Lake Cachuma, which serves as the primary water supply for over 200,000 people in southern Santa Barbara County, is currently at less than 36% of capacity due to three consecutive years of drought. Projections speculate water levels could drop below the current intake level within this year. The Emergency Pumping System Project at Lake Cachuma is necessary to maintain flow to South Coast and will be implemented in the near future.
The Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB) recently conducted drought related work at Lake Cachuma in order to prepare Intake Tower-Gate 5 for the Emergency Pumping System Project at Lake Cachuma. The project took place over a 3-day period from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, and involved the removal of sediment from the front of Intake Tower-Gate 5. The project also included assessments necessary to the rehabilitation, repair, and future utilization of this intake tower-gate, which has not been in service since the last major drought ended in 1991.
The Goleta Water District (District) requested heightened water conservation by its agricultural and large volume commercial potable water customers during the Lake Cachuma supply interruption project. Thanks to cooperation from agricultural users and the District’s 10 largest customers, water demand decreased by an average of 35% over the three day work period. The District recognizes and appreciates the contribution of these customers to the success of the project. With their assistance we were able to conserve available water supplies and minimize impacts to the community.
Click here for more information on the COMB Emergency Pumping System Project at Lake Cachuma.
(Published July 14, 2014)
