Before a national audience in Florida, Robert J. Moresi of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), applauded Las Virgenes Municipal Water District’s "leadership in water resources management by achieving an unmatched level of eminence in preserving and protecting water quality in the Malibu Creek Watershed." The Csallany Award for Exemplary Contributions to Water Resources Management, the highest recognition granted by AWRA, was awarded to LVMWD, selected from a national pool of applications.
LVMWD provides water services with great care to minimize impacts on the spectacular natural environment of its service area. Efforts spread over two decades were cited for the award, including the District’s adoption of high levels of treatment for wastewater that makes possible the extensive use of recycled water for irrigating commercial properties and public lands. This strong commitment to recycled water has reduced by 20 percent the demand for potable supplies that were formerly used for irrigation.
The Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility, among the first of its type in the nation, converts solids from wastewater into beneficial garden compost, while at the same time diverting tons of material that formerly went to landfills.
The District devotes significant resources to continually upgrade facilities and operations, to reduce the impact of 85,000 local residents on the watershed. LVMWD has contributed to research studies and programs to help the watershed, most recently endangered species preservation, Malibu Lagoon restoration and ongoing Malibu Creek water quality monitoring.
Beyond its facilities, the District cooperates with local schools to provide educational programs that encourage young people to value water and develop lifelong conservation habits. Adults are offered free workshops on conservation and waterwise gardening. Water conservation programs are promoted at community events and a speaker’s bureau carries messages of conservation and environmental awareness to service clubs, chambers of commerce and homeowner groups.
"It is a wonderful honor to have our active role in Malibu Creek stewardship recognized at the national level," said John R. Mundy, LVMWD General Manager. |
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