Watershed Organizations
There are many organizations working to study and improve the environmental and economic conditions in the watershed. This page provides an introduction to some of these organizations and links for you to learn more about what they are doing.
This overview identifies organizations working at the Federal, State, Regional, County and City level. There are also Special Districts, educational and research organizations included. These organizations all work on a range of issues in the watershed.
To find out more, scroll below or click on one of the listed topic areas.
A complete list is also available as a printable pdf. This list is not exhaustive, but does provide an overview.
- Agricultural Associations
- Land Trust
- Business Association
- Environmental
- Community
- City
- County
- State
- Special District
- Federal
- Education and Research
Agricultural Associations |
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Agriculture & Land-Based Training AssociationOur mission is to advance economic viability, social equity and ecological land management among limited-resource and aspiring farmers. We work to create opportunities for family farms while providing education and demonstration on conservation, habitat restoration, marketing and whole farm planning. |
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Agricultural Water Quality CoalitionThe Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition is an esteemed alliance of farmers and ranchers committed to watershed protection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. |
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Community Alliance with Family FarmersThe Community Alliance with Family Farmers advocates for California family farmers and sustainable agriculture. |
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Farm BureauFarm Bureau is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization governed by and representing farm and ranch families united for the purpose of analyzing their problems and formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement and, thereby, to promote the national well-being. |
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Central Coast Ag Task Force (CCATF)The Central Coast Agricultural Task Force has been collectively monitoring, researching, disseminating, and acting on any issue of benefit or impact on the capabilities of agriculture in the central coast, with an emphasis on local issues since 1984. The purpose of the Central Coast Ag Task Force (CCATF) is to monitor, appropriate, governmental boards, councils, commissions, and/or agencies sufficient to keep CCATF Members advised of actual or potential issues of benefit or detriment to the mission of CCATF, which is the long-term viability of agricultural on the Central Coast. CCATF publishes a weekly e-newsletter that contains recent ag-related new articles. CCATF is made up of the following Central Coast agricultural organizations:
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Organic Farming Research FoundationOFRF's mission is to foster improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems by sponsoring research and education & outreach projects through a competitive grantmaking program, disseminating the results of OFRF-funded research and education projects to farmers and growers, and educating the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues. |
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Land Trust |
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Monterey County Ag Land TrustFounded on August 1, 1984 the Ag Land Trust is a public benefit corporation created with the intent to preserve farmland and benefit the farmers who make their living from that land. |
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Land Trust of Santa Cruz CountyThe Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, in cooperation with public and private interests, protects and manages lands of significant natural resource, agricultural, cultural and open space value. |
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San Benito County Agricultural Land TrustThis land trust is devoted to providing financial options to landowners in order to protect the agricultural heritage of San Benito County. |
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Silicon Valley Land ConservancyThe Silicon Valley Land Conservancy is a nonprofit entity formed to preserve and protect the remaining open space in Silicon Valley. |
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The Nature ConservancyThe Nature Conservancy protects Earth's most important natural places — for you and future generations — through great science and smart partnerships. |
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Business Association |
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Chamber of Commerce – Pajaro ValleyThe Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce promotes Watsonville and surrounding community areas and is dedicated to advancing the business success of its members. |
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Chamber of Commerce – Santa ClaraA unified organization committed to providing unique, innovative leadership and exemplary service to enhance prosperity in our community. |
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American Society of Civil EngineersASCE's Mission is to provide essential value to our members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good |
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Environmental |
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Sierra ClubSince 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. They are the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States.
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Coastal Watershed CouncilThe Coastal Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation, protection and management of coastal watersheds through establishment of community-based watershed stewardship programs, education and community outreach. |
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Planning and Conservation League Foundation (PCLF)The Planning and Conservation League Foundation mission is to ensure that California continues to be an attractive, livable, and equitable state by engaging in cutting-edge environmental public policy research, and educating and empowering local communities to understand and participate in local and state environmental decision making processes. Learn more » |
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Coastal Habitat Education Environmental Restoration (CHEER)Coastal Habitat Education Environmental Restoration, also known as CHEER, is an organization with a fresh take on environmental programming. Its mission is to restore coastal ecosystems but do so in a way that safeguards resource-based local economies. CHEER recognizes that varied interests are represented in local economies. It believes that assessing and reconciling these interests so that each group profits by cooperation in restoration efforts is the key to more effective environmental programming. |
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Central Coast Salmon EnhancementCentral Coast Salmon Enhancement, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt, volunteer corporation dedicated to the enhancement and restoration of the Central Coast salmon fishery and local creeks. Salmon Enhancement is also devoted to educating the community on the ecology and economy of these resources. |
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Ecology ActionEcology Action partners with local and state agencies, cities, counties and utilities to provide innovative environmental services that improve quality of life and contribute to a sustainable economy. |
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Save Our ShoresSave Our Shores is a non-profit marine conservation organization in Santa Cruz, California. Their mission is caring for the marine environment through ocean awareness, advocacy, and citizen action. |
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Surfrider FoundationThe Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education. There are 60 local chapters in the US, including two in the Pajaro River watershed.
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The Otter Project/Monterey CoastkeeperThe Monterey Coastkeeper and the Otter Project work together with the intent of tackling issues of water quality through policy advocacy and legal tools to ensure that the interests of development, industry and urban activity are kept in line with the environmental needs and wishes of the community it serves. |
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Watsonville Wetlands WatchWatsonville Wetlands Watch is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and appreciation of the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley, especially involving members of the Watsonville community and the students of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. |
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Community |
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San Martin Neighborhood AllianceSMNA's goal is to provide the public with a virtual resource of information relevant to any growth activity that threatens both the legacy and the future of San Martin. |
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Environmental Justice for Water CoalitionThe Environmental Justice Coalition for Water is a network of more than fifty grassroots and intermediary organizations. EJCW enables community members to take control of their water resources by participating in water policy, planning and decisions. |
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Action Pajaro ValleyThe mission of Action Pajaro Valley is to create a positive future for the residents of the Pajaro Valley by facilitating an on-going collaborative process for planning, informing and serving as a resource for community decision-making |
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City |
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City of GilroyLocated in South Santa Clara County, the City of Gilroy provides water service to residences and businesses. Gilroy is a South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) Partner which provides wastewater service for the Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill. |
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City of HollisterThe City of Hollister is a major urban service area in San Benito County. The City of Hollister provides various municipal and industrial (M&I) services include wastewater collection and treatment and water supply service. |
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City of Morgan HillLocated in South Santa Clara County, the City of Morgan Hill provides water service to residences and businesses. Morgan Hill is a SCRWA Partner that provides wastewater service for the Cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. |
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City of San Juan BautistaLocated in San Benito County, the City of San Juan Bautista provides wastewater and water services. San Juan Bautista is a member of the Water Resource Association of San Benito County. |
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City of WatsonvilleThe City of Watsonville is a major urban service area within PVWMA. The City provides various M&I services including wastewater collection and treatment and water supply service. Learn more » |
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County |
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San Benito CountyThe County of San Benito is a government agency with land use jurisdiction within its boundaries. A significant portion of the upper Pajaro River watershed (including the San Benito River) is within San Benito County. |
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Santa Clara CountyThe mission of the County of Santa Clara is to plan for the needs of a dynamic community, provide quality services, and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. |
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Monterey CountyThe County of Monterey is a government agency with land use jurisdiction within its boundaries. The County also manages water and sanitation systems in unincorporated County Service Areas. The southern portion of the PVWMA service area is in Monterey County. Learn more »
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Santa Cruz CountyThe County of Santa Cruz is a government agency with land use jurisdiction within its boundaries. The County of Santa Cruz also has jurisdiction over stormwater, drainage, watershed management, water resources management and water quality protection for the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. |
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State |
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State Water Resources Control BoardThe Water Quality Control Board's mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.Learn more » |
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Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)The Central Coast RWQCB is one of 9 Regional Water Boards in California. Regional boards coordinate with the State Water Board to oversee the allocation of water resources to various entities and for diverse uses, from agricultural irrigation to hydro electrical power generation to municipal water supplies. |
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California Department of Fish and GameThe Department of Fish and Game manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats. |
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California Department of Water ResourcesThe California Department of Water Resources (DWR) manages state-owned water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs and aqueduct. |
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Coastal CommissionThe goal of the Coastal Commission is to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment of the California coastline |
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State Coastal ConservancyThe Coastal Conservancy acts with others to preserve, protect and restore the resources of the California Coast.Learn more » |
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California Department of ConservationThe Department of Conservation provides services and information that promote environmental health, economic vitality, informed land-use decisions and sound management of our state's natural resources.Learn more » |
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Special District |
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Natural Resource Conservation ServiceNRCS's natural resources conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. Public benefits include enhanced natural resources that help sustain agricultural productivity and environmental quality while supporting continued economic development, recreation, and scenic beauty.Learn more » |
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Resource Conservation DistrictCalifornia RCDs are special districts organized under the state Public Resources Code, Division 9. The RCDs in the Pajaro Watershed are the Santa Cruz RCD, Monterey County RCD, San Benito RCD and Loma Prieta RCD. Each district has a locally elected or appointed volunteer board of directors made up of landowners in that district. Interests of the RCDs which relate to water management include water quality, wildlife habitat restoration, soil erosion control, and conservation education. |
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Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA)MCWRA is a special district formed to manage, protect, and enhance the quantity and quality of water and provide specified flood control services for Monterey County, and to be a leader in efficient, innovative, and equitable water resources management for the County. As a County water agency and stakeholder, MCWRA has an interest in flood prevention and water supply management of the lower Pajaro River that falls within its jurisdiction. |
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Central Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.The Central Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council serves South Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. The council’s activities focus on agritourism, steelhead habitat enhancement, water quality education, coordinated resource management and planning (CRMP) coordination and permit streamlining. |
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Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG)AMBAG was organized for the permanent establishment of a forum for planning, discussion and study of regional problems of mutual interest and concern to the counties and cities in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties; and for the development of studies, plans, policies and action recommendations. |
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Pajaro River Watershed FPA (Flood Protection Authority)PRWFPA was established in 2000 by the State of California Assembly Bill 807 to identify, evaluate, fund, and implement flood prevention and control strategies in the Pajaro River watershed, on an intergovernmental basis. Since the Pajaro River watershed covers an area within four counties (Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey) and four water districts (Santa Clara Valley Water District; San Benito County Water District; Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7; and Monterey County Water Resources Agency), the PRWFPA is comprised of one representative from each of the eight interested agencies.The PRWFPA is a governing body through which each member organization can participate and contribute to finding a method to provide flood protection in the watershed and promote general watershed interests. A further goal is to identify and prioritize strategies and projects that will provide multiple benefits, such as water supply, groundwater recharge, or environmental restoration and protection benefits. |
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South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA)South County Regional Wastewater Authority is the regional wastewater authority for South Santa Clara County, primarily serving the Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill. SCRWA has partnered with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to expand water recycling in southern Santa Clara County. |
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Water Resources Association of San Benito CountyThe Water Resources Association is a locally-based agency focused on water resource management. Representing the City of Hollister, the City of San Juan Bautista, Sunnyslope County Water District and the San Benito County Water District.Learn more » |
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Aromas Water DistrictAromas Water District is located on the westerly edge of the PVWMA service area. This special district provides water treatment and supply service for approximately 750 customers. |
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Pajaro Valley Water Management AgencyPVWMA is a state-chartered special purpose district formed under State Law pursuant to the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Act. PVWMA was formed to efficiently and economically manage existing and supplemental water supplies in order to prevent further increase in, and to accomplish continuing reduction of, long-term overdraft and to provide and ensure sufficient water supplies for present and anticipated needs within its boundaries. PVWMA has the authority to adopt ordinances for the purpose of conserving local groundwater supplies that all public and private water purveyors within the Agency’s boundaries must adhere to. The PVWMA service area is comprised of portions of three counties, which are Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. |
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Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services DistrictPajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District is a water supplier for smaller communities in the Pajaro Valley and has consolidated water delivery service for a number of mutual water companies in northern Monterey County.Learn more » |
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San Benito County Water District (SBCWD)SBCWD is a special purpose district formed under State Law pursuant to the San Benito County Water District Act. As a water conservation and flood control district, the SBCWD mission is to preserve the economic and environmental wealth and well-being of San Benito County through the control, management and conservation of waters and the provision of water services in a practical, cost-effective and responsible manner. The SBCWD is a CVP contractor and receives water from the San Felipe Division facilities through the Pacheco and Hollister Conduits.Learn more » |
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Sunnyslope County Water District (SSCWD)Sunnyslope County Water District is a water and wastewater management district for a portion of the City of Hollister and the Ridgemark Development in San Benito County.Learn more » |
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Santa Clara Valley Water DistrictSCVWD is a special purpose district formed under State Law pursuant to the Santa Clara Valley Water District Act. SCVWD provides wholesale water supply, stream and watershed stewardship, and flood protection for Santa Clara County. In addition, SCVWD manages the County’s groundwater subbasins. The mission of the SCVWD is a healthy, safe, and enhanced quality of living in Santa Clara County through watershed stewardship and comprehensive management of water resources in a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally-sensitive manner. SCVWD is a CVP and State Water Project (SWP) contractor and receives water from the San Felipe Division facilities through the Pacheco and Santa Clara Conduits. |
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California Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)The California Association of LAFCos, or CALAFCO, was founded in 1971. LAFCos review proposals for the formation of new local governmental agencies and for changes in the organization of existing agencies.
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Federal |
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. |
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Our mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. |
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - San Francisco DistrictThe USACE provides engineering and environmental services throughout the nation. The Corps has plans to implement a flood protection project on the lower Pajaro River. |
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NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it. |
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Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research ReserveThe Elkhorn Slough Foundation and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve work together with the community, government agencies and other partners to protect this precious and scarce environment. |
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Education and Research |
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Andy Fisher, Earth and Planetary Science at UCSCAndy Fisher is a professor of Earth and Planetary Science at UC Santa Cruz. His research is focused on Hydrogeology, Crustal Studies, Heat Flow, and Modeling. Fisher has done extensive work in the Pajaro Valley regarding aquifer overdraft, groundwater recharge and salt water intrusion. |
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Brent Haddad, Environmental Studies at UCSCBrent Haddad is a professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz with an interest in urban and regional water policy and economics. |
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Watershed Institute – CSUMBThe Watershed Institute consists of a direct action community-based coalition of researchers, restoration ecologists, educators, planners, students, and volunteers. These participants all work to promote and employ a systems approach to the management of watersheds around the world. |
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USGS Real-time Water Data - Pajaro River at ChittendenUSGS Real-Time Water Data provides the discharge and gage height of the Pajaro River at Chittenden. It also provides daily discharge statistics from he past 70 years. |
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National Weather Service - Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (Pajaro River at Chittenden)The National Weather Service provides current conditions for the Pajaro River at Chittenden. |
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