General Manager's Message

With the holiday season upon us we are thankful for the water we have and for the opportunities it gives us. Water allows us to sustain life and community and it must be protected. Ventura Water has a strong team of what we call "Environmental Crusaders" who protect and treat our water resources so that we can continue to provide safe drinking water and exemplary wastewater treatment. In this month's newsletter we talk about how to protect our water resources by keeping contaminates such as fats, oils and grease, along with automotive fluids, out of our water system. By doing our part to protect what we have, we create the opportunity to reuse our local water to its fullest potential, as with the VenturaWaterPure program. Check out our new video on this important program here. Protecting our water at every step, from pipeline to sewer, is vital to our water future.

Both as a water utility professional and as a private person, I have found that if you treat water with respect, it will do the same. Water has always been there when I needed it and ironically, rain has shown up at all my major life events. Rain was there during my graduation from high school, when I moved into my new house, and even on my wedding day, 21 years ago. And I'm hoping rain and I can celebrate my wedding anniversary together. In the meantime, with the dry year we are having, Ventura Water will continue managing and protecting our water resources. And I, along with all of you, will keep conserving water and planning on it being a no-show.

Respectfully,

Gina Dorrington

Avoid the Thanksgiving FOG Clog

Happy Thanksgiving! Ventura Water reminds residents when cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner to NOT pour fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain.

Since many of the Thanksgiving staples such as turkey, stuffing and gravy contain FOG, it’s important to be mindful of proper disposal. When poured down the drain, FOG will cool, harden, and clog the sewer system. Instead, help protect our pipes by pouring FOG into a container, such as an old food can, and let it harden before disposing of it in the trash.

To learn more about how you can help protect the City’s sewer system, visit our Fats, Oils, Grease page. We also offer residents free can lids to help with proper storage for disposal. Email us to request free grease can lids.

Wastewater Pollutant Series

Automotive Fluids

This month we're beginning a new educational series on water and wastewater pollutants.

Because November is when many families will be driving to holiday gatherings, this month we will be focusing on automotive fluids. To prepare for travel, regular car maintenance is a must for a safe and worry-free trip. But did you know automotive fluids like motor oil, anti-freeze and brake fluid all contain high amounts of heavy metals which are linked to several health concerns including immune system dysfunction, birth defects and cancer? When heavy metals enter the sewer system they can contaminate the biosolid byproduct produced in our wastewater treatment process. These biosolids are sent to the landfill or composted for agricultural purposes, and both of these pathways can allow heavy metals to enter our groundwater supply. And the unsafe pouring of automotive fluids into the storm drain system allows them to enter waterways and the ocean.

We can reduce the presence of heavy metals in our environment by proper disposal of automotive fluids, and the City of Ventura has various ways to help. Our Environmental Sustainability Department holds monthly Household Hazardous Waste Events where you can bring used automotive fluids and other hazardous materials for safe disposal. They also offer residents free oil change kits and oil absorbent mats on a first come, first served basis. And numerous Used Oil Certified Collection Centers throughout Ventura accept used oil during regular business hours.

For more information on Household Hazardous Waste collection events click here.

To find local used motor oil collection centers, or to request a free motor oil recycling kit or oil absorbent mat, click here or call (805) 652-4525.

Remember to think before you flush and only flush the 3 Ps-pee, poo and (toilet) paper!

Indoor Water Saving Programs Still Available!

Our indoor water saving programs continue to be offered to all Ventura Water customers:

• Purchase a high efficiency toilet, with a gallons per flush rating of 1.1 or less, and we will rebate you $100. You can purchase up to two toilets per account and receive a $200 rebate.
• Purchase a high efficiency washing machine (see list of qualifying models) and receive a $150 rebate.
• Receive a free Instant Hot Water Recirculating Pump!

Complete program applications on our website and submit all required documents by mail or email.

Visit our Rebates & Incentives page to learn about all our water saving programs.

• Lead Plant Operator lll/lV
• Lead Water Distribution Operator lll/lV 
• Water Distribution Supervisor

View current employment opportunities with the City of Ventura here. 

The public is invited to join us in-person for the upcoming Water Commission Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ventura City Hall, Community Meeting Room, Second Floor.

Click here for meeting agendas and more information.