Los Osos Community Sites Switch to Recycled Water in County-Funded Projects

San Luis Obispo County’s Public Works Department has completed three projects that now use recycled water for irrigation at community sites in Los Osos, replacing the use of potable water.

The completion of the conversion projects was marked with a ribbon-cutting on October 14, 2025, at the Red Barn in Los Osos, according to a statement by San Luis Obispo County’s public works department.

Project Manager Corissa Burnett said the conversion of two San Luis Obispo Coast Unified School District schools and Los Osos Community Park to recycled water had been planned for some time and became a top priority once the county secured the appropriate grant funding.

“We are grateful to have reached final agreements with the school district and water purveyors to be able to meet the construction timelines of the grant money and deliver these important projects for the community,” Burnett said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Three Projects Completed Across Los Osos

In early June, Los Osos Community Park transitioned to using recycled water for irrigation, replacing its previous on-site well system. The $166,000 project was financed through an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant and contributes to the sustainability of the Los Osos Groundwater Basin.

On June 23, 2025, the county collaborated with the San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District (SLOCUSD) and Golden State Water Company to convert the irrigation system at Monarch Grove Elementary School’s sports fields from potable to recycled water. The $410,000 project, funded in part by ARPA grant money, was completed in about 45 days.

The Los Osos Middle School project commenced in June 2025 with a tight construction schedule aimed at completion during the summer break. Collaboration among the contractor team, SLOCUSD, the Los Osos Community Services District, and San Luis Obispo County ensured the project was completed on time. As the school with the highest water consumption in the district, Los Osos Middle School was identified as the top priority for conversion.

About Los Osos

Los Osos is an unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County governed by the Los Osos Community Services District (LOCSD), which oversees water, fire protection, drainage, parks, and street lighting. San Luis Obispo County retains land-use and permitting authority.

All building, planning, and permitting in the community of Los Osos is under the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County.