SCV Water’s first biennial budget supports a commitment to sustainable watershed management, construction of new infrastructure and maintenance of existing infrastructure, and responsible management of resources.

These key initiatives and activities highlight the increased efficiencies of the new Agency and provide the opportunity to better serve our customers.

The budget was approved by the SCV Water Board of Directors in May and takes effect on July 1.

“Over the next two years, SCV Water will comply with new state mandates, integrate technology throughout the new Agency and lay the groundwork for regional watershed management and increased recycled water usage,” stated Board President Bill Cooper. “This budget reflects the objectives we need to accomplish to help the Agency become a best-in-class water service provider.”

Key initiatives and activities under this budget include:
 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Per the state mandate, SCV Water will invest about $1 million of the $3.1 million total project cost to develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) that must be completed by 2022.

 Technology Improvements. SCV Water will invest an estimated $1.95 million on improving mobile technology, network hardware replacements and an integrated phone system, as SCV Water continues to merge four agencies into one, and upgrade and standardize technology throughout.

 Regional Watershed Approach. SCV Water will invest $450,000 on projects focused on stewardship of the Santa Clara River System to ensure reliability and sustainability of the water sources, as well as the preservation of the watershed and environment.

 Recycled Water Program. SCV Water will continue to invest in planning, design and construction of recycled water projects, including $3.1 million to expand recycled water service from the Vista Canyon project.

 Water Conservation and Education Garden. SCV Water plans to invest about $1 million to refurbish the existing garden at the Rio Vista Water Treatment Plant, and explore a “pocket park” idea in other areas of the community.

Budget Highlights
Both the FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21 budget are balanced and maintain existing levels of
service. Budget highlights include:

FY 2019/20
Total Budget: $159.4 million
Capital improvements (regional and retail): $58.5 million

FY 2020/21
Total Budget: $165.8 million
Capital improvements (regional and retail): $55.7 million

“Our goal is to be transparent with our customers. Our strategic planning process establishes the goals and the budget provides the resources for accomplishing the goals,” said Eric Campbell, chief financial and administrative officer.

The biennial FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21 budget is posted at www.yourSCVwater.com.

The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) is a full-service regional water agency located in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV Water provides water service to approximately 72,000 business and residential customers. It was formed on January 1, 2018 when local water suppliers combined into one integrated, regional water provider. More information can be found at www.YourSCVwater.com.