Newsletter fall 2002 page two

Emergency Storage Identified as
Biggest Need

Montecito residents obtain nearly all their water from the other side of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
An emergency such as an earthquake, pipeline break, or an interruption in electric power could seriously affect the flow of vital water.

Further, water demand on hot summer days or during fires can rapidly soar, straining the ability of pumps and pipelines to meet demands.

Having a substantial amount of water storage available for immediate use in local reservoirs is critical to meet both daily and emergency water needs.

The District’s long-range Focused Assessment Plan identifies needed upgrades to the water system over the next decade.

Adequate emergency storage will be a critical need.

Keeping Your Water System In

In the same way Montecito Water District conducts long range water supply planning, the District also continually upgrades the pipes, pumps and controls of its water system.

In recent years, the District has undertaken a systematic rehabilitation of its pipeline and distribution system, first built in the 1920s.

With that effort well underway, the District has developed a forward-looking Focused Assessment Plan that identifies additional long-term system upgrades and repairs needed to ensure reliable water service for the foreseeable future.

Extensive Facility Upgrades in District’s

In addition to the projects described below, a number of pipeline replacement projects are planned for the coming year. These include work on Sycamore Canyon Road, Oriole Road, Miramar Beach, Greenwell Avenue and West Mountain Drive.

Major Improvements Provide Benefits to Customers
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Riven Rock Cooperative Project

In a joint project with the Riven Rock Mutual Water Company, homeowners, and Montecito Fire Protection District, Montecito Water District recently completed the Riven Rock project. The work involved water main replacements and installation of nine new hydrants which provide improved water pressure and hookups for fire fighters. The Riven Rock neighborhood system is now connected to the District's water system for the first time.

Park Lane Project

New transmission pipelines were recently installed in the Park Lane area, providing a substantial increase in water flow to customers in the central portion of the District’s service area.

Jameson Lake Improvements

Jameson Lake holds Montecito’s locally owned source of water on the Santa Ynez River.

Over $100,000 in upgrades are planned to facilities associated with Jameson Lake, including its tunnel, pipeline and access to the remote mountain lake site.

The District has recently made other improvements, including replacement of the Juncal Dam walkway, as well as repairing and improving communication facilities for computer monitoring. Work is continuing to assure that this facility will remain a reliable source of water supply.

Juncal Dam at Jameson Lake