Water Commission - October 15, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Water Commission’s regular meeting on October 15, 2026, included a presentation on the draft water and wastewater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2028–2032. Staff described approximately $105 million in wastewater capital needs, about $54 million of which is currently cash-funded, and more than $273 million in water capital needs, about $152 million cash-funded. Major projects discussed included a roughly $50 million El Estero electrical distribution renewal funded by a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan; a wastewater capacity improvement now estimated at $20 million; and a proposed three-phase SRF loan application totaling about $130 million for the Big Trace replacement program. Staff also identified grant funding as a target for projects including Gibraltar Dam and Reservoir work. To support future rates, the City has an RFP out for a rate consultant; staff estimated that funding the cash-funded wastewater CIP could require an additional 1.25% in revenue, rising to about 5% if unfunded projects are included, while the water CIP estimate was about 2% for CIP and debt service. The Commission unanimously recommended forwarding the water resources capital programs to the Planning Commission and City Council. No contract awards or vendor selections were made.