General Manager's Message

It’s Back-to-School time here in Ventura and we all have a thing or two to learn. I learned that the citizens of Ventura know how valuable of a resource their water is. You took the conservation message to action, and we reported a record drop in water demand in July; 1,195 acre-feet. That’s 34 acre-feet less than June and an overall 28.58% reduction in water usage since we started tracking in 2013! Great job Ventura, and let’s keep it up!


We have spent the summer reaching out to all of you and offering tools and suggestions to reduce our water usage. Thank you for your suggestions and we will look to implement them.


Right now, there is state legislation that is being proposed to set a legal limit on indoor water consumption. The practices we adopt today will have us better prepared for any future limits. Ventura Water will continue to look towards sustaining our water sources and securing additional sources for the future. We are committed to ensure Ventura has a reliable water supply for generations to come.


As the summer ends, staff is focusing on funding opportunities and project design development. The VenturaWaterPure program was recently awarded over $14 million in federal grant monies by the Bureau of Reclamation, to add to the $4.2 million we had already received. This grant will help to make your rate dollars do more to achieve a new water supply and protect the unique environment of the Santa Clara River Estuary. Design and permitting for our projects are moving along and progress is happening.


There are some really great things taking place and you should be proud to be a part of it. Thank you, Ventura!


Respectfully,

Gina Dorrington

VenturaWaterPure to Receive $14 million in Grant Funds 

The City of Ventura’s planned water reuse program, VenturaWaterPure, anticipates $14 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program


VenturaWaterPure is among a shortlist of projects funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, pending Congress’ approval. This award is in addition to the combined $4.2 million that the City received from the program in 2018 and 2021. 


“We are thrilled that VenturaWaterPure has been selected again for this federal funding program,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “This grant helps support our community’s need to create a local and sustainable water supply for our future generations.” 


Learn more here.

Wastewater Treatment - Process Flow:

Cogeneration

We've followed the liquids treatment process from beginning to end, but what do we do with those left-over solids? You may recall, in March we introduced the anaerobic digesters where solids are treated with the help of microorganisms. That process generates a very valuable biproduct: methane. We're proud to say that Ventura's wastewater facility has a cogeneration system that uses this natural gas to generate 20-30% of the electricity needed to run the treatment plant. Not only does this save money, it also reduces the City's carbon footprint! The microorganisms in the digesters, like all living things, need the proper environment to thrive and can be harmed when the wrong things enter their environment. This is another reason why it's important to Think Before You Flush and only flush the 3 P’s- pee, poo and (toilet) paper! 


To learn more about the City's wastewater treatment process, visit our Wastewater page.

Gardening Series 

Landscaping for Fire Protection

Join us for our September Gardening Series class titled Landscaping for Fire Protection, to be held at Green Thumb Nursery. This highly relevant class will be presented by Master Gardener Dani Brusius, who will explain how you can better protect your home and neighborhood from wildfire with a few simple changes to your landscape. 


Our free monthly Gardening Series classes are held on scheduled Saturdays from 10am-11:30am. To register, visit our sign up page here.

Employment Opportunities


View current employment opportunities with the City of Ventura here. 

Water Commission
The public is invited to join us in-person for the upcoming Water Commission Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ventura City Hall, Community Meeting Room, Second Floor.

Click here for meeting agendas and more information.
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