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Water manager reports lower flows, wildfire preparedness steps, staffing updates
Summary
Staff briefed the Water Commission on declining wastewater treatment influent and production numbers, wildfire preparedness measures for water operations, ongoing PFAS monitoring, staffing efforts and a recommendation to cancel the February commission meeting.
Water Resources staff reported operational updates to the Santa Barbara Water Commission, including declining inflows to El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant, wildfire‑related preparedness measures for city water operations, ongoing PFAS monitoring, and staffing developments.
Dakota Corey, water supply and services manager (filling in), said recent monthly reports show both production and inflows into the El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant declining significantly. Corey noted that a dry winter is likely a factor and that staff are also investigating possible under-registering on one production meter.
Corey provided wildfire-related talking points staff are coordinating citywide with the city administrator and fire and police departments. “Kachuma's at 90%, and we have plenty of water to meet our needs even if we have very dry conditions like we are experiencing this winter for the next 3 years,” Corey said, and described operational steps taken during red-flag warnings: increased potable-reservoir storage, tested and topped generator fuel tanks, generator backups at pump stations, and modified construction in high-fire areas to enable rapid street reopening if needed.
Commissioners asked about water-quality monitoring after fires, including chemicals associated with burned materials and flame retardants. Staff noted PFAS/PFOS monitoring and a city task force including legal staff to track regional contamination sources (for example, airport-related groundwater in neighboring Goleta) and litigation developments; staff said no indication of PFOS had been found in the city’s potable supplies to date.
Staff also provided program updates: SLIP contractor procurement delays in October–November are resolved and contractor services have resumed; recruitment for the wastewater treatment superintendent position closed and interviews will take place with a selection anticipated by month’s end. Staff introduced Celestino Pacias as the new Water Services Superintendent.
Finally, staff recommended cancelling the February Water Commission meeting because there was not enough agenda material; commissioners agreed and staff said the meeting would be cancelled.
