The Carpinteria Valley Water District held a meeting on April 24, 2024, to discuss key developments regarding water supply and infrastructure projects. The meeting focused on the benefits of the district's water supply, particularly in relation to the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) and its financial implications during drought periods.

The discussion began with an overview of the advantages of the district's water supply, highlighting its lower embedded energy compared to the State Water Project. This reduction not only lessens ocean discharges but also alleviates financial stress on the district during droughts, where fixed costs remain high despite reduced water sales.

Subsequently, the meeting addressed data collected since the last gathering regarding the capital costs of various potable reuse projects. The AWPF, designed to treat 1.3 million gallons per day (MGD), was compared to other facilities in the region. Notably, the Water Replenishment District in Los Angeles County constructed a 15 MGD facility for approximately $20 million, translating to under $10 million per MGD. In contrast, more recent projects, including those in Las Virgenes and Ventura, reported costs around $30 million per MGD.

The discussion also touched on the facility's capacity, with the current flow being closer to 1 MGD. The decision to size the AWPF for 1.3 MGD was made to accommodate anticipated growth in water demand, primarily due to housing increases in the area. The potential for increased flows from adjacent regions was also mentioned, although this would require further processes through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

The meeting concluded with a reflection on the historical context of water flows during previous droughts, emphasizing the need for adequate water supply to support agricultural needs, particularly in dry years. The district's proactive approach to planning for future water demands was underscored as a critical step in ensuring sustainable water management in the Carpinteria Valley.