Preparing for Construction: What You Need to Know About the Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project – CVN Article, May 15, 2025

Written by: Robert McDonald, General Manager of Carpinteria Valley Water District

The Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project (CAPP) is a critical step toward securing a resilient and sustainable water future for our community. As we enter the next phase of this essential project, we want to ensure that residents and businesses stay informed about the upcoming construction and its potential impacts.

Construction Impacts on the Community

In the coming months, residents may notice increased activity as we begin work on the infrastructure needed to deliver purified recycled water to our local groundwater basin. The construction process will involve significant work along several key sites in Carpinteria. While every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, some short-term inconveniences are anticipated, including:

• Traffic Disruptions: Construction zones will be established along main routes to accommodate new pipelines and treatment facilities. Expect lane closures and detours during working hours.
• Noise and Dust: The nature of construction means that there will be elevated noise levels and dust in areas where excavation and heavy equipment are in use. We will strive to keep these disturbances to a minimum, but we ask for your patience as work progresses.
• Construction Equipment: Large equipment will be used for certain elements for the project. This may affect local traffic flow, and there may be times when equipment is stationed along public roads.

While these activities are a necessary part of the project, we are committed to keeping you informed and will continue to provide updates as we move forward.

Join Us at the Coastal Development Permit Meeting in July

A critical milestone in the project is the upcoming Coastal Development Permit (CDP) meeting scheduled for July. During this meeting, we will be discussing the design elements that are under the contractor’s responsibility and addressing any questions or concerns from the public. This is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about the project’s design, its impact on water reliability, and the measures in place to mitigate any disruptions during construction.

We encourage residents to attend and voice their thoughts. Public participation plays an essential role in the success of CAPP, and your input will help guide the final phases of planning and construction. This meeting will also include updates on funding, environmental considerations, and timelines, providing transparency at every step of the process.

Why This Project Matters

The need for CAPP is more urgent than ever. With prolonged droughts and increasing climate unpredictability, our reliance on imported water is no longer a sustainable option. CAPP will help reduce our dependence on vulnerable water sources by creating a locally controlled, drought-resilient water supply for Carpinteria’s future. This project will not only help secure the region’s water supply, but also ensure we are prepared for future challenges.

For more information about the project and upcoming construction including maps, schedule and duration, please visit cvwd.net/capp. Stay connected with us for real-time updates and continue to share your thoughts and feedback with us.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work toward a more sustainable and resilient water future for Carpinteria.