In a recent meeting of the Carpinteria Valley Water District, officials gathered to discuss crucial maintenance efforts for the district's water supply. The focus was on the rehabilitation of the El Caro Well, a vital resource that had not undergone maintenance since its construction in 2012.

The discussion highlighted lessons learned from past droughts, particularly the importance of ensuring wells are in optimal condition when water is most needed. To maintain efficiency, the district has adopted a practice of rehabilitating one of its three wells every five years. The Smiley Well was successfully rehabilitated a few years ago, and now it is El Caro Well's turn.

With a budget of $260,000 allocated from the 2020 capital improvement funds, the district sought bids from four companies for the rehabilitation project. However, only one response was received from General Pump, with a bid of $360,000—significantly exceeding the budget. In response, district staff negotiated to reduce the scope of work, opting to remove chemical treatments from the plan. This decision was based on findings that stainless steel components used in the well construction help inhibit bacterial growth, making chemical treatments less necessary.

Ultimately, the revised project cost was brought down to $236,000, allowing the district to stay within budget while still addressing essential maintenance needs. Staff recommended awarding the project to General Pump, enabling the district to proceed with the rehabilitation and ensure the well remains a reliable source of water for the community.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed optimism about the future of the district's water resources, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance in safeguarding the community's water supply.