Kelley Dyer, General Manager

As General Manager of the Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD), I want to speak transparently with our community about important decisions ahead that affect how we secure water today, and, for generations to come.

In the coming weeks, you will receive Proposition 218 Notice in the mail with full details about proposed water rate adjustments. I know that any discussion of rate changes raises understandable questions and concerns. My goal in writing this letter is to explain why these adjustments are being proposed, what they will fund, and how we are working to be responsible stewards of your water and your dollars.

 As we finalize the details of the notice, our intentions for this adjustment include:

·         Strengthening our local water-supply reliability

·         Preparing for emergencies and protecting public health

·         Meeting regulatory requirements

·         Repairing and replacing critical infrastructure before failures occur

Below, I will explain what each of these priorities means for you and your community.

Strengthening Our Local Water Supply Reliability

Recent drought conditions, climate change, aging infrastructure, rising treatment costs, and inflation have left Carpinteria’s water system facing increased pressures. These challenges are faced by communities throughout California and the United States.

To prepare for extended dry periods and reduce reliance on imported water, CVWD and Carpinteria Sanitary District (CSD) are investing in strategic, long-term projects. Those are:

·         Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project (CAPP)

·         Smillie Well Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project

·         Casitas Intertie Project

Together, these projects provide robust, locally controlled additions to Carpinteria’s water supply portfolio. Simply put, these projects provide CVWD with less reliance on outside sources and give our community security when water is scarce.

Preparing for Emergencies and Protecting Public Health

CVWD is also planning for emergencies like natural disasters and supply chain disruptions. One example is that we are making improvements to provide on-site chlorine generation to prevent delays in delivery and lower the risk associated with transport and storage of disinfectants. These types of upgrades help our water continue to flow safely and reliably to homes, schools, and businesses under all conditions.

Repairing and Replacing Critical Infrastructure Before Failures Occur

Much of Carpinteria’s water system is decades old. CVWD is taking steps now to limit future disruptions and upgrade key parts before they become bigger, more expensive problems. This includes:

·         Rehabilitating Headquarters Well, the District’s most productive and cost‑effective local groundwater source.

·         Inspecting older pipelines to prevent emergency breaks.

·         Upgrading remote pressure monitoring systems to catch problems early and reduce long‑term costs.

Addressing these needs now helps avoid costly repairs later, protects the community, and keeps water flowing safely.

Meeting Water Quality Requirements

Water imported from Lake Cachuma and the State Water Project must be treated before it reaches customers. The Cater Water Treatment Plant, located in the City of Santa Barbara (City), provides drinking water to the City, Montecito Water District, and Carpinteria Valley Water District.   These three agencies are jointly funding a project called the “Cater Reservoir Resiliency Project.” This project will provide seismic protection and improve the disinfection process before drinking water enters the distribution system.

Keeping Rates Increases to a Minimum

CVWD and CSD are working to keep rate increases as low as possible while maximizing community preparedness. So far, CVWD has secured state and federal grant funding to cover 38% of design and construction costs. The remainder of CAPP construction will be paid for through a low-interest loan.  Throughout the construction process, CVWD is committed to seeking out additional funding opportunities to minimize customer rate impacts.

Proposition 218 Notice

In the coming weeks, you will be receiving a Proposition 218 notice regarding proposed changes to water rates. Your actual bill may be higher or lower than what you see in the notice depending on how much water you use and the size of your meter.  To assist you, CVWD.net has a water rate calculator to help you understand the specific changes to your water bill.

State law under Proposition 218 requires that water rates be based on the actual cost of providing service, and the rates listed in the notice are based on a comprehensive rate study completed by an independent consultant. The proposed rates shown in the notice represent maximum amounts, as the Board may adopt lower rates depending on public input and final deliberations.

Join us at the Public Hearing

The Carpinteria Valley Water District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed water rate changes for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 on June 10, 2026. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share their concerns.

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013

CVWD is Here for You

CVWD understands the importance of affordability. CVWD will continue to offer bill-assistance programs and payment plans for qualifying customers, and we encourage anyone who needs help to contact our office. We also provide bilingual services and alternative formats to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Our goal is to provide Carpinteria with safe, reliable, and locally controlled water while remaining transparent, fiscally responsible, and accountable to the community we serve.

I invite you to learn more, ask questions, and participate in this important conversation. Together, we can plan wisely for Carpinteria’s water future.

Sincerely,

Kelley Dyer

General Manager

Carpinteria Valley Water District

(805) 684-2816

cvwd.net