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Water Division
Overview
The City of Solvang Water Division of the Utility Department operates and maintains the City’s water supply and distribution facilities and provides potable water to the residents and businesses of Solvang. Water Div. has 41miles of pipe, 61 Air Release valve, 377 Fire Hydrants, 596 Valves, and 2163 Services. The Water Div. currently has 6 Wells, 3 Tanks totaling 1.25MGD. The Water Div. has a staff of 5 State-certified water operators. These 5 operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire water system.
Why is my water pressure low?
Low water pressure can be caused by various problems. There are a number of things you can do before calling the City to check your water pressure.
- Check the pressure by the house where the water comes in (hose bib)
- Check the soft water tank valve
- Check if neighbors have same issue
If you still have low water pressure after doing these checks, please contact the Water Division at 805-688-5575 ext. 229. You may also consider contacting a plumber.
Lead and Copper Rule and Revisions
The City of Solvang continually strives to meet or exceed all state and federal mandates and water quality standards implemented by the various regulatory agencies. One of these requirements is compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule and Revisions. More information may be found at this link Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) for Drinking Water | California State Water Resources Control Board. This post serves as notice that the City recently completed the required Lead Service Line inventory. Please review the Non-Lead Service Line Statement for more information.
Water Supply
The City of Solvang has 4 water supply sources. These include State Water (C.C.W.A.), Upland Wells, River Wells, and the Santa Ynez Water Conservation District (ID#1). The Department of Resources (DWR) operates the State Water Project. The city holds entitlement to 1,500 acre-feet per year (AFY) of State Water. However, based on the rainfall, Sierra snowpack, and State reservoir levels each year the percentage allocation of State Water varies. That’s what percentage of the 1,500 AFY we actually get. In recent years the allocation of State Water has varied from 5% (during drought) to as much as 85%.
In the current drought condition, it is imperative that everyone does their part to conserve water. For more information on conserving water, watch this video:
https://swc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Save-Our-Water-Whiteboard-Video_English.mp4
Water Quality
The Water Division's State-certified water operators perform daily, monthly and annual testing of Solvang's drinking water to verify we are providing a safe supply of municipal water.
Click below to view Solvang's most recent annual water quality report known as our Consumer Confidence Report: 2024 Consumer Confidence Report
Distribution System Operations
Some of the duties of the water Division include but are not limited to: Well and pump stations, water quality testing, water meter replacements, valve exercising, and fire hydrant maintenance. The city will be doing every two years a mainline replacement due to the aging infrastructure. This is being done by an outside contractor due to the availability is water div. staff. The Water Div. does yearly hydrant and valves replacements.
Water Leak
The water facilities the city is responsible for include the waterline in the street, and the water services from the mainline to the water meter. The water meter itself belongs to the city. The piping and facilities located after the water meter belong to the water customer. The water meter is typically inside a meter box located in the parkway or sidewalk a few feet behind the curb. If you have a leak on the customer side of the water meter, call a local plumber for help. If a water leak is occurring at the water meter or in the street side of the meter, please call the Water Division immediately at 805-688-5575 ext:229 or after business hours call the On-Call operator at 805-588-4659.
Questions On Your Water Bill
For questions on your water bill please see the "Utilities" section of the City's web site. If your questions are not answered there, contact the City's Utility Billing Clerk at (805) 688-5575 ext. 202.
Hard Water & Water Softeners
Throughout the United (and the world for that matter) most ground water is considered “hard” water. Hard water is the term used to describe water that has higher levels of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium. Although this does not typically pose a health risk, it often results in higher soap and detergent usage, and can produce noticeable scale buildup on plumbing fixtures.
The natural local groundwater in Southern California and the Santa Ynez Valley is generally considered hard water. Therefore, the city’s groundwater wells generally produce hard water. The City’s State Water supply is typically softer. Various operational constraints occur requiring the city to blend these water supply sources to provide reliable water supply. The ratio of State Water to local water varies regularly based on these operational constraints.
In the City of Solvang, commercial properties are prohibited from using salt based self-regenerating water softeners. Commercial properties that desire water softening must use salt-free portable exchange tank type water softeners. Residents that desire water softening are encouraged to use salt-free portable exchange tank water softeners that don’t discharge harmful brine waste into the sewer system.
Backflow Prevention
State law requires that a backflow prevention device be installed on the customer’s side of the water meter for certain situations that pose a potential health risk. A health risk could occur if pressure within the city’s water system were to drop (such as with waterline breaks) and water from the customers’ side could flow backwards into the public water system. In Solvang all irrigation, commercial and industrial water services are required to have an approved backflow prevention device. The operation, maintenance and annual testing of the backflow prevention device is the responsibility of the water customer. If you have questions, contact the Water Division at 805-688-5575 ext. 229
Cross-Connection Control Plan
To comply with new State regulations effective July 1, 2024, the City of Solvang developed a Cross-Connection Control Plan (CCC Plan), which was approved by the State Water Board in June 2025. The plan outlines steps the City is taking to prevent backflow risks and protect water quality across all properties.
Starting in January 2026, City staff will begin on-site hazard assessments at residential, commercial, and industrial properties to identify potential cross-connections and inspect backflow devices. These efforts are part of a State-mandated water safety program.
City's Cross-Connection Control Plan
Construction/Hydrant Meter
Do you need a temporary hydrant water meter for grading or construction purposes? If so, contact the City's Utility Billing Clerk at (805) 688-5575 x 202 for an application, fee information, and scheduling.
Contact Us
Mike Matthews, Water Supervisor: 805.688.5575 ext. 229
Mariela Lowes, Utility Billing Clerk: 805.688.5575 ext. 202
Andrea Graciano, Administrative Assistant: 805.688.5575 ext. 200