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Facts about the District

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General Overview and History

The Ventura River Water District (VRWD), organized under the Water Code (§30000 – 33901) was established on August 14, 1956. As different areas and neighborhoods developed, a fragmented system of water providers developed. VRWD knitted together these small water systems developed from 6 small mutual water companies and water districts.

The service area encompasses approximately 3.3 square miles or 2,103 acres and serves a population of approximately 6,100 through 2,190 connections. VRWD provides potable water for residential, commercial and industrial uses. VRWD does not serve agricultural water. VRWD is a water producer and retailer for the Casitas Springs, Live Oak Acres, Oak View, Mira Monte areas, as well a portion of the City of Ojai.

VRWD’s water supply consists primarily of 81% groundwater from the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Basin, with the remaining 19% supply consisting of surface water from Lake Casitas and delivered by way of Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD).

When the Upper Ventura River Aquifer is full, it holds about a two-year supply of water. If there is insufficient rain in two consecutive 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).

VRWD stives to maximize the use of its groundwater resources to ensure a long-term water supply.

CMWD’s most recent Urban Water Management Plan can be found here:

2020 UWMP Casitas Municipal Water District

LAFCO Website

The Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) was formed and operates under the provisions of state law, specifically what is now known as the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. (California Government Code Section 56000 et seq.). State law provides for LAFCos to be formed as independent agencies in each county in California. LAFCos implement state law requirements and state and local policies relating to boundary changes for cities and most special districts, including spheres of influence, incorporations, annexations, reorganizations and other changes of organization. In this capacity the Ventura LAFCo is the boundary agency for cities and most special districts in Ventura County.

Ventura River Water District’s – Municipal Service Review 

Recent District Wide Water Usage (pumped and purchased):

VRWD Water Usage 2001 to 2021

District Boundary

Boundary Map 2019 VRWD

Historic Ground Water Levels

Aquifer Levels 2010 – current

Company History & Major Events
  • 27, 1941: Ventura County Water Works District #4 was formed in Casitas Springs.
  • 13, 1948: Skyline Mutual Water Company articles of incorporation prepared.
  • 19, 1948: SMWC articles filed with California Secretary of State.
  • 25, 1948: SMWC articles filed with County of Ventura, and by-law’s enacted at first meeting.
  • July 1949: Sparks Well was drilled. See Annual Recordation File for details.
  • 15, 1949: Live Oaks Acres Mutual Water Company approved their sale to Ventura County Water Works District #7.
  • 30, 1951: Special meeting authorized sale and conveyance of SMWC to Ventura River Mutual Water Company by transfer of equal shares of stock.
  • 17, 1951: Final dissolution meeting of Skyline Mutual Water Company.
  • 14, 1956: Ventura River County Water District was formed at first meeting and operated VRMWC under a lease agreement.
  • 21, 1959: VRCWD bought VRMWD for $150,000. Numerous deeds from VRMWC and SMWC were accepted by VRCWD.
  • 16, 1962: Matilija Ranch drilled a well outside VRCWD Baldwin yard.
  • 15, 1963: Easement given to So. Cal. Edison to Matilija well by VRCWD.
  • 17, 1963: Garman resigned as District Counsel.
  • 21, 1963: Dixon engaged as new District Counsel.
  • Aug 1964: 1,026 active service connections.
  • Feb 1968: VRCWD agreed to handle Ventura County Waterworks Districts #4 & #7 maintenance.
  • 12, 1969: Sparks well collapsed at 120’ to 150’.
  • 18, 1969: Midway Drilling gave $14,777 contract to drill well #3. It was put into service in November
  • July 20, 1971: New line completed across the Ventura River at Highway 150 bridge.
  • 21, 1972: Sheriff’s Honor Farm water connection installed.
  • 15, 1963: Easement given to So. Cal. Edison to Matilija well by VRCWD.
  • Jun 20, 1972: Harold B. Parker appointed as Director of VRCWD.
  • 1976: City of San Buenaventura claims rights to 6,000 A. F. from the Ventura River.
  • 1976: 10th line on Old Baldwin Road is completed.
  • 25, 1977: John R. Curtis voted Director of VRCWD replacing Peacock.
  • Jan 1,1979: Ventura County Water Works Districts #4 & #7 were conveyed to the Ventura River County Water District.
  • May 16, 1985: Lindsay F. Nielson appointed as District Counsel.
  • 6, 1985: Marvin L. Hanson appointed as Director of VRCWD.
  • May 6, 1986: Donald S. Colvin appointed as Director of VRCWD.
  • 10, 1987: Gene Daffern appointed as Director of VRCWD.
  • 20, 1989: Ed E. Lee appointed as Director of VRCWD replacing Colvin.
  • 14, 1994: Eddie P. Ramseyer appointed as Director of VRCWD replacing Daffern.
  • 1997: Baldwin Tank #1 Constructed and Alto tank replaced with two new 753,000 gallon tanks
  • 3, 2001: General Manager Chuck Curtis Retired.
  • Dec 12, 2001: Chuck Curtis appointed as Director replacing Parker.
  • May 16, 1985: Lindsay F. Nielson appointed as District Counsel.
  • 2001: 530,000 gallon Parker tank and booster station constructed.
  • Sep 11, 2002: Tom Jamison appointed as Director replacing Chuck Curtis.
  • January, 2006: Installed 12″ dia. Directional Drill Water Main from Valley Meadow Dr to Encino
  • May 8, 2013: Bruce W. Kuebler appointed as Director replacing Eddie P. Ramseyer
  • June 1st, 2016: Peggy Wiles appointed as Director replacing Thomas Jamison
  • June 17,2020: Nathan Rosser appointed Director replacing Marvin Hanson