The City of Solvang is exploring the possibility of privatizing its water, wastewater and water treatment systems, a decision that could impact residents in nearby contracting communities including Santa Ynez and Los Olivos. … If the effort turns up enough interest, city staff will develop a request for proposal which will be brought to the city council later this winter along with pros and cons of such a move. … All related work is done internally by city staff. What [Mayor David] Brown referred to as “a fishing expedition” is meant to explore alternatives in an effort to relieve customers from rising rates. … Solvang resident Denise El Amin pointed to privatized systems that have failed including Flint, MI; Jackson, MS; Newark, NJ.

Other water treatment news:

• Wastewater Digest: San José wastewater facility marks 70 years of operation
• Coastside Buzz (Half Moon Bay, Calif.): Montara Water and Sanitary District submits critical technical review to Coastal Commission on limited water supply; LCP cap approved, adequate services must still be demonstrated