El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant
History of the Treatment Facilities

The city of Santa Barbara's El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant treats approximately 8.5 million gallons of wastewater each day.  The wastewater comes from a variety of sources, including local businesses and industries, but most of the water is from households

Throughout the City of Santa Barbara’s history, wastewater treatment facilities have been consistently upgraded. The City’s first sewers were installed in the 1870's. In 1925 the City constructed a "screening plant" and ocean discharge outfall. The City’s growing population and increasing environmental awareness led to the construction of the first treatment plant in 1951. The treatment plant as it exists today was built to comply with the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The City continues to update and upgrade the treatment facility each year. Investment in the treatment plant ensures it remains a state of the art modern facility.

History

Treatment Process

Sampling & Testing

Water Recycling

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