Facts about the District
The District serves about 5,700 persons through about 2,150 connections. The area served is about 3.3 square miles or 2,103 acres. Our customers include residential, commercial and industrial. The District does not serve agricultural water.
Recent District Wide Water Usage (pumped and purchased):
2017/2018 = 821 AF
2016/2017 = 782 AF
2015/2016 = 867 AF
2014/2015 = 1,023 AF
2013/2014 = 1,412 AF
Historic Ground water levels
General Overview and History
The District is a water producer and retailer for the Casitas Springs, Live Oak Acres, Los Encinos, Oak View and Mira Monte area of the Ojai Valley and a portion of the City of Ojai. It serves a population of approximately 5,700 through 2,180 connections. The District provides water treatment, domestic water service and fire service mainly from groundwater sources.
Water service in the Ojai Valley developed in a fragmented way as different areas and neighborhoods developed. The Ventura River Water District was formed on August 14, 1956, and this new District knitted together systems developed by 6 small mutual water companies and water districts which served the Casitas Springs, Mira Monte, Live Oak Acres, Los Encinos and Oak View unincorporated areas. Subsequent annexation by the City of Ojai of some of this territory led to the District serving a small part of the City.
The Ventura River Water District is supplied by four water wells drilled 230 to 300 feet deep into the Upper Ventura River Sub-basin aquifer. These groundwater wells are located near the Ventura River about 2,000 feet upstream of the Baldwin Road bridge.
The District has four active Casitas water turnouts to receive treated surface water from Lake Casitas. Customers in Casitas Springs, and Rio Via and Monte Via in Oak View receive Lake Casitas Water at all times. All other customers may receive Lake Casitas surface water if the District wells need repair or the aquifer goes dry due to drought. A blend of surface and ground water is delivered on those occasions.
When full, the Upper Ventura River Aquifer holds about a two year supply of water. If there is insufficient rain after the two years then the District must begin utilizing water from Lake Casitas. Lake Casitas is designed for a 21 year drought (the longest drought on record) and relies upon our District to maximize the use of ground water to make it through the design 21 year drought.
PRIOR WATER COMPANIES AND HISTORY OF MAJOR EVENTS
Ventura County Water Works District #4 was formed in Casitas Springs.
Skyline Mutual Water Company articles of incorporation prepared.
SMWC articles filed with California Secretary of State.
SMWC articles filed with County of Ventura, and by-law’s enacted at first meeting.
Sparks Well was drilled. See Annual Recordation File for details.
Live Oaks Acres Mutual Water Company approved their sale to Ventura County Water Works District #7.
Special meeting authorized sale and conveyance of SMWC to Ventura River Mutual Water Company by transfer of equal shares of stock.
Final dissolution meeting of Skyline Mutual Water Company.
Ventura River County Water District was formed at first meeting and operated VRMWC under a lease agreement.
VRCWD bought VRMWD for $150,000. Numerous deeds from VRMWC and SMWC were accepted by VRCWD.
Matilija Ranch drilled a well outside VRCWD Baldwin yard.
Easement given to So. Cal. Edison to Matilija well by VRCWD.
Garman resigned as District Counsel.
Dixon engaged as new District Counsel.
1,026 active service connections.
VRCWD agreed to handle Ventura County Waterworks Districts #4 & #7 maintenance.
Sparks well collapsed at 120’ to 150’.
Midway Drilling gave $14,777 contract to drill well #3. It was put into service in November
New line completed across the Ventura River at Highway 150 bridge.
Sheriff’s Honor Farm water connection installed.
Easement given to So. Cal. Edison to Matilija well by VRCWD.
Harold B. Parker appointed as Director of VRCWD.
City of San Buenaventura claims rights to 6,000 A. F. from the Ventura River.
10th line on Old Baldwin Road is completed.
John R. Curtis voted Director of VRCWD replacing Peacock.
Ventura County Water Works Districts #4 & #7 were conveyed to the Ventura River County Water District.
Lindsay F. Nielson appointed as District Counsel.
Marvin L. Hanson appointed as Director of VRCWD.
Donald S. Colvin appointed as Director of VRCWD.
Gene Daffern appointed as Director of VRCWD.
Ed E. Lee appointed as Director of VRCWD replacing Colvin.
Eddie P. Ramseyer appointed as Director of VRCWD replacing Daffern.
Baldwin Tank #1 Constructed
Alto tank replaced with two new 753,000 gallon tanks
General Manager Chuck Curtis Retired.
Chuck Curtis appointed as Director replacing Parker.
Lindsay F. Nielson appointed as District Counsel.
530,000 gallon Parker tank and booster station constructed.
Tom Jamison appointed as Director replacing Chuck Curtis.
Installed 12″ dia. Directional Drill Water Main from Valley Meadow Dr to Encino
Bruce W. Kuebler appointed as Director replacing Eddie P. Ramseyer
Peggy Wiles elected to the Board of Directors