Courtesy photo.
OAK PARK — In the face of California’s persistent drought and COVID-related restrictions, Triunfo Water & Sanitation District undertook community outreach and customer cost-saving programs throughout 2021 that will continue in 2022. The district also took steps to become a fully independent organization in the new year. And, through their Joint Powers Authority partnership, Triunfo and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District opened the Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility to visitors.
Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility Open To Visitors
Triunfo Water & Sanitation District supplies about 2 million gallons of recycled water each day for irrigation of parks, school grounds, and greenbelt areas within its service area. Plans are progressing that will greatly expand the amount and use of recycled water in the district. When completed in 2030, the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Pure Water Project will produce 1.6 billion gallons of locally sourced drinking water available to customers annually.
In 2021, the Pure Water Project earned two industry awards for recognition of the work completed so far–the Association of California Water Agencies’ WasteReuse Award and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies’ Award of Excellence in Innovation and Resiliency.
Last year, Triunfo and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District began offering public tours of their joint Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility in Calabasas. To schedule a visit and to learn more about the project, go to www.triunfowsd.com.
Independent District Status
Since 1977, Triunfo Water & Sanitation District has been providing its services through a contract with Ventura Regional Sanitation District. In 2020, the board voted to bring those services in-house and become a fully independent organization. Administrative staff was hired in 2021 and field management and operations staff recruitment is underway. Triunfo plans to move to a local office within its service area later this year.
Customer Cost Savings & Education Opportunities
Triunfo Water & Sanitation District continued to offer rebates for water-efficient appliances, smart irrigation controllers, rain barrels, and other devices in 2021. Turf rebates through the Metropolitan Water District increased from $2 to $3 per square foot. Last year, the Triunfo board of directors authorized a customer assistance program for eligible water customers. A wastewater customer assistance program will be introduced in 2022.
Details about rebates, customer assistance programs, and future water-related educational workshops are available on the Triunfo website.
“Even with December rains, the drought will continue to be the main water story in 2022,” says Leon Shapiro, Triunfo Board Chair. “The directors implemented Stage 1 of our Water Shortage Contingency Plan in September. Looking ahead, additional restrictions on outdoor watering may be required depending on supply conditions. Our potable water customers in Oak Park have done a great job reducing their water usage. We need to continue to remain water-use vigilant in 2022.”
About Triunfo Water & Sanitation District
Triunfo Water & Sanitation District provides sewage collection services and wastewater treatment, supplies potable water, and treats and sells recycled water in the southeastern portion of Ventura County, including the communities of Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, Bell Canyon, and the Westlake Village and North Ranch portions of Thousand Oaks. The district covers approximately 50 square miles and serves a population of about 33,000. Visit www.triunfowsd.com.