Project Basics
What is the Camarillo One Water Project?
The Camarillo One Water Project is a long-term upgrade of Camarillo’s wastewater treatment infrastructure. This project is currently in the planning and alternatives analysis phase. During this stage, the City is evaluating options for completing the upgrade, including scope, approach, and cost, to determine the best path forward.
Why is the City doing this now?
The wastewater treatment infrastructure has served the community for decades and needs significant reinvestment to continue operating reliably. Acting now – carefully and strategically – protects ratepayers over the long term, is consistent with the City’s ongoing groundwater adjudication, and opens access to grant funding tied to water reuse.
Who is leading the project?
The City of Camarillo is leading the project. The City has engaged Jacobs, a nationally recognized engineering firm selected through a competitive procurement process, to serve as Owner Advisor through the planning, design, and construction phases.
Costs and Rates
How much will this project cost?
The total project cost is not yet known. Identifying the most affordable path forward is a key purpose of the alternatives analysis currently underway. Cost ranges will be shared as the analysis progresses and figures are confirmed. The City has chosen to wait until figures are reliable rather than share speculative numbers.
Will this affect my rates?
The current four-year rate structure approved by Council was designed to support the City’s existing infrastructure obligations. The alternatives analysis focuses on identifying an approach that delivers the required upgrade within the approved framework. Detailed information about current rates is available on the City’s rates page.
Is the City pursuing grant funding?
Yes. The City is actively pursuing grant funding to help offset project costs and reduce long-term ratepayer impact. The water reuse approach significantly expands grant eligibility, including federal WIFIA financing and Metropolitan Water District Local Resource Planning grants.
Water Reuse
What is water reuse?
Water reuse is the practice of treating wastewater to a higher standard so it can be put to productive use. It reduces dependence on imported water and builds long-term supply resilience. Many California communities are pursuing water reuse strategies as a responsible approach to local water resources.
Will the City be putting recycled water into my drinking water?
No decision of that kind has been made. The alternatives analysis is currently studying which water reuse approaches make sense for Camarillo. The City will share information about the recommended approach when the analysis is complete.
[NEED INFO] Confirm with the team whether this answer is appropriate, or whether a stronger statement on safety/treatment standards should be included. The framing here intentionally avoids speculation about specific reuse approaches.
Why not just keep using imported water?
Imported water is a significant and rising cost for Camarillo, and supply reliability is becoming less certain over time. Water reuse strengthens local supply resilience as well as offsets long-term costs of imported water.
Timeline
When will the project be complete?
The project is currently in the planning and alternatives analysis phase. Design and construction timing will be determined once the preferred alternative is identified, expected in 2027. The full project will likely span several years.
Where will construction take place?
Most of the work in the current phase is happening at the Water Reclamation Plant site. The City does not yet know whether or where additional construction may occur – that depends on the preferred alternative selected. Construction timing and locations will be communicated well in advance.
Process and Transparency
How will the City keep the community informed?
This website is the central source of project information and will be updated as the project advances. The City will also share milestone updates through Council meetings, the City’s Notify Me email list, and other community channels.
Where can I share questions or feedback?
Use the contact form on this site to submit questions or comments. You can also sign up for project updates through the City’s Notify Me page.