February 23, 2006

Michelle Knight, Chair, Board of Directors
Monterey Peninsula Water Management District
By Fax (831) 644-9560

Subject: Water District Authority (Action Item 15)

Dear Chair Knight and Members of the Board of Directors:

The League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula supports the District's authority to make findings regarding the availability, quantity and quality of water for future development within its area or "sphere of influence." Any agreement with CalAm to facilitate present and future Seaside aquifer storage and recovery project operations must insure the District's primary authority, under its legislative mandate, to protect the resource.

We believe the District's legislative mandate supercedes the question of individual water rights, and we urge the Board to take the necessary action to protect the mandate given to it by the State of California.

Sincerely,
     Marilyn Maxner, President
     League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula