Strategic Goal #7

Water Quality Improvement Project

Issue

Raw water from the Lompoc Uplands aquifer is very hard.  The District previously requested proposals for improving the quality and decided that a pellet-softening process holds the most promise.  The next step is to do a pilot study to determine its effectiveness and to develop the design criteria for a full-scale water treatment plant.  If the pilot study is successful, the District would pursue construction of a full-scale treatment process.

Goal

Improve water quality by reducing hardness and total dissolved solids (TDS).

Strategy

1.      Educate ratepayers about the benefits of improved water quality.

2.      Pursue grant funds for this project.  The District submitted a Prop 50 Grant pre-application for $55,000 (half of a $110,000 total project cost for a pilot study) in December 2004.

3.      Perform a pilot study first to determine the feasibility of the project.

4.      Water/Wastewater Committee to review this project.

Cost   (Capital Budget)

Estimated cost for the pilot study is $110,000.  The cost to build a permanent treatment facility is unknown at this time, but believed to be about $1 million.

Expenses associated with WQIP will be funded by water rates and water reserve funds.

Maximum impact to monthly water rates is unknown.  Upgrade project would not directly impact rates; however, there may be increased treatment expenses. 

No impact to monthly sewer rates.

Development impact is 20%.