Goleta Water District is drilling a new replacement groundwater well at the operations yard of the District Headquarters located at 4699 Hollister Avenue. Groundwater is a critical source of local drinking water supply for the community, particularly during periods of drought or other emergencies that affect the availability of surface water supplies. The new well will replace an existing well on the same property, supporting the District’s continued ability to pump groundwater to serve the community and inject excess surface water during wet periods to help recharge the groundwater basin.
Project Update: Click here for the latest Project Update PDF.
To address noise and light concerns, prior to any drilling, the District installed 24-foot high temporary sound walls at the project site. During the drilling, regular noise measurements will ensure noise levels do not exceed 65 decibels. Noise levels are expected to be between 45-60 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to an air conditioner running. To minimize potential lighting impacts to nearby homes during the nighttime drilling phases of the project, work lights will be directed in a downward position. Visual and noise impacts associated with long-term operations of the well are anticipated to be minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the District doing?
Goleta Water District is drilling a new replacement groundwater well. Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water supply for the community, particularly during periods of drought or other emergencies that affect the availability of surface water supplies. While the recent replenishment of Lake Cachuma has minimized the District’s need to rely on groundwater to serve customers in the near-term, maintaining long-term groundwater production capacity in an aging well field remains a top priority.
Where is the project?
The project site will be located entirely inside the Goleta Water District’s property located at 4699 Hollister Avenue.
Why is this project necessary?
The new well will replace an existing well on the same property that is more than 50 years old and is experiencing declining production. The new well will support the District’s continued ability to pump groundwater to serve the community and inject excess surface water during wet periods to help recharge the groundwater basin. Groundwater is a local, sustainable, cost-efficient source of water supply for the District.
How will the District construct the well?
The new well will be drilled over 1,000 feet deep using mud rotary drilling. This method of drilling allows for larger diameter holes to be dug more quickly and easily than other methods of drilling, helping minimize costs and construction time. Once the drilling is completed, the contractor will test and equip the well.
When will construction take place?
Construction is underway and will last approximately four months. Drilling activities officially started on October 14. The District has installed 24-foot high temporary sound walls at the project site and sound dampening curtains have been installed on the drilling boom to minimize construction noise. To minimize potential lighting impacts to nearby homes during the nighttime drilling phases of the project, work lights are being directed in a downward position. Visual and noise impacts associated with long-term operations of the well are anticipated to be minimal.
Who to contact for more information?
Please contact Benjamin Schmidt, Capital Project Lead, at 805-680-5840 or bschmidt@www.goletawater.com with questions about the project or updates on the progress of construction.
Click here to download the New Groundwater Well Drilling Fact Sheet PDF.
