Project Update: Seismic Upgrades On Track for First Reservoir
Construction is underway on the first of eight of the District’s existing water storage reservoirs which are slated for seismic retrofit and/or replacement to reduce vulnerability to potential future disasters such as earthquakes. Updates began December 2025 on Terminal Reservoir, originally completed in 1952. Terminal’s needed improvements include extensive reinforcement and replacement of concrete footings and walls, and a new concrete roof. “We’ve effectively doubled the strength of the reservoir” stated Blake Coffey, a representative from the District’s construction management firm Water Systems Consulting (WSC), who provided an update to the Board at their April 28th meeting reporting that this project is currently on schedule with no anticipated time delays or cost impacts.
“This shows the scale of project the Water District is able to do on time and on budget,” said Board President Brian Goebel. “The engineering here is quite impressive.”
Construction timeliness is important to derive the most benefit from the favorable funding terms. “ASADRA” (Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act) funding was an exclusive, one-time funding opportunity available only to public agencies impacted by the 2017 Thomas Fire. This funding, provided by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the California State Water Board, is uniquely appropriate for the District’s ASADRA Reservoir Seismic Retrofit and Replacement Project.
While Terminal Reservoir is on track for completion in July 2027, the total project is scheduled to take approximately six years, with each reservoir requiring 12-18 months to complete. Design plans are complete for all reservoirs, yet construction will be underway on only one or two reservoirs at any given time to ensure adequate water storage at all times. District reservoirs are distributed throughout the service area and are constantly monitored to provide operational flexibility and storage redundancy.
Montecito Water District’s mission is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District places particular emphasis on providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies. For additional information visit www.montecitowater.com, like Montecito Water District on Facebook, and follow on twitter @MontecitoWater.
