GOLETA WATER DISTRICT
October 2007 Water Supply Update: Goleta Prepared

Recently our customers have asked about our readiness and the adequacy of our water supplies if we are in an extended drought.

The Goleta Water District was formed by a vote of the people for the purpose of supplying the community a reliable water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes. In the early days, that water came solely from Lake Cachuma. Today, the District water supplies are in robust shape, with supplies in excess of current demand, and include not only Lake Cachuma, but also ground water, recycled water, and State Water.

The Goleta Water District serves the unincorporated areas County of Santa Barbara, as well as the City of Goleta and portions of the City of Santa Barbara. Customers include the many residences and commercial establishments in the valley, the University of California, and many of agricultural properties in Goleta, the foothills, and the Gaviota coast. Mindful of its agricultural roots, the water district has worked hard to develop water policies to ensure that farms can thrive and survive in our community. Today farmers in our area enjoy the lowest rates, and in fact are using more water for crops than ever before.

Being a resource agency, the water district is not charged with the responsibility for community planning. Rather, it coordinates its efforts with the planning agencies, primarily the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta. Procedures are in place to insure orderly use of our precious water resources.

Every 5 years, the Goleta Water District updates its Urban Water Management Plan. This public process results in a plan showing current and future water use needs, and current and future supplies that are available to meet those needs. Preparation of these plans by water purveyors throughout the state is governed by a legislative act. The 2005 Water Plan, which was the subject of a full public hearing, is in full compliance with State guidelines.

The Goleta community has been actively involved in the water district for many decades, participating in the decision making process, often through the ballot box. One of the voter approved ordinances is the SAFE Water Supplies Ordinance, which provided for District access to State water. This ordinance limits water for new developments to 1% of the water supply each year, and sets goals for the maintenance of a groundwater drought buffer. For the last 8 years, requests for new water have been far below the 1% limitation, and ground water is at near-historic levels. While State water deliveries may be cut back for some agencies, Goleta Water District acquired a large drought buffer to meet such circumstances.

Recent major capital improvements to our water system, such as new storage tanks and treatment plant upgrades help to further insure the reliability of the water supply system. Should we find we are in an extended drought cycle, our local water supplies are in excellent condition, with ground water basins full and Lake Cachuma at 70% of capacity. Goleta Water District is well-poised to provide an adequate supply of quality water to our present and future customers.

Chuck Evans
President of the Board of Directors
Goleta Water District