JPA Takes Next Step in Securing Local Water

Progressive design-build contract keeps the Pure Water Project on track.

The JPA awarded a progressive design-build contract valued at over $21.4 million to complete design and initiate construction of the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes – Triunfo (Pure Water Project). The contract was awarded to a team of engineers and a general contractor that will design and eventually build the new Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) and 14-mile long Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC) Pipeline. The vote was unanimous.

A selection committee was convened to evaluate proposals and select a firm for the JPA Board’s consideration. Walsh Construction Company, Brown and Caldwell, and Carollo Engineers were ultimately selected as the preferred team.

The team also consists of several other firms, including RRM Design Group for architectural work associated with the AWPF. Once design efforts are completed under this contract, final construction cost estimates will be developed and presented to the JPA for consideration before proceeding with a second phase for construction. Currently estimated to cost $364 million, the project will eventually supply up to 30% of the drinking water for the region.

“This is a significant milestone after years of researching, planning, and outreach to the communities,” said Jay Lewitt, chair of the JPA board of directors. The single most important function of any water agency is to provide a clean, resilient, cost-effective water supply to the community. This Project ensures that drought, disasters, and erratic weather patterns that we have recently experienced, have minimal impact to our water supply.”

“This is one of the most important projects for our region that will ensure a consistent water supply, while meeting the strict regulatory requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board that inhibit discharges to Malibu Creek,” said James Wall, vice-chair of the JPA board of directors. “This new facility will reduce our dependency on increasingly expensive imported water by creating a reliable local water source.”

More information about the Pure Water Project can be found by visiting OurPureH2O.com

LVMWD Connects with our Communities

LVMWD was formed in 1958 to deliver water to a thirsty and growing community.  Thanks to the work we have done over the years, the water we delivered has allowed this region to blossom  and we take our role in our communities and relationship with the folks we serve very seriously. To start 2024, we have shown our dedication to fostering strong ties with our community and advocating for policies that promote a secure water future for our customers.

Our community outreach initiatives are at the heart of our efforts. Through educational programs such as the Spring Landscape Transformation Workshop Series we have supported our customers in reducing outdoor water use. Outreach events like the International Women’s Day celebration have brought the cities we serve together and we have also been visiting each elementary school in the Las Virgenes Unified School District to promote sustainable education through a succulent planting activity. Across the board working to raise awareness and inspire action at the grassroots level.

Our commitment doesn't stop there. Both our staff and our Board of Directors understand the importance of engaging with policymakers and influencers to enact meaningful change on a larger scale. On a recent trip to Washinton D.C. staff and board members met with United States Senator Laphonza Butler to advocate for policies prioritizing water sustainability, financially support the innovative water technologies LVMWD is pursuing, and address water supply and regulatory challenges.

Pipeline Study to Help Maintain Critical infrastructure

The Board of Directors for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), the nation’s largest water wholesaler and LVMWD’s sole water provider, recently approved a $9.8 million contract for the Sepulveda Feeder Pump Stations Project. The project will help bring additional water from the Colorado River, as well as water stored at Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, to LVMWD. During the peak of the last drought, MWD reduced LVMWD’s supply allocation by a staggering 73%, which required major water use restrictions such as limiting outdoor watering to only one day per week. LVMWD, alongside several other State Water Project dependent agencies, have voiced their concerns to MWD about the lack of connectivity to other water sources. While there is much more work to be done, the approval of this contract demonstrates MWD’s commitment to water supply reliability at a regional level for all 26 member agencies. Design efforts for the project have commenced and construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024. For the full press release, scan the QR code or visit www.MWDH2O.com

Take Control of Your Controller

Time change, time to change! Customers can take advantage of smart irrigation technology to level up their water savings. Weather-based irrigation controllers take the guessing out of seasonal schedule changes, offer an intuitive user interface and is a critical tool in reducing waste. LVMWD is offering our customers a discounted Rachio controller with FREE professional installation. Scan the QR code or go to LVMWD.com/Rachio

Spring Into A Beautiful Landscape With New Rebates

Spring has sprung! And we all know what that means… it’s time to take advantage of Las Virgenes Municipal
Water District’s landscape transformation resources and rebate programs to elevate your outdoor spaces!

Create your own super bloom! Replace your turf grass with colorful California-friendly and native plants that provide habitat for local wildlife and build resiliency for our environment. For a limited time, get up to $3 for every square foot of turf grass that is replaced with climate-appropriate plants.

To qualify for this rebate:

• Project size must be 250 – 5,000 square feet
• Per every 100 square feet of turf replaced, 3 climate-appropriate plants must be installed
• Include a stormwater retention feature, like a rain barrel or dry creek bed

Replace or modify overhead spray sprinklers with a more water-efficient system
During the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix-A-Leak Week from March 18th-24th we highlighted the waste that can be curbed with a weatherbased irrigation controller. For customers who have

not already upgraded to a weather-based irrigation controller, the District continues to offer the Rachio 3
controller for $99 with free professional installation. The Rachio Controller takes the guess work out of irrigating your yard with settings that are customized for the plants in your garden and schedules that automatically adjust based on real-time weather.

Still struggling to save water? Sign up for a free Water Use Survey! This indoor/outdoor survey is performed by
a certified water efficiency practitioner that will check for leaks and other inefficient use. Participants will receive a written report that includes recommendations to conserve water inside and outside the home.

Learn more at LVMWD.com/Conservation