Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) upgrades at the Beltz 12 Water Treatment Plant will allow the City to divert “excess” winter and spring flows from the San Lorenzo River and inject the clean, treated water into our aquifer system. This allows surface water and groundwater resources to be “banked” (stored in the aquifer) during times when excess surface water is available for storage (typically wet periods) and subsequently recovered from the aquifer when needed (typically dry periods). In addition, ASR can cultivate long-term increases in groundwater levels which provide a protective effect against oceanic saltwater intrusion into the aquifer.

 The project consists of converting the existing drinking water production well (Beltz 12) to support ASR functionality and includes the following: demolition and modification of the existing well facility; modification of existing mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems; installation of a corrosion control system; installation of a new downhole well control valve and piping.

 Funded by both a California Department of Water Resources grant and an Environmental Protection Agency loan, this project is part of the City’s Securing Our Water Future initiative that aims to improve our water system’s resiliency in prolonged droughts. The completed facility will be the first ASR system of its kind in the City and County, and provide a new tool for managing our coastal water resources.

 Project Schedule

• Pilot Testing and Design: 2022–2024 (complete)
• Bid Solicitation: November 2024–January 2025 (complete)
• Construction: March 2025–May 2026 (in progress)

 Construction Impacts

All work to be performed is within an active water treatment facility site. Working hours are: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mon–Fri.

 Project Contact

Emmanuel U. Fonseca, P.E.

Associate Professional Engineer

 efonseca@santacruzca.gov

 831-420-5518