Boil Water Notice could be lifted within 48 hours in Montecito

The boil water notice, which was issued on Jan. 9 in Montecito, may be lifted sooner than expected.

The Montecito Water District held a board meeting on Tuesday. Engineering Manager Adam Kanold and General Manager Nick Turner gave a presentation to the public and the board of directors.

Kanold and Turner highlighted all of the emergency repairs needed and completed after the Jan. 9 mudslide severely damaged water infrastructure.

The damage included 15 pipeline breaks at bridge crossings and 25 sheared fire hydrants.

Crews had to make repairs while navigating difficult terrain. They re-pressurized and flushed the system, and performed super chlorination.

If the water passes remaining testing, the boil water notice could be canceled by Thursday or Friday.

Montecito resident Ken Coates said he was astounded by how efficiently and quickly the district responded to the water crisis.

“I think we are going to have potable water within a couple of days. I think that is phenomenal progress. Just look around at the destruction. They’ve done a remarkable job,” Coates said.

The board of directors also decided to wait to send out water bills until the end of February. Staff was also ordered to work with each water customer regarding their statements.