As the Santa Monica Mountains rise above our homes and meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay, a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape is formed. At the core lies Malibu Creek, winding its way through the craggy terrain to spill into the Pacific Ocean.

Our lifestyles amid this magnificence carry special obligations to "live lightly upon the land". And, like local residents, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District takes added care in providing services; in keeping with the environmental sensitivity of the region we serve. This care is reflected in our daily operations, programs, added monitoring and stewardship, and ongoing commitment to watershed partnerships.

Long before other utilities even thought of recycling, as early as the 1970s LVMWD was at work to replace imported, potable water with recycled water for irrigation. Today, 20% of water served by LVMWD is highly treated wastewater used for public irrigation. LVMWD’s network of recycled water lines has more miles of pipe per capita than any water agency in California.

Continuing LVMWD’s commitment to re-using waste products, Rancho Las Virgenes facility was constructed in the early 1990s to transform solids from wastewater treatment into rich, organic compost. Acres of waste material are kept from landfills and beneficially used on the land.

Water recycling has been a great success in our watershed. Mid summer, every drop of the 9-million gallons of recycled water available daily is used to irrigate public landscapes. In 1997 this achievement became a mandate as a result of environmental regulations that prohibit recycled water from flowing to Malibu Creek from April 15 to November 15 each year. Compliance is challenging during cool, overcast periods—common in spring and fall. Alternatives to creek discharge for 7 months cost over $1/2 million annually. In addition, LVMWD has continued to upgrade and adjust wastewater facility processes with new technology to comply with nutrient reduction requirements at an additional cost of more than $750,000.

LVMWD maintains an active leadership role on the Malibu Creek Watershed Advisory Council. Knowing sound science can provide the best prescription for ongoing health of our watershed, LVMWD has invested over $1,000,000 to support research projects within Malibu Creek. Such studies include: Santa Monica Bay Epidemiological Study, a groundbreaking health-effects study of bathers in Santa Monica Bay; and the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Study, where LVMWD stepped in to close the funding gap to focus in on human pathogens.

Helping local residents learn about the value of the watershed and their personal role in its viability, LVMWD joined local cities and organizations to support distribution of Living Lightly in Our Watershed, a guide to daily actions and choices for watershed stewardship. Free copies are available, while supplies last, by contacting LVMWD at 818.251.2100.

Conservation is critical in our region, since all water we use at home must be imported. LVMWD offers many programs with water conservation in mind.

Customers can receive free low-flow showerheads, rebates on low-flow toilets and high efficiency clothes washers, plus other items for commercial use.

LVMWD offers free workshops to learn about native plants, water efficient landscape design, and waterwise irrigation. Free on-site surveys conducted by trained District staff help customers assess water use at their property and how landscape or irrigation changes can conserve water and money.

Landscaping at the Agoura-Calabasas Community Center, sponsored by LVMWD, provides real-life examples of waterwise plantings and irrigation.

Malibu Creek Watershed offers exceptional natural variety and beauty. It sustains not only our personal quality of life, but also the long-term viability of plant and animal species whose home we have chosen to share. LVMWD recognizes and values the special nature of the region, and operates in keeping with the unique environment we serve.