Modernizing Essential Infrastructure
Camarillo’s existing Water Reclamation Plant has served the community since the 1950s. While the facility remains safe, reliable, and fully compliant with environmental regulations, much of its infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life.
The City is planning Camarillo One Water as a comprehensive modernization that will ensure we can continue providing reliable wastewater treatment while meeting future regulatory requirements and supporting expanded water reuse opportunities.
Plant at a Glance
For decades, the Camarillo Sanitary District has provided reliable wastewater collection and treatment services that protect public health and support the community’s quality of life. The District’s wastewater treatment plant serves residents, businesses and industries throughout the service area, safely treating wastewater before it is recycled for beneficial use throughout the community.
Today, the facility treats an average of 3.5 million gallons of wastewater each day. Water that enters the plant undergoes a rigorous treatment process before approximately 90% is recycled and reused for irrigation and landscaping at parks, medians and other public spaces, helping conserve local drinking water supplies. The treatment plant is supported by 144 miles of gravity sewer lines, five wastewater pump stations, a state-certified environmental laboratory and dedicated operations, maintenance and collection system staff who work around the clock to keep the system operating safely and efficiently.
Why Now?
With preliminary analysis already done, the City is now in the critical phase of identifying and evaluating alternatives before selecting a preferred approach for delivering the Camarillo One Water program. Once that decision is made, the program will move into design and construction.
By planning ahead, the City can make thoughtful, cost-effective decisions and avoid the need to make emergency repairs to our aging equipment. A proactive approach also positions Camarillo to pursue grant funding and financing opportunities that can help reduce long-term costs for ratepayers.
The One Water Approach
The City has retained Jacobs, an internationally recognized engineering firm, to evaluate alternatives and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient approach for upgrading the treatment facility through a One Water strategy.
A One Water approach looks at all types of water as an interconnected system rather than in isolation. For Camarillo, that means considering wastewater, groundwater, stormwater, and drinking water together to make the most of every local resource. Studying the treatment plant upgrade through a One Water lens helps the City identify the most efficient and affordable path forward while strengthening long-term water reliability.
A Generational Investment with Long-Term Benefits
Camarillo One Water is not just another routine project—it is one of the most important infrastructure investments the City will ever make. When done, it will provide reliable wastewater service, essential public health and environmental benefits, and stronger water resilience for Camarillo for decades to come.
Our Communications Commitment
As technical studies are completed and key decisions are made for Camarillo One Water, the City will share updates, cost information, and opportunities for public input. Sign up for email updates at Notify Me (select Camarillo One Water).