Santa Maria

Overview May 29, 2020

Golden State Water has proudly served the Santa Maria Customer Service Area since 1976, providing high-quality, reliable water to approximately 13,400 customers in Santa Maria, Lake Marie, Nipomo, Orcutt, Sisquoc, Tanglewood, Cypress Ridge and surrounding areas.

Six water systems serve the Santa Maria Customer Service Area. Water delivered to customers in the Lake Marie, Nipomo, Cypress Ridge, Orcutt and Sisquoc systems comes from local groundwater, which is pumped from the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin through wells operated by Golden State Water. The Tanglewood System is primarily supplied from local groundwater pumped through wells operated by Golden State Water, and has a connection to receive supplemental surface water from the Central Coast Water Authority.

Post June 30, 2020

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

Water Conservation School

Post May 30, 2020

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

Tariff Sheets

Financial Assistance

Low Income Assistance

Maps

Post June 1, 2020

Santa Maria Rebates

Santa Maria CSA

Post May 30, 2020

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:
January 2025 – March 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.