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The Tapia Water Reclamation Facility and Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility have been named "Plant of the Year" by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Los Angeles Basin Section.

"This is an outstanding honor," said Carlos Reyes, Water Reclamation Manager for Tapia and Rancho. "Every day, staff at our facilities strive for excellence. I’m pleased and proud that CWEA has chosen to recognize this high level of skill and commitment."

Tapia handles about 9 million gallons of wastewater daily, for 85,000 residents of western Los Angeles and eastern Ventura Counties. Water is separated from solids, then is highly treated to a "tertiary" level—which is certified safe for irrigation, indoor applications like flushing, and other uses. Most other wastewater treatment facilities in the region only treat to a "secondary" level.

Rancho Las Virgenes provides the next step in environmentally progressive wastewater treatment, transforming solids extracted at Tapia into a rich, compost soil amendment.

Reyes added, "Because of our location in the Santa Monica Mountains, Tapia and Rancho operate under strict environmental regulations. From mid-April to mid-November each year, the Tapia facility is not permitted to release any of the tertiary treated water into Malibu Creek. We’re able to comply with this restriction because of the capabilities and commitment of our staff."

Tapia has an excellent history of regulatory compliance. Beyond keeping effluent out of Malibu Creek for seven months each year, the facility has an exceptional operating record.

This is the seventh time Tapia has earned the Los Angeles area’s "Plant of the Year" designation. It has also received the National Award of Excellence from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Having earned the Los Angeles Basin honor, Tapia and Rancho Las Virgenes will now contend for CWEA’s statewide "Plant of the Year."

Tapia and Rancho are operated as a joint venture between Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Triunfo Sanitation District, and are located along Las Virgenes Road, south of the Calabasas city boundary.

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