Event/Conversation

Date/Description

Key Points Discussed

Note on Water Kiosks

Board Resolution (File #RES 18-163)

November 2018: Proclamation affirming the human right to water.

Emphasized equity for low-income residents and DACs in addressing contamination in small well systems.

No water kiosk analysis present.


Board Update (File #18-1096)

October 2018: Discussion on ordinance amendments to Chapter 15.04.

Focused on stakeholder involvement, long-term support for low-income residents, and POU/POE as a bridge solution; advocates like Bay Foundation and Community Water Center highlighted DAC gaps.

No water kiosk analysis present.


Approval Hearing

June 2019: Unanimous approval of 12-month POU/POE pilot.

EHB's Ric Encarnacion stressed DAC equity and accessibility of clean water at home; commentators like Marla Andersen and Horatio Amezquita discussed DAC neglect and need for assistance; bottled water called a "burden."

No water kiosk analysis present.


Board Reports on Amendments (ORD 23-020)

October–November 2023: Introduction and adoption of amendments allowing POU/POE for new homes/ADUs.

Regulated ~970 small systems in DACs; expanded access for disadvantaged rural households; public input led to refinements for DAC support.

No water kiosk analysis present.


2023 SWRCB POU/POE Report

January 2023: Statewide report including Monterey County data and pilots.

Highlighted 64% of POU/POE systems serve DACs; equity assessments for high-pollution areas; critiqued bottled water as costly/unsustainable; no alternatives like kiosks discussed.

No water kiosk analysis present.


Community Water Center (CWC) Pilot (Case Study #4)

2020–2023 (extended to 2026): POE for DAC households in Northern Monterey County.

Targeted low-income areas with 1,2,3-TCP and nitrate; community organizing for trust; emphasized POE over POU for whole-house treatment; bottled water as interim for nitrates.

No water kiosk analysis present.


Encinal Rd WS #01 Pilot (Case Study #2)

Pilot tested 8 months (pre-2023 report): POU/POE for nitrate and 1,2,3-TCP in Salinas Valley.

Served 91 people; addressed exceedances with GAC and RO units; discussed in workshops; favored POE for DAC equity to minimize exposure.

No water kiosk analysis present.


Stakeholder Workshops

2021–2022: Input informing 2023 SWRCB report, including Monterey County reps and community organizations.

Stressed POU/POE for DACs to avoid "disproportionate" reliance on interim fixes; calls for shared O&M to aid vulnerable populations.

No water kiosk analysis present.

These records, obtained from county agendas, Legistar files, and SWRCB reports, demonstrate a systemic failure to consider the MOST OBVIOUS, less burdensome, MOST COST AFFECTIVE alternative -- water kiosks -- despite the ordinance's purported focus on DAC affordability.