Melissa Hedrick, the City of Santa Barbara’s adaptation and resilience manager, told the Water Commission that the draft wastewater and water systems climate adaptation plan released Dec. 9 analyzes coastal and rainfall hazards across the city and focuses on vulnerabilities in the wastewater collection and treatment systems.

“The plan does analyze all climate impacts,” Hedrick said, adding the plan evaluates sea level rise, rising groundwater, changes in rainfall patterns, drought and wildfire. Staff presented state sea‑level projections used for planning — about 0.8 feet by 2050, 2.5 feet by 2075 and roughly 4.9–5 feet by 2100 under higher trajectories — and said the plan uses an intermediate‑high scenario for conservative near‑term planning.

The consultants and staff said the highest risks are to the wastewater collection and treatment systems because intense rainfall and rising groundwater increase inflow and infiltration (I&I), creating high peak flows and raising the risk of sanitary sewer overflows. Staff also warned that saltwater entering the sewer system can kill the freshwater bacteria relied on for treatment and force plant shutdowns. “When saltwater enters the system, it causes us to have to close down El Estero water resources in our treatment process,” Hedrick said.

To reduce risk, the plan recommends a phased, trigger‑based approach: expand monitoring, finish an I&I study, deploy additional smart sensors, increase targeted pipe and manhole sealing and consider two larger structural options for low‑lying coastal areas — pressurization (conversion to low‑pressure sewer systems using on‑site grinder pumps) and storage/floodwalls at the El Estero Water Resource Center to maintain access and operations during floods.

Consultants described low‑pressure systems as sealed property‑side tanks and grinder pumps that reduce I&I at the street level. Staff proposed phasing conversions (new and complete lateral replacements required to use pressurized infrastructure first), code changes and incentive programs for property owners, noting that low‑income neighborhoods are among the earliest areas likely to need these changes.

On long‑term options for El Estero, staff presented a conceptual relocation analysis and noted a new inland site would require roughly 15 acres; they emphasized regional coordination before any relocation decision and said midterm measures such as floodwalls or access improvements may be needed to preserve operations.

Staff presented a broad, preliminary cost range for infrastructure work over the next 20 years of about $50 million to $130 million and noted implementation will depend on grant funding, rate decisions and staffing. Hagmark told commissioners that a 1% wastewater rate increase produces roughly $300,000 in annual revenue, and staff will return with more detailed funding and phasing options.

The plan is open for public comment through Feb. 9; staff said it will go to auxiliary advisory bodies and return to the commission for recommendation before council consideration in the spring. Commissioners asked for clearer graphics showing private‑versus‑city responsibilities for pressurization, for equity‑focused incentive planning, and for accelerated stormwater modeling to better understand combined rain and tide scenarios.

The commission treated the item as informational; no formal motion was required at the meeting. Staff said they will update the plan periodically, pursue funded studies (stormwater model and detailed low‑pressure system roadmaps), and return with implementation steps and cost refinements.