El Estero project in Monterey would recycle water
The search for viable sources of water continues in Monterey with City Council approving the next steps for diverting excess water from El Estero and adding it to the city’s water supply. During its meeting Tuesday, City Council approved a $377,470 engineering contract to design a project at El Estero and accepted $500,000 in state grants to design the Olivier Street Stormwater Diversion Project. The Monterey Peninsula has been dealing with tight water restrictions for years due to state-imposed restrictions on pumping from the Carmel River. Right now, when the water level at El Estero Lake gets too high, the water is pumped out and drained into the ocean to help prevent flooding.