Water Wise in the Goleta Valley
California has officially entered another drought and many communities across the state face serious challenges ahead to manage their water supplies. While we can always hope for rain next winter and spring, no one can predict when the drought will end. Right now – though – here in the Goleta Valley thanks to the incredible conservation of our customers, and decades of investment in a diverse water supply portfolio, the community is well positioned to weather continued dry conditions.
If it Rains and if it Doesn’t
With the Statewide drought declaration, there is renewed interest in the impact the 2021-22 winter storms had on District water supply. Despite a third consecutive dry winter, locally water supply conditions are such that even without additional rain the District has enough supply to avoid the need for mandatory demand reduction requirements in 2022.
The District’s Net Zero Initiative
How the Goleta Water District balances increasing energy use with enhanced water reliability continues to present challenges amid rising energy costs. This water-energy nexus is a key driver of the District’s new Net Zero Initiative. The District is exploring the feasibility of a system-wide renewable energy project to install solar energy systems throughout its facilities.
Delivering a Diverse Water Supply.
The District has a diverse water supply portfolio that allows for operational flexibility in the event of a drought, conditions at Lake Cachuma, or during an emergency. The ability to draw on multiple supply sources to meet customer demand, known as blending, is a critical tool for maintaining reliable water service to the Goleta Valley.
The District’s Sustainability Plan
The Goleta Water District and its customers have built an enduring legacy of conservation and sustainability. From water-thrifty use to careful supply planning and management, the District has long sought to balance competing needs with the resources and investments required to maintain infrastructure and navigate water supply challenges. One critical piece of that effort is the District’s Sustainability Plan.
Fall and Winter Water Wise Planting
For customers interested in switching out high water use plants for water wise landscaping, fall and winter are the best times of the year to plant. Cooler temperatures, and the onset of the rainy season (which typically runs from November through April) promote plant health and aid in successfully establishing new landscaping.
Water Supply Planning
The Goleta Valley enjoys a semi-arid climate with frequent droughts followed by moderate to heavy rainfall. Carefully managing supply and demand, and using a variety of water sources is critical to meeting customer needs in this environment. With four distinct sources, how does the District determine how much of each is needed to serve customers?
The District’s Distribution System
The District’s distribution system consists of 270 miles of pipeline, 8 water storage reservoirs, 6 booster stations, 9 Groundwater Production Wells, 6,500 valves, and 17,200 Service Connections.
Treating and Delivering Groundwater
The Goleta Groundwater Basin provides a critical resource for the Goleta Valley–especially during periods of drought. Over the years the District has invested millions of dollars to protect and sustain the basin.
Goleta Water District Board Declares End of Water Shortage
On August 13, 2019, in response to receiving a full allocation of annual surface water supplies from Lake Cachuma, the Goleta Water District Board of Directors terminated its Stage I Water Shortage Emergency, effective immediately.
