Water District Seeks Alternative Ideas to Storage Tank Project

The following is a press release from the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.

 Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is soliciting ideas from the public for alternatives to the construction of a proposed 5-million gallon storage tank to be built at the District’s reservoir site in Westlake Village. 

Intended to address a storage deficiency in the potable water system, the 5-million gallon tank is projected to cost nearly $9 million to construct. Some members of the public feel the project could be eliminated through conservation measures and/or alternatives that may not have been considered. 

In directing staff to seek alternatives to the project, the LVMWD Board of Directors expressed a desire to investigate “outside the box” suggestions that may merit additional consideration based on their creativity, feasibility, cost, ability to meet regulatory standards, sustainability, the expected level of public support and the amount of customer action required. 

Five judges will evaluate each submission using these criteria. Project suggestions must be received at LVMWD Headquarters in Calabasas by 5 p.m. on Friday September 6. 

 “We welcome the opportunity to review innovative approaches as alternatives to the storage tank project,” said David W. Pedersen, LVMWD’s general manager. “Our objective is to provide reliable service under a wide range of conditions, including emergencies, in a manner that is cost-effective and compliant with all regulations.” 

The top-scoring entries will receive recognition from the LVMWD Board and publicity on the merits of the submitted ideas. 

“LVMWD takes pride in the close relationship it has with its customers,” Pedersen said. “This call for alternative ideas opens the door for creative thoughts that can come from students, academics, adults, retired workers, engineers, designers or others who may identify a project or strategy that fulfills our objectives.” 

The “Call for Suggestions” is not restricted to LVMWD customers. “It could prove to be an exciting and challenging project for a class of engineering students,” Pedersen said. 

The District has already investigated a number of concepts, including alternate sites, demand management measures, interconnections with other agencies or maintaining the status quo. Participants are encouraged to review information on these alternative concepts, as an innovative twist to an existing idea may prove to be valuable. 

Parties interested in submitting a suggestion should review the criteria found on the District’s website, www.LVMWD.com. 

LVMWD provides potable water to residents of the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and adjacent unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.