California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
For the first time in nearly a half-century, United Water Conservation District (UWCD) has secured the purchase of State Water Project water from local partners so that this vital resource remains in Ventura County for use by local residents, businesses and the County’s agricultural industry.
The unprecedented deal was struck between UWCD, the City of Ventura and Casitas Municipal Water District, who together represent a contractor group for the State Water Project (SWP). Historically, since the three entities formed the contractor group in 1970, any Table A carryover water allocations held by the City and the Casitas Water District was either sold to water contractors outside the region or forfeited.
“These mutually beneficial transfer agreements with Ventura and Casitas mark an important milestone in an ongoing effort to build bridges and develop a spirit of cooperation that is critical to effective water management for the region,” said UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado.
Ventura agreed to sell the District 525 acre-feet of 2021 carryover water that the City had stored in the San Luis Reservoir. Casitas also approved UWCD’s purchase of 3,100 acre-feet of carryover water. In all, it is enough to supply about 7,250 California families for a year. United will take delivery of the purchased water at Lake Piru, where it will be stored for future release and basin recharge.
“By selling this new water to UWCD instead of outside entities, it stays in the county so that we can recharge groundwater basins throughout our 334-square-mile service area. That makes it a win for all parties involved, most especially our customers,” said Guardado.
The purchase supports the District’s mission to maximize water resources in the Santa Clara Valley and the Oxnard Plain and provide collaborative solutions to achieving groundwater sustainability for the entirety of Ventura County. UWCD employs numerous strategies and constructs facilities that not only meet regional water demands but also address over pumping of groundwater, seawater intrusion and environmental needs.
