In announcing the early release, the District’s General Manager Dana Wisehart stated, “It is great that United can provide local residents with such a nice recreation spot as Lake Piru, but the water stored there is first and foremost intended to serve the water needs of the Santa Clara River valley and the Oxnard Plain. It is vital for ensuring that we have sufficient, high-quality water for our homes and for the agriculture which supports our economy.”
United Water to begin fall release of water from Lake Piru
August 10, 2007
Santa Paula News
On Monday, August 13, United Water Conservation District will begin its annual fall release of water stored behind Santa Felicia Dam in Lake Piru.
On Monday, August 13, United Water Conservation District will begin its annual fall release of water stored behind Santa Felicia Dam in Lake Piru. In most years, the release is not begun until after Labor Day; however, in order to complete necessary dam valve repairs before the rainy season begins in the late fall a three-week headstart is necessary.Through the summer Santa Felicia Dam has released water at a relative trickle, mimicking inflows to Lake Piru, but on Monday water will begin to flow at 250 cubic feet per second. This increased flow means that the lake level will begin to drop, yet at a rate which will leave plenty of water for boating and fishing through the end of the summer. The level must be lowered 50 feet, representing 40,000 acre-feet of water, between the 13th and the end of October to facilitate the repairs.The increased release rate will also create noticeably higher Santa Clara River flows between Piru and the District’s Freeman Diversion Dam in Saticoy where the water will be diverted to replenish groundwater supplies. This annual operation is especially important this year following the driest rainfall season on record.
