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Cambria managers outline water projects, warn of multi‑million‑dollar waterline costs
Summary
Staff told the board the district has limited revenues and recommended sequencing projects. Updates included imminent Stewart Street tank commissioning, a costly San Simeon waterline (estimated $5–6M), and ongoing WRF permitting while brine disposal options remain under study.
Staff presented a detailed review of Cambria’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs and financing constraints during the strategic‑plan workshop.
General Manager Matthew McElhinney described Cambria as “fully groundwater dependent” with interdependent infrastructure and limited evacuation routes, and he urged prioritizing investments that protect core services.
Stewart Street tanks: staff reported the first Stewart Street tank is nearly finished and expected to be filled, disinfected and commissioned within about two weeks; both tanks are targeted to be online by August, improving fire‑flow capacity.
San Simeon waterline: McElhinney said a permanent replacement of the San Simeon waterline has become more complicated and expensive because of required alignments through State Parks and Caltrans, which drove estimates up to roughly $5–6 million. Staff has submitted community‑project funding grant requests and flagged potential Prop 218 or bond options if grant funding falls short; construction timing was adjusted conservatively toward 2028 pending funding and permitting.
WRF and brine disposal: the board celebrated a recent planning‑commission approval of the WRF coastal development permit but acknowledged additional reviews and potential appeals remain. Directors and staff discussed alternatives to zero‑liquid‑discharge (ZLD) brine treatment — including partial concentration with trucking, use of a San Simeon outfall, or seeking Army Corps funding — and asked staff to cost multiple disposal options and present a recommendation.
McElhinney said the district cannot freely cross‑subsidize enterprise funds: “Our water and wastewater revenues are restricted by law, so discipline is not optional.” He told the board that before approving discretionary projects staff must present defined scope, life‑cycle cost estimates and funding plans.
Next steps: staff will return with engineering estimates, an updated funding plan and recommendations for sequencing projects; the board asked for conservative schedules to avoid repeated missed targets.
