It is potentially one of the most costly issues facing Santa Clarita Valley taxpayers: Significant concentrations of chlorides in the Santa Clara River, which have prompted regional government agencies to consider the construction of costly filtration plants to remove the chlorides and protect downstream crops.

What does this mean to you?

The Valley Industry Association will seek answers at its monthly luncheon Wednesday, when a panel of experts will provide updates and answer questions about this important issue.

“The chloride issue could potentially affect the pocketbooks of every family and every business in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said VIA CEO/President Kathy Norris. “Our goal with this luncheon and panel discussion is to provide information and help inform our members and the community at large about the status of this issue, and the potential costs and options.”

The luncheon is scheduled 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Valencia Country Club, 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia, and reservations are required. Those who reserve by Friday pay $45. Non-members and those reserving after Friday pay $50 if seats are still available. Those who attend without a reservation will pay an additional $10. Reservations can be made by calling the VIA office at (661) 294-8088, or through the VIA website: https://www.via.org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?id=205

Panelists scheduled to participate include: Phil Friess of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; Dan Masnada, general manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency; Jim Holt of The Signal newspaper; and Robert Newman from the City of Santa Clarita.

“We’re looking forward to an informative discussion,” Norris said, “and we’re telling everyone who attends to make sure to bring their questions!”

The luncheon’s sponsors include Mellady Direct Marketing, the City of Santa Clarita, Poole & Shaffery, L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services Inc., SCVTV and KHTS.

The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, providing members the opportunity to network and collaborate on a broad range of business issues. More information about VIA is available at www.via.org.