Draft Report Recommends Ventura Remain in
Stage 3 Water Shortage Event

In September 2015, Ventura declared a Stage 3 Water Shortage Event and has remained in this stage to date. The 2019 Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR) recommends Ventura continue at this stage . The City recognizes that our region received a significant amount of rain this year. However, a single wet winter will not neutralize the cumulative impacts of consecutive years of below average rainfall.  Additionally, local water supplies continue to be challenged by environmental, regulatory, operational, and legal constraints.

The City’s assessment of local water supply conditions considers a multitude of data specific to the Ventura service area in contrast to the California Drought Monitor which focuses on broad-scale conditions such as rainfall and snowpack. For example, most reports acknowledge reservoirs throughout California have been replenished by recent winter rains but Lake Casitas remains below 50 percent capacity and local groundwater supplies remain limited. As we enter into the summer season please remember the best available supply of water is the one you conserve today! 
Congrats to ATLAS Elementary!
Ventura Water presented ATLAS Elementary School the 2018-2019 Watershed Hero Award for implementing a water wise garden on campus. The garden conserves water, supports pollinators such as birds and bees and provides a beautiful space for students to engage with nature. This project was a collaboration between students, parents and volunteers from local cub scout troops.

Every year, in honor of Earth Day, the City of Ventura recognize schools for their environmental leadership. Green School Award winners received a honorary certificate and a $500 cash prize.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Update

The 45 day review and comment period recently concluded for the Draft Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) for both the proposed State Water Interconnection Project and the Ventura Water Supply Projects, which includes the VenturaWaterPure project.

Staff is currently reviewing and preparing responses to comments. It is anticipated that the Final EIRs will be brought to City Council for certification in late Summer or Fall 2019. Learn more about these future water supply projects at Ventura Water’s website.
Visit Ventura Water at
Earth Day Eco Fest

Plaza Park
Saturday April 27, 2019
10:00 am- 4:00 pm

Visit Ventura Water's booth at Earth Day Eco Fest for free water efficiency giveaways, conservation tips, and more!
Water Wise Trees
Saturday, May 11, 2019
10:00-11:30 am
Maintenance Yard
336 Sanjon Road
RSVP here.

Learn about the importance of trees in a water wise landscape. This class will cover the best varieties plus review tree planting, maintenance, and watering tips and more!
To view current employment opportunities with the City of Ventura visit here . 

Dear Valued Customers,

Understanding our local water supply provides clarity to the question of why is the City of Ventura still in a Water Shortage Event while other areas in the State are not. As a reminder, the City considers local water supply conditions when determining whether a water shortage exists. The City’s three primary sources, Ventura River, Lake Casitas and groundwater basins, continue to be challenged by environmental, regulatory, operational, and legal constraints.
The City of Ventura reviews numerous databases and utilizes multiple resources when evaluating water supply availability from year to year. The Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR) along with the City’s Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan is used to evaluate and determine the City’s water shortage event stage.

In September 2015 Ventura declared a Stage 3 Water Shortage Event and has remained in this stage to date with 20% mandatory conservation and drought rates enacted. Staff presented the 2019 Draft CWRR to Water Commission in March and April, which recommends Ventura continue at this stage through 2019 .  The Final 2019 CWRR will be brought to City Council by the end of June 2019.

On behalf of Ventura Water staff, I would like to extend a sincere “thank you” to Ventura Water customers who continue to do their part in making conservation a way of life. In 2018, customers reduced their water consumption by an annual average of 24% when compared to pre-drought years.

Visit the Rebate and Incentives page to learn more about tools and resources available to equip customers to be more water efficient!
Sincerely,
Susan Rungren
Ventura Water
Interim General Manager
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