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Frequently Asked Questions
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> Water & Wastewater |
Water Supply Status
Recent Rainfall Refills Reservoirs
Rainfall during the 2010-2011 winter season filled both Gibraltar Reservoir and Lake Cachuma to capacity.
The City has a diverse water supply, including two surface water reservoirs, a number of groundwater wells, State Water, and recycled water. The desalination facility remains a part of the water supply as well, and could be reactivated in the event of prolonged drought or other major supply interruption. Lake Cachuma, the primary water supply for the City and other South Coast water purveyors, provides 5 or more years of storage when full.
But an adequate water supply does not mean we can forget about conservation. The City’s water supply is secure in part because of the ongoing efforts of our customers to be efficient in their water use. Thanks to water conservation and use of recycled water, potable water usage is down 15% compared to the 1980’s, even with a larger population.
Citizens are urged to continue to take advantage of the many conservation services offered by the City’s Water Conservation Program. Water checkups are free for all City water customers. Call the Water Hotline at 564-5460 to schedule a check-up, or for any questions about water conservation. Rebates for water efficient plumbing fixtures are available for homes and businesses. Information on efficient irrigation, water wise plants, water efficiency in your home or business, graywater, and much more. | | Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation
How is our water supply different now compared to the major drought of the late 1980’s?
During the 1980’s, the City relied on Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar Reservoir, and local groundwater pumping to meet the demand for water. The extensive cutbacks during that time highlighted the need for additional supplies. Since that time we have added recycled water, State Water, and desalination to make a more diverse and flexible water supply portfolio. In addition, sustained conservation efforts by our customers have reduced per capita water demand by about 25% compared to 1988.
| | Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation
Desalination
Is it true the City has a seawater desalination plant?
Yes. In 1990-91, a 7,500 acre foot per year plant was constructed in response to severe drought. It has since been included in the City's long-term water supply plan.
Is the plant operating now?
No. Due to ample rainfall during the years following completion, cheaper surface water has been available and it has not been necessary to run the plant. However, during future droughts the plant may be needed to avoid the hardships experienced during the drought of the late 1980's.
What is the status of the City’s desalination facility?
In 1991-92 the City, along with the Montecito and Goleta Water Districts, constructed a desalination facility with a capacity of 7,500 AFY. The project was built and operated by Ionics, Inc. under a 5-year repayment contract. At the end of the 5-year period, the City’s two neighboring water districts elected not to continue in the project. The City paid the remaining costs on the contract and acquired the facility as a permanent part of its water supply. Subsequently, the City accepted an offer from a private company to purchase and relocate about half of the plant’s treatment capacity. The rest of the facility (3,125 AFY of capacity) remains in place, with the exception of certain components that are more expensive to maintain than to replace when the facility is needed again. The City does not expect to need the desalination facility for the foreseeable future, but it remains available if we face a severe drought or other catastrophic event. How much did the desalination plant cost to build?
The total cost to design and construct the plant was $34 million. The Goleta and Montecito Water Districts participated in the cost of constructing the plant. How does the cost of desalinated water compare to other available supplies of water?
If the facility were to be reactivated, the operating cost is estimated to be $1,470 per acre foot of produced water, not including the estimated $18 million cost for reactivation. So, the City retains the facility as a part of its water supply for emergency conditions, but plans to defer these expenses as much as possible.
| | Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation
State Water Project
Oroville Dam, Primary State Water Project Storage Is the City a participant in the State Water Project?
Yes. The City has a “Table A” allotment of 3,000 acre feet per year in the project, which represents the City’s share of the project when full deliveries are available. The City’s allotment and the operation of the local portion of the project is managed by the Central Coast Water Authority, a joint powers agency formed to administer the construction and operation of the local State Water Project facilities. Is State water available now?
The pipeline is in place and available to convey water when requested by the City. Deliveries are subject to availability of project water. How does the cost of State water compare to other available supplies?
Operating costs are about $300 per AF for delivery of water into Lake Cachuma. When capital, operating, and maintenance costs are considered, and assuming full deliveries, the annualized cost is approximately $1,500 per acre. When bonds are paid off after 35 years, a portion of this cost will end.
More information on Water Supply Sources & State Water Project | | Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation
Rates, Usage, and Budget
 How much does it cost to run the City water system?
The annual budget for the City Water Fund is approximately $35 million. This includes debt service to pay for construction and rehabilitation of major water facilities such as the State Water Project, the Water Reclamation Project, Gibraltar Dam, Bradbury Dam (at Lake Cachuma), Sheffield Reservoir, Cater Water Treatment Plant, and the Ortega Groundwater Treatment Plant. It also includes salaries for the sizable staff needed to treat the water and maintain the distribution system in accordance with strict water quality standards. Replacement of aging water mains is a part of the budget as well. How do City rates compare to others in the state?
In the early 1990's, City water rates were higher than most in the state, in part due to the need to discourage usage during the drought and because of several major water supply projects acquired during the past five years. However, from 1993 to 1999, average City rates were essentially flat, compared to a statewide average increase of approximately 20% during this period. Recent increases have been needed to keep pace with inflation and to fund major capital projects at the City’s water facilities. How high is water consumption now compared to before the last drought?
After reducing water use by 50% during the last drought, we are now at about 86% of pre-drought demand, with approximately 10% greater population than in 1988. When taken on a per capita water use basis, usage is about 75% of what it was in 1988. How much water does a typical household use every month?
The average single family residence uses approximately 13 units of water (hundred cubic feet) per month. In multi-family residential buildings the average usage is approximately 6 units of water per month per apartment unit.
Water & Sewer Rates
Water Consumption Data
| | Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation
Water Conservation
What is the City doing to promote water conservation?
For over 30 years, the City has maintained an aggressive water conservation program aimed at reducing long-term demand for water. The program and staff have won awards from state and federal agencies for innovation and excellence in implementation. Results of the program are evident in a 35% reduction of per capita water use compared to 1988. The following are some of the programs the City offers, many are in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Water Agency and other local water purveyors:
q Free water check-ups and irrigation evaluations are available for homes and businesses to help check for leaks, suggest conservation measures, review irrigation schedules, and suggestions for water wise landscaping. q The Smart Landscape Rebate Program is available to homes and businesses and provides rebates on water wise plants, irrigation equipment, smart irrigation controllers, laundry to landscape graywater systems, and mulch. q The Smart Rebates Program provides rebates for high efficiency toilets and clothes washers for homes and businesses, as well as water brooms and waterless urinals for commercial customers. q An interactive website called “Water Wise Gardening in Santa Barbara” (also in CD format) has an extensive plant database as well as local garden galleries, garden tours, and landscaping resources. q The Watering Index and Watering Calculator are web-based tools to help homeowners and gardeners adjust irrigation based on the weather. q The Garden Wise Guys show is a quarterly show about designing and maintaining sustainable landscapes; it airs on Channel 18, Channel 20, and is available online. q The Green Gardener Certification Program provides training in resource efficiency and pollution prevention landscape maintenance practices. q Classroom water education presentations are given in local elementary schools and summer camps; tours are given at the El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant. q The City has two water wise demonstration gardens at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and the Firescape Garden with interpretive signs and informational brochures. q The Landscape Budgets Program provides monthly irrigation reports that compare usage to a weather-based water allocation calculation. These reports are provided to all properties with irrigation meters to help customers irrigate more efficiently. q The City participates in the annual Water Awareness High School Video Contest and the County Science Fair with a special award for water awareness. q Free rain sensors are distributed by City staff during an irrigation evaluation. Rain sensors are hooked up to sprinkler timers to automatically shut off the irrigation system during a rain event. q Lodging Industry Conservation: provide signs for guests to signal hotel staff that they wish to save water by not having towels and bed sheets changed every day. q Restaurant table cards are provided which inform restaurant customers that water will be served upon request. q The City provides outreach on the use of graywater with workshops and information on the City’s website. The City promotes use of graywater in accordance with the California Plumbing Code Chapter 16A. q Individual metering with commodity rates required in new dwelling units to help promote conservation. q Landscape Design Standards for Water Conservation in place since 1989. q Annually, the City completes a water audit and implements an annual water main replacement program. The City replaces three miles of water mains per year of the 275 miles in the distribution system. q The City provides a wide selection of water conservation literature and videos at events and online. q The Water Conservation Hotline 564-5460 is available for questions about water efficiency and to schedule appointments for water check-ups. City and regional web sites:
City Water Conservation Home Page Regional Website: sbwater.org |
| | Why is there a Water Conservation Program if we currently have enough water?
The City includes water conservation as an important part of our water supply and a way of meeting our need for water in the future. Improving efficiency, without sacrificing convenience, is often less expensive than buying and building new water supplies. In fact, you could say that we have enough water in part because we have a Conservation Program.
How can I be more efficient in my water use?
We're glad you asked! Click here to go to our Water Conservation homepage.
Do we reuse any of the water that goes down the sewer?
Yes. The City's Recycled Water Project recycles approximately 800 acre feet of treated wastewater each year. It is used to irrigate parks, schools, and golf courses. Top l Status l Desalination l State Water l Rates l Conservation | |
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