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After heavy storms, Santa Barbara water staff to idle desalination and shift supplies; contractor sewer spill closed the beach
Summary
Following unprecedented rain and rising reservoirs, staff said the city will idle its desalination and recycled-water plants on Jan. 31 and rely more on reservoir and groundwater supplies; staff also reported a contractor-caused sewer spill at a bridge project that prompted a beach closure while volumes are quantified.
Director and staff told the Water Commission that the recent storms substantially changed operational priorities and water supply management for the winter and that crews responded to storm impacts, a sewer spill and coastal-restoration damage.
Supply shift and plant idling: Director reported that Gibraltar began spilling on Dec. 24 and Kachuma began spilling near New Year's Eve; with reservoirs full, staff said they will rely more on those supply sources and will idle the desalination and recycled-water treatment plants on Jan. 31 to allow maintenance work. "We'll be shutting down operations on December or January 31 along with operations of the recycled water treatment…
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