In January 2024, Goleta Water District completed drilling a new replacement groundwater well – “Hope Well” – at the District Headquarters located at 4699 Hollister Avenue. The new well is the first in over 40 years and represents an important step in replacing and rehabilitating an aging well field that includes eight groundwater production wells originally drilled 40-60 years ago. Hope Well will replace an existing well on the same property that is more than 50 years old and is experiencing declining production.
Groundwater is a critical source of local drinking water supply, particularly during periods of drought or other emergencies that affect the availability of surface water supplies. Maintaining reliable access to this supply source while enhancing the ability to inject water back into the ground will ensure ongoing sustainability of the Goleta Groundwater Basin for current and future generations. The District has been awarded a $2 million federal grant award from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program, which focuses on improving the reliability of local groundwater supplies.
Hope Well is currently projected to begin producing water for the community in 2026 following the installation of additional infrastructure necessary to treat and distribute the water. Once fully operational, the Hope Well is expected to increase ground water production by an estimated 25% when compared to the existing San Marcos Well that it will eventually replace.
