General Manager's Message

Ventura is a coastal city between two rivers and our water sources (Ventura River, Lake Casitas and three local groundwater basins) are strongly impacted by climate conditions and the shifts in temperature and weather patterns that have occurred. In addition, our water supply is subject to legal and regulatory challenges that limit when and how much we can use each source. Historically, new water resources have been explored when drought conditions persist, and then cost estimates come in high and it rains. Ventura Water is committed to ensure that we continue with plans to augment and increase water supply, so that we can continue to grow and provide economic sustainability now and in the future.

The City has a big investment to make in our water future and it is difficult to ask the community to dig deep and pay more on their monthly bill, but the future of our water supply will be more secure if we do. We will be better prepared for the next drought or emergency that will threaten our water supplies. By continuing with VenturaWaterPure we will ensure the City stays in compliance with the law, maintains environmental stewardship, and provide it with a new water source that is independent of climate change. It is expensive, but the alternative of not pursuing that is more so.

Our customers have done their part by achieving up to 30% water use reduction each month and we owe it to you to invest in a sustainable, resilient water supply. We are committed to finding the most efficient and economical way to provide essential water and wastewater services. Ventura Water will continue to look for funding resources to provide relief to the rate payer and explore options in financing that will offer gradual increases in cost. Costs are increasing in every aspect of life, but the increase in the water and wastewater rates bring with it a new water supply and infrastructure—it is not just a cost, it is a buy-in to Ventura’s future.

Respectfully,

Gina Dorrington

Notice of Rate Increase

Over the course of eight public meetings and nearly a year of deliberation, the Water Commission, in partnership with City staff and a third-party financial consultant, underwent an extensive water and wastewater rate study to evaluate the City’s water rate tiers, water shortage rates, wastewater rate structure, and financing options for major projects. On May 17, 2021, after the Public Hearing for Water and Wastewater Rate Adjustments, Ventura City Council unanimously approved five-year water and wastewater rate increases.

Ventura Water is dedicated to providing reliable water services, investing in the maintenance and improvement of its vital infrastructure and equipping residents to be drought resilient. Rate increases will support both daily operation and maintenance of the City’s existing water and wastewater systems, along with approximately 36 planned capital improvement projects, including the long-anticipated State Water Interconnection Project and VenturaWaterPure Program.

A rate increase will become effective July 1, 2024, to account for increased costs to operate and maintain the water and wastewater systems. All bills after July 1, 2024 will reflect the new rates; there will be no proration between the old and new rates. For more information, reference the 2021 Cost of Service and Rate Design Study at www.venturawater.net.

Water Treatment/Production Manager Ignacio Rodriguez-June 2024

Ventura Water - In Focus

This month we will complete our journey focusing on the people and systems working to fulfill Ventura Water’s mission of providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the community. Appropriately, the last group we will focus on is the Management Team because they are where the buck stops. In successful organizations the leaders need to make tough decisions and take responsibility for them, and so employers seek to fill those chairs with the best, as does Ventura Water.

There are ten positions in Ventura Water’s management team: water utility billing manager, water resources manager, principal engineer, wastewater utility manager, water distribution manager, water treatment/production manager, assistant general manager for water resources, assistant general manager for operations and general manager. Each is responsible for an integral part of an enterprise upon which the health and safety of a community relies. This includes managing large projects and complex systems, maintaining fiscal responsibility, implementing new policies, adjusting to changes in regulations and dealing with personnel issues and legal issues. And managers need to know where and how to concentrate their energy and that of the workforce. But playing such important roles, water utility managers also have a great source of job satisfaction because they help provide a life sustaining product. Ventura Water managers know their work matters and that by striving for progress they are making a difference. Together they direct the second largest team in the City, behind the police department.

Our featured staff person, Water Treatment/Production Manager Ignacio Rodriguez said, generally speaking his job is to oversee his group to make sure the processes are working, that things are getting done and to provide help when needed. To successfully do so requires meeting several regulations and reporting to many agencies including the State Water Resources Control Board’s Department of Drinking Water, the EPA, Cal/OSHA, and others. Each agency has its own reporting requirements that must be submitted at specific intervals. Water quality monitoring is done around the clock, with some markers analyzed every 15 minutes. Ignacio relies on his eighteen-person team of highly trained water professionals, covering Ventura’s three potable water facilities, and all City water booster stations and wells. He is aware of the heaviest responsibility on the shoulders of Ventura Water’s General Manager, and so another important role for Ignacio is to support her and give her all the help he can.

Ignacio’s career path is a tale of embracing opportunities and following them up with hard work. He started in the City of Ventura 27 years ago as a parks worker but soon afterward his position was outsourced. But the water department, a field in which he had no experience, had an opening in a starting position as a utility maintenance worker and he went for it. Since the water and wastewater profession has a certification process where each step of advancement requires study and on-the- job experience, someone who is willing to put in the time and effort can advance. Fast forward to 2024 and Ignacio has earned the highest certifications in water distribution and water treatment. He has also earned associate’s degrees in both water and wastewater science.

When asked about a particular challenge he’s faced Ignacio referenced his career path and the jump from lead worker, to supervisor, to manager in a short period of time. With its own lingo and level of collaboration, it took time for Ignacio to feel comfortable in that setting. Some of his favorite things about his job are also some of the most important responsibilities. As a manager for a water utility, he must stay on top of things, make sure regulations are adhered to, keep worker and customer safety paramount, and ensure drinking water standards are met or exceeded. Ignacio also likes to learn, to mentor, and to lead with honesty and integrity.

This is the last stop of the journey through Ventura Water, begun in January 2023. Hopefully it has been an interesting and educational look at the staff and systems at work to provide a necessity of life to Ventura’s community and give reliable water and wastewater service to its rate payers. To read the entire series go to our newsletter archive on our website.

Gardening Series

Come join us for a fun, free and informative class all about gardening with edible native plants! Learn how to incorporate delicious California natives into your meals while supporting local biodiversity. This class will feature expert tips, native plant recipe sampling, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable gardening practices. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and your food in a whole new way! Register here.

Biosolids

After biological treatment and dewatering, biosolids are the solid waste product produced at the end of the wastewater treatment cycle. But did you know we can turn this waste product into a valuable resource? Biosolids can be composted and turned into rich fertilizers. However, they can become contaminated when pollutants or hazardous wastes are sent down our sewer pipes. When pharmaceuticals, household chemicals or used motor oil make their way into biosolids they can end up in the environment, contaminating groundwater and surface waters. Contamination also has the potential to increase disposal costs. Instead of sending pollutants down the drain let’s keep our biosolids clean, never flush hazardous waste and remember to only flush the 3 P’s- pee, poo and (toilet) paper.

For more information, please visit our Think Before You Flush webpage.

Available Now-Consumer Confidence Report

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that provides a snapshot of where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.

The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available in English and Spanish here. You may request a printed version by contacting Customer Care at myvtawater@cityofventura.ca.gov or 805-667-6500.

Attention landlords, businesses, schools and other groups: Please share this information with tenants, students and other water users at your location.

Ventura Water is committed to delivering a safe and reliable supply of drinking water that meets or exceeds all water quality and health standards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

VenturaWaterPure Construction Updates