High altitude snowfall boosts district's water supply
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

Despite Southern California's current drought conditions, public works officials are predicting a positive availability of local water supplies for 2008.

In an informational report presented to the City Council Monday night, Joe Deakin, assistant director of public works, said the city is currently dependent on imported water from outside sources including the State Water Project, the Metropolitan Water District and Calleguas Municipal Water District.

Those agencies, Deakin said, are reporting that greaterthanexpected snowfall in the Sierra Mountains is aiding their water supplies, meaning it's unlikely they will mandate any new conservation measures for the spring.

"Calleguas is currently indicating a positive outlook for this calendar year," Deakin said. "They are predicting that there will not be any urban water conservation measures made mandatory by Calleguas or by Metropolitan (water districts) at this time."

With drought conditions increasing over past years, government officials are becoming more and more concerned with protecting local water supplies.

Although the shortterm supply seems healthy, municipalities are continuously looking for ways to conserve water and tap into other resources, Deakin said.

In order to prepare for potential problems, the Calleguas Municipal Water District- which supplies about 75 percent of the city's water demand of 28.7 million gallons per day- has an Urban Water Management Plan that describes the "14 Best Management Practices" designed to reduce water usage.

The city also plans on making improvements to its local water conservation program by launching a program website, coordinating conservation efforts and joining the California Urban Water Conservation Council- which for a fee assists the city in implementing a proper water management plan.

Deakin said city and water district officials will continue to find alternative ways to supplement the water supply and reduce Simi Valley's dependence on imported water.