Cooperation

Montecito Water District is a public agency serving the communities of Montecito and Summerland. Wherever possible, the District also seeks to collaborate with other agencies to save money and improve customer service. By working with neighboring agencies across the region, we obtain economies of scale, additional resources, and improved capabilities in meeting customer needs.

The State Water Project pipeline was built and is being paid for by a coalition of over 30 Santa Barbara area water agencies comprising the Central Coast Water Authority.

Water Supply: Collaboration is Key
Montecito maintains its own local water supplies in Jameson Lake and in its groundwater basin. Lake Cachuma and State Water Project supplies are jointly developed and managed cooperataively with neighboring agencies.

Improving The River Environment
Montecito and its partners in the Cachuma Project have jointly sponsored fish enhancement programs on the Santa Ynez Rive, including: habitat improvement, barrier removal, tributary watering, and more.

MWD also monitors water quality in Ortega Reservoir and is co-funding the construction of a cover for Ortega Reservoir with Carpinteria Valley Water District to meet the changing state water quality regulations.

Community Projects
Montecito Water District is in the second year of a joint program to upgrade 250 fire hydrants, thanks to funding from the Montecito Fire Protection District.

MWD is a founding member of the Montecito Emergency Response and Recovery Action Group (MERRAG), along with Montecito Fire Protection District and the Montecito Sanitary District. MERRAG is a non-profit emergency team with over 20 business and public agency members.