Santa Barbara, California, will use $43 million to replace the city’s second largest drinking water storage tank with one or more reservoirs. The 10-million-gallon Vic Trace Drinking Water Reservoir was built in 1952 and is now reaching the end of its useful life. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026.
The current reservoir provides safe water to approximately 70% of the city’s population. The city identified the facility as a major project in its 2021 Water Distribution Infrastructure plan due to its importance to the city’s water portfolio, age and increasing repair needs. A contract was awarded for design services during the May 14, 2024, City Council meeting.
The project will replace the existing reservoir with a buried structure with a matching 10 million-gallon capacity. The city will evaluate associated infrastructure – including pipelines, valves and pump stations – and determine if they need to be repaired or replaced.
The city will increase water safety and operational efficiency while mitigating ongoing repair costs. The reservoirs will meet current seismic standards and feature upgraded technology and systems, requiring fewer overall resources to manage and operate.
The facility will be more resilient to natural disasters and climate change. Plans include increasing security measures to reach federal regulatory compliance. The city has already removed leased on-site communication and radio facilities in anticipation of construction.
The city of Santa Barbara is located 94.7 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Photo courtesy of the city of Santa Barbara
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