Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
New Data on Salinas Valley Hydrology
USGS scientists evaluate surface-water and groundwater resources
USGS scientists evaluate surface-water and groundwater resources
By California Water Science Center
April 16, 2025
California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation. In the Salinas Valley, many people, industries, and ecosystems depend directly or indirectly on groundwater. These demands are met by the coordinated use of surface water and groundwater.
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To help evaluate the surface-water and groundwater resources of the Salinas Valley, The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Monterey County Water Resources, created models of historical and potential future stresses on water resources to support long-term planning and decision-making toward sustainable water resource management in the basin. The study area included the entire Salinas River watershed and several smaller, adjacent coastal watersheds draining into Monterey Bay.
The resulting Science Investigations Report and supporting data will aid in understanding the effects of climate variability and transient hydrologic processes such as runoff, recharge, and groundwater-surface-water interactions on water budgets in the Salinas Valley. This is essential for the Valley's sustainable future water supply development.
Right: Salinas Valley study area, showing land-surface elevation, major rivers and streams, reservoirs, and USGS streamgages.
Application of Hydrologic Simulation Program - Scientific Investigations Report
Application of Hydrologic Simulation Program - Scientific Investigations Report
View the Data
View the Data
Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic and Reservoir Operations Models
Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic and Reservoir Operations Models
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Salinas and Carmel River Basins Study
Together, the Salinas and Carmel river basins include some of the world’s most fertile agricultural lands and are internationally known for their natural beauty; ecological diversity; multi-national cultural history; and recreation opportunities such as fishing, auto racing, and golfing. The area is oftentimes referred to as the “Salad Bowl of the World” or “America’s Salad Bowl” because of the...
Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley
Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
salinas_river.jpg
Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA. Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA.
Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA. Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA.
Related
Salinas Valley Operational Model: Interlake Tunnel and San Antonio Spillway Modification Project
An operational model for Salinas Valley is needed to evaluate and compare ecosystem, conservation, and water demands. This model must simulate current operations, assess benefits of and evaluate scenarios for tunnel operation and potential reservoir and spillway modifications.
Salinas and Carmel Rivers Basin Study: Paso Robles Model Update
The existing Paso Robles Basin Model (PRBM) needed to be updated and enhanced to achieve the timeline and objectives of the Salinas Carmel River Basin Study (SCRBS) for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and local partners.
Salinas and Carmel River Basins Study
Together, the Salinas and Carmel river basins include some of the world’s most fertile agricultural lands and are internationally known for their natural beauty; ecological diversity; multi-national cultural history; and recreation opportunities such as fishing, auto racing, and golfing. The area is oftentimes referred to as the “Salad Bowl of the World” or “America’s Salad Bowl” because of the...
Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley
Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
Artichoke field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
Lettuce field in the Salinas River Valley. California’s Salinas Valley is one of the most productive agricultural basins in the world due to the fertile valley soil, temperate climate, and availability of water for irrigation.
salinas_river.jpg
Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA. Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA.
Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA. Picture of the Salinas River taken by webcam. USGS 11152500 SALINAS R NR SPRECKELS CA.