From the Mayor’s Office | By Johnny Johnston

Water water everywhere?

Securing our water future.

There are many challenges facing our community, but none more important for the long term health of our valley than a safe, secure, and reliable water supply. We are blessed with ground water basins that recharge quickly from rainfall and a reservoir capacity large enough to store
emergency backup supplies.

Over the years we have taken pride and comfort in being on our own and self-sufficient. Periodic droughts were expected and the lake was built to buffer us from the inevitable dry periods. So, why all the concern? The answer is because Lake Casitas is at its lowest level in many decades. Record high temperatures are being recorded regularly. The prolonged drought for whatever reasons has no end in sight. All of which suggests the old thinking and assumptions must be revisited and revised.

The Water Advisory Group (WAG) composed of some very smart and experienced people has studied the water shortage issue and concluded that the Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD) needs to act quickly to partner with the City of Ventura and Calleguas Water District in building a connection to the State Water Project (SWP). A good partnership would spread the considerable cost over a larger customer base making the project affordable. The agreement will need to include some reduction in regular demand on the Lake allowing it to refill over the long term. Once restored to a reasonable level, the supply needs to be maintained at levels which can provide for emergency backup to deal with drought conditions and natural disasters.

We know connecting to the SWP will cost money and the State does not always have water to share. But one thing is certain: without a connection, we cannot access nor benefit from the water when it is available as it was last year. Our groundwater basins and Lake Casitas have supplies, that carefully managed, can last us for three to five years with drought restrictions. The estimated time required to design and construct the connection to the SWP is three to five years. Calleguas and Ventura are proceeding apace. I believe CMWD needs to show greater interest and urgency if we are to reap the benefits and receive credit for what we bring to the table. Time is running out and costs are going up.

The questions are simple, “Do you think local rainfall will refill the Lake and replenish our water supplies to adequate levels in time under present policies and operating conditions?” If you do, are you willing to bet on it? I for one am not willing to make that bet. Casitas Board of Directors meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 PM. I urge every concerned citizen to attend these meetings, express their opinions, and become better informed. Go to Casitaswater.org for more information.

From the Mayor’s Office | By Johnny Johnston

Water water everywhere?

Securing our water future.

There are many challenges facing our community, but none more important for the long term health of our valley than a safe, secure, and reliable water supply. We are blessed with ground water basins that recharge quickly from rainfall and a reservoir capacity large enough to store
emergency backup supplies.

Over the years we have taken pride and comfort in being on our own and self-sufficient. Periodic droughts were expected and the lake was built to buffer us from the inevitable dry periods. So, why all the concern? The answer is because Lake Casitas is at its lowest level in many decades. Record high temperatures are being recorded regularly. The prolonged drought for whatever reasons has no end in sight. All of which suggests the old thinking and assumptions must be revisited and revised.

The Water Advisory Group (WAG) composed of some very smart and experienced people has studied the water shortage issue and concluded that the Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD) needs to act quickly to partner with the City of Ventura and Calleguas Water District in building a connection to the State Water Project (SWP). A good partnership would spread the considerable cost over a larger customer base making the project affordable. The agreement will need to include some reduction in regular demand on the Lake allowing it to refill over the long term. Once restored to a reasonable level, the supply needs to be maintained at levels which can provide for emergency backup to deal with drought conditions and natural disasters.

We know connecting to the SWP will cost money and the State does not always have water to share. But one thing is certain: without a connection, we cannot access nor benefit from the water when it is available as it was last year. Our groundwater basins and Lake Casitas have supplies, that carefully managed, can last us for three to five years with drought restrictions. The estimated time required to design and construct the connection to the SWP is three to five years. Calleguas and Ventura are proceeding apace. I believe CMWD needs to show greater interest and urgency if we are to reap the benefits and receive credit for what we bring to the table. Time is running out and costs are going up.

The questions are simple, “Do you think local rainfall will refill the Lake and replenish our water supplies to adequate levels in time under present policies and operating conditions?” If you do, are you willing to bet on it? I for one am not willing to make that bet. Casitas Board of Directors meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 PM. I urge every concerned citizen to attend these meetings, express their opinions, and become better informed. Go to Casitaswater.org for more information.