COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Shad S. Springer, Director of Utilities
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing and Appropriating Additional Funding for the Well 15 Equipping Project, Bid No. 2025-04
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing and appropriating additional funding in the amount of $1,045,000 for the Well 15 Equipping Project, Bid No. 2025-04.
Environmental Notice: Environmental Review for this project was completed through the preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the City of Santa Maria Well 15 Special Project (SCH# 2024061097) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing and appropriating additional funding of $1,045,000 for the Well 15 Equipping Project, Bid No. 2025-04; and
2. Approve the additional funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 in the Water enterprise fund (SC7340|CC0280|FD620).
BACKGROUND:
The Water Supply Well 15 Project is being delivered through two separate construction contracts: (1) well drilling, and (2) well equipping . The drilling contract awarded July 1, 2025, to South Valley Companies, Inc. reached substantial completion in January 2025.
The second contract, the Well 15 Equipping Project-Bid No. 2025-04, which is the subject of this request, was awarded on October 21, 2025 , to Hartzel General Engineering Contractor, Inc. The total funding approved for both projects is $8,564,027.
The equipping phase includes construction of well house facilities, pipelines and valves, pump to waste discharge infrastructure, surge protection, sand separation equipment, pump and motor assemblies, SCADA control s, emergency power, and site access improvements. The project was originally designed for a production capacity of 2,000 gallons per minute (gpm) , but performance testing indicates the new water well can produce up to 3,200 gpm. This higher well capacity provides an opportunity to increase the City’s well pumping capability by installing a larger pump , piping, and related appurtenances.
2 DISCUSSION:
Increasing the pumping capacity at Well 15 is a great investment opportunity for the City’s long‑ term water supply reliability. A higher‑ capacity pump will significantly enhance the system’s ability to meet peak ‑ hour demands, improve operational flexibility, and strengthen overall system resilience. Staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation of key components, including the transmission pipeline, electrical service, emergency power, and chlorination facilities to determine the most cost -effective and efficient means to upgrade capacity.
Staff assessed multiple pump configurations based on well casing dimen sions, pump depth, system hydraulics, and all required facility improvements. This analysis concluded that the largest practical and sustainable pump for Well 15 is a 450‑ horsepower (hp) unit capable of producing approximately 3,000 gpm. This represents a 50 percent increase in production capacity and provides the best long‑ term value for the City’s water system.
Implementing the 450 ‑ hp pump requires coordinated upgrades to the following major components:
1. Transmission Main : Upsize piping from 14 -inch to 1 8-inch nominal diameter to accommodate higher flows and convert pipe material to HDPE instead of ductile iron for constructability.
2. Generator and Electrical System : Increase electrical service capacity from 800 amps to 1,200 amps, upsize emergency generato r capacity, and install a larger transfer switch to ensure operations during power outages.
3. Pump, Motor, and Pump House: Install a 450-hp motor, lower the pump depth, and increase the building size to safely accommodate the larger equipment.
4. Site Piping and Chlorine System : Increase the size of the site piping and appurtenances and expand onsite chlorine storage from 200 -gallons to 300 - gallons to maintain adequate disinfection capacity at the higher flow rate.
Estimated costs for these upgrades to the Well 15 Equipping Project follow:
Item Amount
Transmission Main $ 231,000
Generator and Electrical System 407,000 Pump, Motor, and Well Building 120,000 Site Piping and Chlorine System 142,000 Subtotal 900,000 Design Revisions 50,000 Subtotal 950,000 Contingency (10%) 95,000 Upgrades Total $ 1,045,000
3 Based on the technical evaluation , operational benefits, and costs, installing the larger pump is recommended.
Alternative(s)
The City Council may choose not to approve the additional funding request. Under this alternative, Well 15 will remain limited to a 2, 000 gpm pumping capacity . This is not recommended as the proposed action to increase funding by 12 percent will increase capacity by 50 percent. The additional funding enables the City to capitalize on a cost- effective opportunity to significantly expand water production and enhance water system reliability.
Fiscal Considerations
Staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $1,045,000 to the Water Fund (SC7340|CC0280|FD620) to support t he Well 15 pumping capacity upgrade for this project. The requested appropriation will be fully funded through existing water rates and there is sufficient fund balance available to cover the cost . No General Fund resources are required, and the action remains consistent with the long-term financial planning for the Water Fund.
Impact on the Community
Upgrading Well 15’s pumping capacity will improve the City’s water supply, particularly during periods of high demand or emergency conditions. The increased production capacity enhances system resilience, reduces the risk of service interruptions, and supports continued community growth. Residents and businesses will benefit from a more robust local water supply.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution