Santa Maria
Conservation
While the region has experienced increasing levels of precipitation since 2023, the rainfall did not sufficiently recharge local groundwater basins, the area’s primary water source. Until conditions improve, the Cypress Ridge and Nipomo water systems remain in Stage Two with mandatory restrictions while Santa Maria, Lake Marie, Sisquoc, and Tanglewood remain in Stage One.
Important Drought Notice:
Cypress Ridge and Nipomo customers are required to reduce water usage by 20% compared to 2020.
| System | Reduction goal | Actual reduction * |
|---|---|---|
| Cypress Ridge | 20% | -7% |
| Nipomo | 20% | -8% |
*Actual reduction (compared to 2020 usage)
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.
In order to achieve the mandatory reductions, the following Staged Mandatory Water Conservation and Rationing Plan has been filed for the local water system.
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.
2023 General Rate Case (2025-27 Rates)
In January 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted a General Rate Case for Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) that includes local infrastructure investments and new water rates for 2025, 2026, and 2027. The new rates went into effect February 1, 2025.
These rates reflect Golden State Water’s long-term commitment to providing customers with high-quality water and reliable service by proactively investing in their community’s water supply and distribution systems. We never want customers to think twice about the quality of the water coming from their taps.
To learn how your rates are invested in your community, visit the Capital Projects tab, and for frequently asked questions about the rate-making process, click here.
- The average residential customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 9,724 gallons (1,300 cubic feet or 13 Ccf) per month will see their 2024 monthly bill increase from $76.73 to $87.21, effective Feb. 1, 2025 (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 2024 monthly bill increase from $257.11 to $257.14, effective Feb. 1, 2025 (excluding any applicable surcharges).
Rates/Infrastructure Investments
- 2025-27 Infrastructure Investments/Water Rates Fact Sheet - Santa Maria
- About Golden State Water Company
Tariff Sheets
- Rates - Residential
- Rates - Non-Residential
- Rates - Limited Metered Irrigation Service
- Rate Adjustment - Nipomo Supplemental Water Project
Financial Assistance
Maps
- English
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- here
- Fire Protection - Public
- Fire Protection - Private
- Water-Use Restrictions - Nipomo
- Water-Use Restrictions - CPR
- Schedule 14.1
- 2022-24 Investments/Rates Fact Sheet
- About Golden State Water Company
- 3 Things to Know About The Rate-Setting Process
- PFAS Fact Sheet
- 2025-27 Proposed Investments/Rates Fact Sheet
- Read more
Capital Projects
2023 General Rate Case (2025-27)
The rates adopted for 2025-2027 will provide customers with long-term value by investing over $22.5 million in needed capital investments and maintenance of local water infrastructure essential to the delivery and treatment of reliable, quality water.
Investments in the Santa Maria Service Area include but are not limited to water distribution infrastructure improvements, structural modifications to plant facilities and water treatment plants, a new reservoir, fire hardening equipment that protects above ground water infrastructure, automatic meter reader technology and new systemwide technology to efficiently maintain reliable operation of the water system, as well as the water mains, a booster station, meters, pumping and water purification equipment. As part of our commitment to reliability and public safety, Golden State Water proactively invests in upgrading and maintaining its fire hydrants.
For frequently asked questions about the rate-making process, click here.
Learn about the infrastructure investments in the water system serving your community’s homes and businesses: 2023 GRC Infrastructure Investments - Santa Maria.
Current & Upcoming Projects
Mercury Drive, Area Pipeline
Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Mercury Drive and Tyrus Court extending approximately 280 feet west from Division Street along each road.
Project Timeline:
March 2025 – April 2025
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Install approximately 560 feet of water main.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Recently Completed Projects
Avocet Well 8, Demo Well
Location: The Well is located at the corner of Avocet Way and Tern St, San Luis Obispo, California.
Project Timeline:
November 2024 – December 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Undertake the well destruction at the Avocet Well 8 site.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Orcutt Hill Road, Kelt Transmission Pipeline
Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Orcutt Hill Road into private property. Santa Maria, CA 93455
Project Timeline:
August 2024 – January 2025
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Remove and replace the existing transmission main pipeline.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
El Campo Plant, North Tank Replacement
Location: Construction will occur at the El Campo Plant site at 661 W. El Campo Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA.
Project Timeline:
July 2024 – November 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Remove and replace the existing water tank along El Campo Road.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Water Main Improvements
Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Orchard Road and the intersection at Soares Drive to approximately 600 feet east of Story Street.
Project Timeline:
July 2024 – September 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Install approximately 1,200 feet of water main (Orchard Road Pipeline).
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Foxen Canyon Road Water Main Improvements
Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Foxen Canyon Road from the intersection at Palmer Road to just north of Union Avenue.
Project Timeline:
June 2024 – August 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Install approximately 335 feet of water main at the Foxen Canyon Road Pipeline.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Rehabilitation of Water Storage Tanks
Location: 1410 La Serena Way, Nipomo, CA 93444
Project Timeline:
May 2024 – November 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Rehab and recoat the existing water storage tanks at the La Serena Reservoir.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
Water Main Improvements
Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Orcutt Frontage Road from Waller Lane to just south of Moon Dance Drive.
Project Timeline:
May 2024 – August 2024
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Construction crews will work to:
- Install approximately 2,700 feet of water main.
This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.
View the Construction Notice.
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.