New Water Well Project in Downtown Santa Barbara Park Rapidly Underway

Santa Barbara water officials knew its downtown well in Alameda Park was old and no longer useful. Repairs, however, have been stepped up because of the dire drought conditions facing the area.

At the same time, conservation in January was at 24 percent. Well beyond the state’s recommendations and a sign that local residents are deeply aware of the impacts if they don’t save the water they have.

Rates went up last year, and are due to jump again in July.

Water Resources Manager Joshua Haggmark was impressed with the savings, and the city’s response to the water shortages. He says the conservation gives the city more time to find other water sources and continue to consider restarting a dormant ocean water desalination plant. “That just provides us with extra cushion to make decisions. A little more room in case there’s other issues that pop up,” says Haggmark.

He says this month the city will talk about water supplies and rate increases (that could be implemented in July.)

In Alameda Park downtown a large scale drilling operation has begun. An older well dating back to the 1980’s is being redrilled to bring fresh water into the system.

“We put a 24 foot sound wall around the site. Once we get started, the well drilling happens 24-7 you can’t stop,” says Haggmark. The project will be cleaned up by the middle of April when the city holds its Earth Day celebration in the same park.

Santa Barbara has been aggressively educating the public about water conservation, and rebate programs for converting lawns to drought tolerant or low water use landscaping. Educational material is on line or in the city Public Works building on Garden St.

For full city details about water rates and conservation go to:http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/pw/resources/conservation/