Thirsty strawberries, water availability causing concerns for United Water

May 30, 2008
Santa Paula News

Thirsty strawberries are causing concerns for United Water Conservation District, which is holding a special meeting today, May 30, to consider several items that could greatly impact water customers.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThirsty strawberries are causing concerns for United Water Conservation District, which is holding a special meeting today, May 30, to consider several items that could greatly impact water customers. The 8 a.m. meeting will not be held at UWCD’s Santa Paula headquarters, but at the Oxnard Courtyard Marriott, 600 E. Esplanade Drive.According to the agenda the session will tackle a review of the proposed five-year capital improvement projects plan, which will include a review of the recommended 41 percent increase in the General Fund groundwater extraction and 20 percent increase in the Freeman Fund groundwater extraction charges. It will also cover Proposition 218 compliance, which mandates that customers can vote on such increases.
The agenda notes that the public and UWCD Board are encouraged to ask questions to “ensure that the budget proposal is clear” and to make recommendations for improvements to the proposed spending plan. The district’s proposed long-term water management plan covering 20 years of project priorities and their associated costs will also be discussed, as will peak irrigation demands in October, which strained the water supply.“Staff will discuss the district’s concern about our ability to meet peak water delivery demands in dry years” based on last year’s October demands, which resulted from “growers switching their crops to strawberries.” The switch “challenged the district’s facilities/capacity to satisfy irrigation needs,” and staff will offer a discussion on possible solutions to prepare for October 2008 water needs.



Site Search

E-Subscribe

Subscribe

E-SUBSCRIBE
Call 805 525 1890 to receive the entire paper early. $50.00 for one year.

webmaster