Freeman Diversion Fish Screen PROTECT – CONSERVE – COLLABORATE Governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, United Water Conservation District manages, protects, conserves and enhances the region’s water supply. Through careful monitoring and management, we maintain the water resources of the Santa Clara River, its tributaries and associated aquifers, in an environmentally balanced manner. Situated in central Ventura County, California, the District encompasses the fertile Santa Clara River Valley and Oxnard Coastal Plain, a 214,000-acre area that typically receives from 12 to 20 inches of rainfall each year. DISTRICT MAP At United, we are dedicated to thinking outside the box and forming unique partnerships to ensure the local water system is sustainable for years to come. We are committed to conserving existing water supplies, securing new resources and managing water sources through groundwater replenishment and the construction and operation of efficient supply and delivery systems. United conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River within the District, including Piru, Hopper, Sespe, and Santa Paula Creeks. Without these efforts, much of this water would simply flow out to sea. Through monitoring and innovative, responsible best practices, we are able to replenish area aquifers with nearly 100,000 acre-feet of water in an average year – enough to provide close to 200,000 families with water for one year. We are committed to financial transparency, accountability and open communication. Our financial reports are available as part of our Transparency page. TRANSPARENCY HISTORY Originally formed as the Santa Clara Water Conservation District in 1927, voters approved the formation of United Water Conservation District in 1950. From the beginning, United has distinguished itself as a leader among water agencies by conserving and enhancing water resources of the Santa Clara River while working to protect the river’s natural features. Over the years, United has constructed numerous facilities, pipelines, and recharge basins – including the Santa Felicia Dam, Lake Piru Reservoir and Freeman Diversion – to enhance the local water system and maintain sustainable water management. Today, we continue to serve as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, as well as Naval Base Ventura County and several mutual water districts, farms and individual pumpers. We also provide surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Saticoy Recharge Basin 1860 Early settlers began farming the Oxnard Plain. 1925 Santa Clara River Protective Association (SCRPA) formed to retain control of Santa Clara River water resources. 1928 SCWCD recharged 360,000 acre-feet of groundwater over the next 25 years. 1930’s High chloride levels were detected in groundwater beneath the Oxnard Plain, around the Hueneme and Magu submarine canyons. Special districts are local government agencies that provide essential services to millions of Californians. These districts are formed and governed by local residents to establish or enhance essential services and infrastructure in their communities. Each special district focuses on providing specific types of services. It is this focused service that allows for innovation and long-term planning to meet the community’s needs. There are approximately 2,300 independent special districts in California, meaning they are governed by an independent board of directors elected by the districts’ voters or appointed to a fixed term of office by either the city council or board of supervisors. Dependent districts are governed by other existing legislative bodies like a city councilor board of supervisors. Larger independent districts have a professional manager, similar to a city manager or county administrator, to assist the governing officials. The governing boards adopt policies that the general managers carry out. Just over a quarter of California’s independent special districts are enterprise districts. Enterprise districts operate more like a business enterprise, charging customers for their services. For example, a hospital district charges room fees just to their patients, not the district’s other residents. Water districts charge water rates to their customers. Virtually all water, waste and hospital districts are enterprise districts. Special districts are primarily accountable to the voters who elect their boards of directors and the customers who use their services. However, although they are not functions of the state, the state also provides critical oversight to special district operations. Special districts must submit annual financial reports to the state and must also follow state laws pertaining to public meetings, bonded debt, record keeping and elections. To learn more, please visit districtsmakethedifference.org. California Special Districts Association Mapping Program Please click here for the California Special Districts Association Mapping Program. United Water Conservation District works to maximize the water resources of the Santa Clara Valley and Oxnard Plain, utilizing the surface flow of the Santa Clara River and its tributaries for replenishment of groundwater. Enough water to supply the City of Oxnard for the next 100 years (more than 3 million acre-feet) has been reintroduced to the aquifers via this system. Many strategies and facilities have been developed over the years to meet regional water demands while aiming to reverse groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers, as well as meet the increased need to provide water for environmental purposes. VIEW FACILITIES MAP WELL REGISTRATION California State Water Code requires all water wells within the boundaries of United Water Conservation District to be registered with both the District and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Wells are registered with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The Ventura County Watershed Protection District issues permits on behalf of DWR. In addition, groundwater production statements from each well are filed by the pumper on a semi-annual basis with the SWRCB. With this information, United is able to maintain records of water usage throughout the District. Pumping of all individual water wells within the District must be reported to United. This requirement helps maintain accurate water usage figures. An extensive network of monitoring wells is used to measure water levels and test water quality throughout the District. Funds generated by pump charges are used to operate projects within the District that benefit the entire region. VIEW OUR DISTRICT POLICY Freeman Diversion Cresting CLICK HERE TO VIEW GOVERNANCE United Water Conservation District 1701 North Lombard Street, Suite 200 Oxnard CA, 93030 Phone: (805) 525-4431 | Fax: (805) 525-2661 Select Language Arabic Chinese (Simplified) Dutch English French German Italian Portuguese Russian Spanish We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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