Santa Maria
Conservation
While Cypress Ridge experienced historical precipitation in 2023, the rainfall did not sufficiently recharge local groundwater basins, the area’s primary water source. Until conditions improve, communities dependent on groundwater remain in Stage Two, and mandatory restrictions with surcharges for water use above allocations remain in effect. Surcharges are the most effective tool to protect local groundwater supplies, especially during summer.
Important Drought Notice:
Golden State Water Company’s Cypress Ridge and Nipomo customers are required to reduce water usage by 20% as compared to 2020.
System | Reduction goal | Actual reduction * |
---|---|---|
Cypress Ridge | 20% | -7% |
Nipomo | 20% | -8% |
*Actual reduction (compared to 2020 usage)
In order to achieve the mandatory reductions, the following Staged Mandatory Water Conservation and Rationing plan has been filed for the local water system.
Current Stage: Stage 2, effective September 19, 2021
Stage 1: Outdoor irrigation recommended no more than three days per week, before 8 AM or after 7 PM; even addresses on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, odd addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Stage 2: Outdoor irrigation limited to two days per week, before 8 AM or after 7 PM; even addresses on Sunday and Wednesday, odd addresses on Tuesday and Saturday; $2.50 emergency surcharge per CcF over allocation
Stage 3: Irrigation restrictions from Stage 2; $5 emergency surcharge per CcF over allocation
Stage 4: Irrigation restrictions from Stage 2; $7.50 emergency surcharge per CcF over allocation
Stage 5: Irrigation restrictions from Stage 2; $10 emergency surcharge per CcF over allocation
Stage 6: Irrigation restrictions from Stage 2; $15 emergency surcharge per CcF over allocation
Additional Resources
Rates
As a regulated utility, every three years Golden State Water’s rates are determined by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through a General Rate Case (GRC) to ensure customers receive a fair rate for reliable, quality water service. New rates allow for investments to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance or delaying the replacement of aging infrastructure.
2020 GRC (2023 Rates)
Effective July 31, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the 2020 GRC which includes new rates to ensure the safety and dependability of your local water system. Click here to learn more. Learn more about the rate-making process and localized information on new rates and investments in the Santa Maria 2020 GRC Fact Sheet.
- The average residential customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 10,472 gallons (1,400 cubic feet or 14 Ccf) per month will see their monthly bill increase from $68.66 to $71.67 (excluding any applicable surcharges).
- The average commercial customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 X 3/4” meter using 40,392 gallons (5,400 cubic feet or 54 Ccf) per month will see their monthly bill increase from $212.12 to $224.16 (excluding any applicable surcharges).
2023 GRC (2025 Rates)
As required by the CPUC every three years, in August of 2023, Golden State Water Company filed its 2023 General Rate Case (GRC) with the California Public Utilities Commission. This rate plan proposes local infrastructure investments and water rates for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027. Any adjustments to current rates will not go into effect until January 2025, at the earliest. Click here to learn more.
- The average residential customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 9,724 gallons (1,400 cubic feet or 13 Ccf) per month will see their 2023 monthly bill increase from $67.94 to $89.97 in 2025, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges).
- The average commercial customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 40,392 gallons (5,400 cubic feet or 54 Ccf) per month will see their 2023 monthly bill increase from $224.16 to $303.13 in 2025, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges).
Learn More
- Santa Maria 2020 GRC Fact Sheet
- About Golden State Water Company
- 3 Things to Know About The Rate-Setting Process
- PFAS Fact Sheet
- Rates - Residential
- Rates - Non-Residential
- Rates - Limited Metered Irrigation Service
- Rate Adjustment - Nipomo Supplemental Water Project
- Low Income Assistance
- System Map - Lake Marie
- System Map - Nipomo
- System Map - Orcutt
- System Map - Sisquoc
- System Map - Tanglewood
- Fire Protection - Public
- Fire Protection - Private
- Water-Use Restrictions - Nipomo
- Water-Use Restrictions - CPR
- Schedule 14.1
Capital Projects
The General Rate Case approved June 29, 2023 invests over $14 million in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area. The new rates are being invested in your service area’s new booster pumps, new reservoirs, chlorination systems, and backup power equipment
Current & Upcoming Projects
Recently Completed Projects
Lake Marie Reservoir Liner
Investment:
$260,000
Project Timeline:
November 2019 – Feb. 7, 2020
Construction crews worked to replace the existing liner in the Lake Marie reservoir.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue
providing reliable water service to local customers.
Alta Mesa Well
1710 Via Alta Mesa in Nipomo
Investment:
$820,000
Project Timeline:
Feb. 4, 2019 – Dec. 11, 2019
Working Hours:
TBD
Construction crews will work to install a water filtration system.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue
providing reliable water service to local customers.
Portable Generator & Generator
Connector
Systemwide
Investment:
$266,000
Project Timeline:
Sept. 18, 2018 – Feb. 29, 2020
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Construction crews will work to install and connect emergency generators throughout the system.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue
providing reliable water service to local customers during
site-specific power outages.
SCADA System
Cypress Ridge System
Investment:
$1 million
Project Timeline:
July 1, 2019 – Spring 2020
Construction crews will work to install a SCADA system, which will allow for systemwide automation.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue
providing reliable water service to local customers during
site-specific power outages.
Pinewood Plant
3599 Pinewood Road
Investment:
$2.6 million
Project Timeline:
Sept. 18, 2018 – Oct. 31, 2019
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Construction crews worked to:
- Construct 238,000-gallon welded steel tank
- Construct booster station
This project will increase the water storage capacity for the Tanglewood System.
View the construction notice.
Oak Plant
210 Oak Street in Orcutt
Investment:
$330,000
Project Timeline:
April 12, 2019 – June 19, 2019
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Construction crews worked to upgrade the well.
This project will improve the distribution system and ensure
Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service
to local customers.
Orcutt Hill Plant
Investment:
$.5 million
Project Timeline:
September 18, 2018 – September 16, 2019
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Construction crews worked to recoat the interior of the reservoir.
This project will extend the useful life of the reservoir and
ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water
service to local customers.
Marcum Street
Marcum Street from Clark Avenue to the end
Investment:
$57,500
Project Timeline:
December 10, 2018 – January 9, 2019
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Construction crews worked to:
- Install 165 feet of pipe
- Install three services
- Install a new flushout
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the construction notice.
Orcutt
Derrick Alley from Clark Avenue to Union Avenue.
Investment:
$216,000
Project Timeline:
November 5, 2018 – December 31, 2018
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Construction crews worked to:
- Install 350 LF of pipeline
- Install one fire hydrant
- Install 14 services
This project improved the distribution system and ensured Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the construction notice.
Orcutt Road
Orcutt Road between Shirley Lane to Lakeview Road and on Lakeview
Road to Marvin Street.
Investment:
$1.2 million
Project Timeline:
July 16, 2018 – September 30, 2018
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Construction crews worked to:
- Install 4,300 ft. of pipeline
- Install 5 hydrants
- Install 12 services
This project improved the distribution system and ensured Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the construction notice.
Mira Flores No. 1
280 Pabst Lane, Orcutt, CA
Project Timeline:
August 14, 2017 – January 3, 2018
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Construction crews worked to:
Remove and install a new roof for the Mira Flores No. 1
Reservoir
Click here to view the construction notice.
View the construction notice.