Assemblywoman Audra Strickland Tours Water Conservation Project

August 10, 2005
Santa Paula News

Assemblywoman Audra Strickland recently visited the site of a water conservation project that is being proposed by United Water Conservation District.

Assemblywoman Audra Strickland recently visited the site of a water conservation project that is being proposed by United Water Conservation District. The project will help to improve water quality in Ventura County by enhancing United’s water storage capabilities.Seawater contamination has historically been a problem for underground water resources (aquifers) in the Oxnard Plain. United constructed it’s Freeman Diversion facility in 1991 to help combat this problem and has made great strides in reducing seawater intrusion in the upper aquifers. Unfortunately, seawater is still contaminating the deeper aquifers.To help resolve this dilemma, United is proposing to construct a future project that will connect current facilities to nearby gravel pits for storage and recharge of river water during high flow events.Endangered steelhead trout will also benefit from this project because more water will be made available to benefit fish without significantly impacting water supplies that are needed for replenishment of the aquifers.
“I enjoyed touring the Freeman Expansion Project. It is so reassuring to see first-hand how United Water Conservation District is proactively working to ensure the availability and safety of our water supply. The District’s renowned groundwater management plan provides reliable, low-cost water to the agricultural industry and several cities in Ventura County,” said Assemblywoman Strickland.“Everyone at United is delighted that Assemblywoman Strickland has taken the time to visit us. We appreciate her efforts to learn more about water issues in Ventura County and the benefits this project will provide to our mutual constituents,” stated United’s Board President Sheldon Berger.United Water Conservation District is a public water agency responsible for conserving and protecting groundwater resources in Ventura County. In addition to the district’s Lake Piru Recreation Area, United Water’s facilities include: Santa Felicia Dam; spreading grounds in Saticoy, El Rio and Piru; an agricultural water delivery system; a wholesale municipal water delivery system; and the Freeman Diversion facility. The district provides wholesale water to the City of Oxnard, the Port Hueneme Water Agency (which includes the Naval Base Ventura County), Pleasant Valley County Water District, and several small mutual water companies. A seven-member elected board of directors directs the district’s policy and activities.



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