD reserves the right to consider other factors such as overall cost and may award contracts to any qualified applicant, regardless of the assigned rank. The districts will enter into negotiations with the selected firm. If a fair and reasonable agreement cannot be reached, the districts reserve the right to select an alternate firm.

The district anticipate that the process for selection of firm and awarding of the contract will be according to the following tentative schedule:

Proposal Due Date November 21, 2025

Interviews (if deemed necessary) December 9, 2025

Contract Award December 11, 2025

VII. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Submit a digital copy of the proposal in Pdf format via email. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. local time on November 21, 2025, at the office of:

Scotts Valley Water District

2 Civic Center Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Attn: David McNair

dmcnair@svwd.org

Re: 2025 Urban Water Management Plan

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

for SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

PROPOSALS DUE BEFORE 3:00 P.M.

ON NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Scotts Valley Water District

2 Civic Center Drive,

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

dmcnair@svwd.org

1

I. BACKGROUND

Scotts Valley Water District

Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) was formed under County Water District Act in 1961 with the

purpose of providing water for domestic, commercial, municipal and firefighting purposes.

Beginning in 1962, SVWD acquired and consolidated several small mutual water supply systems.

SVWD is located six miles north of the City of Santa Cruz, along State Highway 17 and covers

approximately six square miles including most of the incorporated area of the City of Scotts Valley

and a portion of the unincorporated are north of the City through 4,200 service connections. It

generally follows the boundary of the City of Scotts Valley. Notable exceptions to the service are

include Pasatiempo Pines and Manana Woods subdivisions, and Vista Del Lago and Spring Lakes

Mobile Home Parks, which are served by San Lorenzo Valley Water District. Groundwater from the

Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin is the sole source of potable water supply for the District. SVWD

operates wells that vary from 350 to 1,750 feet deep. Pumped water is filtered through a

pressurized system of sand, gravel and anthracite to remove iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide.

SVWD is also a distributor of the recycled water that is treated at the City of Scotts Valley Tertiary

Treatment Plant.

A. Water Demand

Scotts Valley Water District

SVWD total water production has ranged between 975 and 2,100 acre-feet per year since 1984 and

averaged approximately 1,098 AFY since 2015. Recycled water comprises about 12% of the total

production. SVWD maintains a number of ongoing activities to support the sustainable

management of its groundwater resource including water use efficiency activities, recycled water

program and water audit and loss control program.

B. Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency

Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)

that was formed as a Joint Powers Authority in June 2017. It has three member-agencies: Scotts

Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, and the County of Santa Cruz (County)

and is governed by the Board of Directors comprising of two representatives from each

member agency, one representative from City of Scotts Valley, one from City of Santa Cruz, one

from Mount Hermon Association (MHA) and two private well owner representatives. The Board

of Directors holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The staffing support and

funding for the agency is provided by the member agency.

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, over-drafted groundwater

basins need to be sustainably managed by a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) through

the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSP must be completed by

2022, and the basin must reach sustainability by 2040.

II. PROJECT OBJECTIVES & DESCRIPTION

SVWD is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to complete a 2025 Urban Water Management Plan

(UWMP) for its water system. The UWMP is a public planning document required by urban water

suppliers every five years to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and

2

future water demands. This UWMP will be in full compliance with the California Urban Water

Management Planning Act, as codified in Section 10610 et. seq., of the California Water Code and the

Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook or Water

Suppliers (slated for final release in August 2025) and shall meet the July 1, 2026, submittal deadline.

The Consultant shall submit the adopted UWMP electronically using the reporting system established

by the DWR.

The selected Consultant will provide the full range of services necessary for develop a complete

UWMP that meets the needs of SVWD, including but not limited to: water production and

consumption data gathering, review and analysis; population and demographic analysis; demand

projection development; system supply analysis; water supply reliability assessment; water

shortage contingency planning (WSCP) updates; demand management measure analysis; and

climate change impact analysis. Certain key sections such as the standardized tables and water

shortage contingency plan components will be developed individually for the agency.

The Consultant will make several presentations to the SVWD Board of Directors and the public at

regularly scheduled Board meetings, either in person or via video conference as required. The

purpose of these presentations will be to solicit Board and public input well in advance of developing

a final draft UWMP.

The Consultant will also assist SVWD with making the required notifications to other local agencies

and public hearing notifications as specified by the Urban Water Management Planning Act. The

Consultant will assure that electronic versions of the plan meet the specifications of Section 508 of

the Rehabilitation Act and be fully available to people with disabilities.

III. PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

The proposed scope of required services for this project includes:

TASK 1: KICK-OFF MEETING/PRELIMINARY WORK

1.1 Review SVWD’s 2020 UWMP, and any other relevant reports and documents necessary for

preparation of the 2025 UWMP.

1.2 Host a meeting with SVWD staff to review the scope of services, develop a detailed work plan and

schedule, identify initial data needed to begin work and methods to obtain data, and establish

schedule for weekly or biweekly check-in meetings. The meeting may be done in person or via video

conference as appropriate.

TASK 2: DEMAND PROJECTIONS

2.1 Using the following information, develop water demand projections in five-year increments from

2025 through 2045.

2.1.1 Demographic data (e.g. population, housing unit and employment projections, etc.) from

general plans for the County of Santa Cruz and the 2025 U.S. census, etc.

2.1.2 Historical and current water production data and consumption data by user class (single-

family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, institutional, dedicated irrigation,

fire and other). Trends in water use reduction at the district since 2015 should be

analyzed and factored into the demand projection update.

3

2.1.3

2.1.4

2.1.5

2.1.6

Data to estimate impacts of the current and future water use efficiency standards, as

well as the impact of on-going behavioral modification/social norming programs.

Historical and current water savings estimates from on-going conservation and water use

efficiency programs.

Economic information including historical, current and projected rates in regard to

elasticity impacts.

Any other information necessary or beneficial for this task.

2.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present the draft water demand projections to the SVWD Board

of Directors and public either at joint or individual meetings (in person, or via video conference).

2.3 Incorporate required changes to the demand projections based on Board of Directors feedback

and present a revised version of the demand projections (if necessary). Solicit comments from

the Board and public and finalize the corresponding chapters of the 2025 UWMP.

TASK 3: WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN

3.1 Working with SVWD staff and using information supplied by the Districts’ hydrogeologist

consultants, draft the chapters of the 2025 UWMP related to water supply reliability and water

shortage contingency planning. The new Water Shortage Demand Assessment (WSDA)

procedures necessary for completing subsequent annual water shortage assessment reports

must be included.

3.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present draft information to the Board and the public. Make any

necessary adjustments/revisions and finalize these chapters.

TASK 4: COMPLETE DRAFT OF 2025 UWMP

4.1 Identify any remaining data needs and draft the remaining required chapters of the 2025 UWMP

and the supporting sections of the plan (e.g., table of contents, list of tables & figures, acronyms

& abbreviations, references, appendices, etc.), as well as the optional section on climate change

impacts to supply, and the checklist developed by DWR to assist them with their review. (note:

SVWD staff may take remaining the chapters to the Boards for feedback as they are developed.

however, it is not anticipated that consultant will need to attend.)

4.2 Send electronic copies of the draft plan (or notify of plan’s availability on-line) to local water

agencies and other public agencies designated by SVWD staff, at least 60 days prior to public

hearing.

4.3 Present a draft of the complete 2025 UWMP to the SVWD Board and the public for review.

Make final revisions to the plan.

TASK 5: COMPLETE FINAL 2025 UWMP

5.1 Incorporating all Board of Directors feedback on the draft UWMP, complete final draft of UWMP.

5.2 In conjunction with SVWD staff, present the final draft to the Board(s) and the public at a

public hearing.

5.3 Provide SVWD with digital copies in Pdf (fully indexed) and Word formats, and (4) bound copies

of the final adopted 2025 UWMP by July 1, 2026. The consultant will assure that electronic

4

versions of the plan meet the specifications of section 508 of the rehabilitation act and be fully

available to people with disabilities.

TASK 6: PLAN SUBMITTAL

6.1 Following adoption of the 2025 UWMP, submit the plan electronically as required/requested by

the DWR by the July 1, 2026, submittal date for both agencies.

TASK 7: CORRECTIONS

7.1 Make any corrections identified as necessary by DWR after adoption. Provide digital and bound of

the final report.

IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal should not exceed 10 pages excluding resumes, cover letter, dividers, front and back

covers. Responses must be in the following order and must include:

1. Executive Summary

I. Include a brief overview of the specific approach proposed to meet the needs of SLVWD and

SVWD. May also propose varying approaches that meet the same goal yet may save money,

increase efficiencies, result in a better outcome, etc.

II. Summarize the contents of your firm’s proposal in a clear and concise manner.

2. Project Description

I. Explain the objective of the project and how you propose to accomplish the recognized goals.

II. Describe the services and deliverables to be provided.

III. Include a statement on what makes your company uniquely qualified.

3. Contact Information

I. Legal name and address of the company.

II. Legal form of company (partnership, corporation).

III. If company is wholly owned subsidiary of a "parent company," identify the "parent company."

IV. Name, title, address and telephone number of person to contact concerning the Response

Submittal.

V. Number of staff and the discipline/job title of each.

VI. Sub-Consultants, if any

4. Organization and Experience of the Project Team

I. Describe proposed team organization, including identification and responsibilities of

key personnel, including sub-consultants. Include only one-page resumes.

II. Describe the experience of the Project Manager and the experience that the proposed

personnel have working on past projects as a team.

III. Describe project management approach to the work effort, locations where work will be

5

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541620Environmental Consulting Services
• NAICS 541690Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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