> Water & Wastewater

Laboratory


Water Quality Analysis
Analysis of drinking water, creek & ocean water, and wastewater are conducted or coordinated by the City’s laboratory.  Tests performed follow protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency as required by state and federal laws.  Testing procedures were established by the EPA with the intent to protect public and environmental health and safety. 

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Drinking Water


Drinking Water Analysis
The City of Santa Barbara obtains most of its drinking water from Lake Cachuma and Gibraltar Reservoir.  Occasionally well water is also supplied to City Water customers.  The lab routinely tests drinking water at the source and throughout the distribution system to ensure that water quality goals are being met.  The facility uses advanced equipment for the analysis of trace metals, inorganics & organic contaminants and other important parameters established by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

Cater Water Treatment Plant (Coming Soon)

Drinking Water Quality Report

American Water Works Association

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Wastewater


Wastewater Analysis
Each year over 4,000 specialized tests are run on the wastewater before, during, and after treatment.  The most common include analysis for heavy metals, bacteria, oil and grease, solids, and biochemical oxygen demand (a measure of waste strength).

Regional Water Quality Control Board

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Creek & Ocean Water Quality


Creek & Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program
The City has conducted an extensive water quality monitoring since May 2001.  From 2001-2003, the City focused on gathering baseline data, primarily for bacterial pollution and habitat quality.  The city conducted weekly sampling for indicator bacteria at over 30 sites in Arroyo Burro, Laguna Channel, Mission, and Sycamore watersheds.  Spot samples were also collected for some chemical pollutants.

In 2004 the water quality monitoring program was expanded to focus more on chemical pollutants throughout the watershed, treatment/restoration project performance, and water quality during storm events. 

To view the 5-year Water Quality Report Summary, click here.

To view the full 5-Year Water Quality Report, click here.

Creeks Division - Water Quality Monitoring Program

Santa Barbara County Beach Water Quality