Sustainability

Sustainability Plan and Progress Reports

2024 marks the 12th year of implementing the Goleta Water District Sustainability Plan. Much has changed in the 12 years since the District’s inaugural Sustainability Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors. Over the last decade, the Goleta Valley experienced a historic eight year drought, a number of significant wildfires in the Cachuma watershed, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of District facilities to the public, and transition of approximately 50% of the workforce to remote work. All of these events, while unanticipated, have profoundly affected how the District does business. In some cases, the net effects of those changes have been positive, such as when the District migrated workflow online and digitized tasks, increasing efficiencies and reducing paper waste and greenhouse gas emissions. However, in other cases those changes have come at a cost, such as the increased operational and maintenance expenses associated with drawing on a diverse water supply portfolio, and the increased energy needed to move, treat and deliver water.

Looking forward, the District Sustainability Plan will continue to adapt and grow. We cannot know for certain what the future may bring, but the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of operations, minimize costs, enhance water supply reliability and emergency preparedness, and keep customers informed remains a key component of fulfilling the District’s mission of providing a reliable supply of quality water at the most reasonable cost to present and future customers.

2022-2023 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2021-2022 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2019-2021 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2018-2019 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2017-2018 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2016-2017 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2015-2016 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2013-2015 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

2012-2013 Sustainability Plan Progress Report

District Sustainability Plan