The District received a Goleta Valley Beautiful (GVB) Award in the category of Neighborhood Enhancement for the San Ricardo Well Site. The 40th Annual Awards and Benefit event was held on Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at the Rancho La Patera Stow House. Goleta Valley Beautiful is a nonprofit environmental, educational and community service organization with an emphasis on urban forestry for public areas. It has served the Goleta Valley and Santa Barbara County since 1974.
The San Ricardo Well Site Enhancement Project included installing architectural improvements, water efficient landscaping, and a solar energy system. The project is included in the District Sustainability Plan in the category of Neighborhood Compatibility of District Facilities. This project will serve as a model for site sustainable enhancements at District facilities that will feature drought tolerant landscaping, energy efficiency, and improved neighborhood aesthetics.
With the support of a State-funded grant, the San Ricardo Well has been rehabilitated, is back in service for the first time since 1992, and produces as much water as when originally constructed in 1972. The rehabilitation activities included installation of a submersible pump in the well; installation of a booster pump for the distribution system; replacement of above and below ground piping, valves, meters, and injection tubing to facilitate groundwater injection; installation of new controls and instrumentation to increase system automation; and upgrading a new water treatment system.
The upgrades increase the reliability of this vital water supply facility while enhancing the ability to inject spilling lake water into the groundwater basin. The facility allows the District to produce up to 1,290 acre feet of groundwater per year. The project is a vital component of the District groundwater infrastructure and will provide critical supplies during drought.
(Published June 23, 2014)
