TWSD MSR 2022 02 16

Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Municipal Service Review Prepared By: Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission 801 S. Victoria Avenue, Suite 301 Ventura, CA 93003 Accepted by the Commission on February 16, 2022 Table of Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Maps .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Profile ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Growth and Population Projections .................................................................................................. 6 Review of Municipal Services ............................................................................................................ 7 Sphere of Influence .......................................................................................................................... 11 Written Determinations................................................................................................................... 12 Introduction Purpose of the Municipal Service Review Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos) exist in each county in California and were formed for the purpose of administering state law and local policies relating to the establishment and revision of local government boundaries. According to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (California Government Code § 56000 et seq.), LAFCo’s purposes are to: • discourage urban sprawl; • preserve open space and prime agricultural land; • ensure efficient provision of government services; and • encourage the orderly formation and development of local agencies. To achieve these purposes, LAFCos are responsible for coordinating logical and timely changes in local government boundaries (such as annexations), conducting special studies that identify ways to reorganize and streamline governmental structure, and determining a sphere of influence for each city and special district over which they have authority. A sphere of influence is a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by LAFCo (Government Code § 56076). Beginning in 2001, each LAFCo was required to review, and as necessary, update the sphere of each city and special district on or before January 1, 2008, and every five years thereafter (Government Code § 56425(g)). Government Code § 56430(a) provides that in order to determine or update a sphere of influence, LAFCo shall prepare a Municipal Service Review (MSR) and make written determinations relating to the following seven factors: 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area. 2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services. 5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities. 6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies. 7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by Commission policy. MSRs are not prepared for counties, but are prepared for special districts including those governed by a county Board of Supervisors. Additionally, while LAFCos are authorized to prepare studies relating to their role as boundary agencies, they have no investigative authority. LAFCo staff prepared this MSR for the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (District) using information obtained from multiple sources, including, but not limited to: Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 1 of 15 • MSR Questionnaire: A questionnaire supplied by LAFCo elicited general information about the District (e.g., contact information, governing body, financial information), as well as service-specific data; • Budget: The adopted budget provided information regarding services and funding levels; • General Plans: The general plans of Ventura County and the City of Thousand Oaks provided information regarding land use, populations, and service levels; • District Documents: Various District documents provided supplementary information relating to service provision; • Historical MSR: The 2004 MSR provided certain data that remain relevant and accurate for inclusion in the current MSR; • District Website: The District’s website provided supplementary and clarifying information; and • District Staff: District staff provided supplementary and clarifying information. Organization of the MSR This report is organized into several sections, as follows: • Maps: A general location map and the official LAFCo map of the District; • Profile: Summary profile of information about the District, including contact information, governing body, summary financial information, and staffing levels; • Growth and Population Projections: Details of past, current, and projected population for the District; • Review of Municipal Services: Discussion of the municipal services that the District provides; • Sphere of Influence: Discussion of the existing sphere of influence of the District and potential modifications to the sphere; and • Written Determinations: Recommended determinations for each of the seven mandatory factors for the District. The Commission’s acceptance of the MSR and adoption of written determinations will be memorialized through the adoption of a resolution that addresses each of the seven mandatory factors based on the Written Determinations section of the MSR. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 2 of 15 Maps Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 3 of 15 Profile The mission of the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (District) is provided as follows: The mission of the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is to meet current and future needs of our customers by providing potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services. We are committed to providing services that are reliable, high quality, cost efficient, and delivered in a customer-friendly manner. The District will judiciously manage its assets and finances, effectively plan for future needs, protect the environment, and work to maintain public trust and confidence. The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District provides: (1) potable water service to the community of Oak Park, (2) recycled water service within and outside its service area, and (3) wastewater collection and treatment services to the communities of Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, and the Westlake Village and North Ranch portions of the City of Thousand Oaks, and (4) wastewater collection for the unincorporated community of Bell Canyon. The District purchases all of its potable water from the Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD). The District was formed in 1963 as the Triunfo County Sanitation District to provide sewer services to the eastern portion of Ventura County, and was until recently known as the Triunfo Sanitation District. On July 1, 2019, its name changed once again to better reflect the services it provides, and it is now known as the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District. Contact Information District Manager Mark Norris District Office 1001 Partridge Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 930031 Mailing Address 1001 Partridge Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003 Phone Number (818) 889-8996 Website triunfowsd.com E-mail Address marknorris@triunfowsd.com Governance Information Formation Date November 12, 1963 Legal Authority Health and Safety Code Section 4700 (County Sanitation District Act) Type of District Independent Board of Directors Five members. Elected at large to staggered, four-year terms of office (elections held in even-numbered years). Board Meetings 4th Monday of most months, beginning at 5:15 p.m., located at 899 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377 (Oak Park Library Film and Lecture Room 102) Services Provided The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is authorized to provide potable water, recycled water, and wastewater collection and treatment services 1 The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District provides water and wastewater services under contract with the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD). Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 4 of 15 Population and Area Information Population2 Area (square miles) Jurisdictional Area 33,112 32.52 Sphere of Influence Area 32,429 20.37 Staffing – Full Time Equivalent Positions3 Executive/Management Professional/Support Operational Total 5 6 0 8 Revenues Expenditures Primary Revenue Sources Primary Expenses Fees/Sales Wastewater treatment, potable and recycled water purchases Service Charges Contract and Professional Services Rental Revenue (Cellular Towers) Other FY 2020-21 Revenues (Budget) FY 2020-21 Expenditures (Budget) $23,612,108 $15,998,750 Public Agencies with Overlapping Jurisdiction Bell Can yon Communi ty Services District Ventura County Fire Protection District Calleguas Municipal Water District Ventura County Resource Conservation District City of Thousand Oaks Ventura County Service Area No. 4 Conejo Recreation and Park District Ventura County Service Area No. 14 Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency Ventura County Service Area No. 32 Gold Coast Transit District Ventura County Transportation Commission Hidden Valley Municipal Water District Ventura County Watershed Protection District Lake Sherwood Community Services District Ventura County Waterworks District No. 17 Metropolitan Water District of Southern Ventura County Waterworks District No. 38 California Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Ventura Regional Sanitation District Ventura County Air Pollution Control District 2 Source: 2010 U.S. Census data 3 The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District currently employs 11 personnel. Beginning on July 1, 2022, TWSD expects that it will have completed its separation from VRSD. At such time, seven additional staff positions will be established (two professional/support positions and 5 operational positions). Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 5 of 15 Growth and Population Projections LAFCo is required to project the growth and population for the affected area (Government Code § 56430(a)(1)). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated 2010 population within the District’s jurisdictional boundary was 33,112 and within its sphere of influence was 32,429. The District estimates a population of 33,455 within both its jurisdictional boundaries and its sphere of influence, which is generally consistent with the U.S. Census estimate. The District’s service area is substantially built out (except for the area consisting of Chesebro/Palo Comado Canyon within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is not expected to be developed); therefore, significant population growth within the District is not anticipated. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 6 of 15 Review of Municipal Services The review of the District’s services is based on provisions of state law which require LAFCo to make determinations regarding the present and planned capacity of public facilities, the adequacy of public services, infrastructure needs and deficiencies, and the District’s financial ability to provide these services (Government Code § 56430(a)(3)). Wastewater Services The District provides wastewater collection and treatment services to the unincorporated communities of Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, and the Westlake Village and North Ranch portions of the City of Thousand Oaks, and wastewater collection for the unincorporated community of Bell Canyon.4 According to the Triunfo Sanitation District Sewer System Management Plan (2009), the District provides service by means of 12,200 sewer connections, and owns a collection system that includes 129 miles of sanitary pipelines, five lift stations, one mile of force mains, and ½ mile of pressure mains. A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) involving the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District and the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD)5 provides the organizational framework that enables operation of facilities to collect and treat wastewater and distribute recycled water to the benefit of both districts. The JPA was originally established in 1964 for the purpose of cooperatively constructing and operating a regional wastewater treatment plant (i.e., Tapia Water Reclamation Facility) located at 731 Malibu Canyon Road near Calabasas, to serve properties within the Malibu Creek watershed. Figure 3: Location of Tapia Water Reclamation Facility (Source: Google Maps (2021) 4 Pursuant to a contract with the City of Los Angeles, wastewater collected within the community of Bell Canyon is discharged into the City of Los Angeles’ sewer system. The conveyance system at the border of Ventura County and Los Angeles County is utilized by means of a contract with the County of Los Angeles. 5 The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is located in Los Angeles County immediately southeast of the border between Ventura County and Los Angeles County. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 7 of 15 The facility’s initial treatment capacity in 1965 was 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD), which has grown to its current capacity of 16 MGD. It currently treats an average of 9.5 MGD. According to the Integrated Master Plan Update for the Joint Powers Authority of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Triunfo Sanitation District (June 2014), roughly two-thirds of the wastewater treated at the facility originates within the LVMWD and one-third of the wastewater originates within the Triunfo WSD. Pursuant to the JPA, capacity rights of the facility are divided accordingly, with LVMWD entitled to 70.6 percent and Triunfo entitled to 29.4 percent, with parties reimbursing each other for overages. The District owns and operates the wastewater facilities within its boundaries, and the JPA owns and operates the shared wastewater trunk lines that traverse the LVMWD boundaries between the District and the wastewater treatment plant. Recycled Water Services The District provides recycled water service within and outside its service area. Wastewater collected by the District is treated at the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility to recycled standards for future beneficial use. Recycled water service relieves demands on the potable water system by providing an alternate water supply source for limited non-potable uses. Through the JPA, the District provides recycled water within its jurisdiction for fire suppression and irrigation use, and primarily serves school facilities, parks, golf courses, landscaped street medians, and community property owned maintained by homeowners’ associations. Most of the recycled water is served within the communities of Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Oak Park. When needed, the potable water system provides supplemental water to the recycled water distribution system. Any unused recycled water is either stored within reservoirs for future use or disposed into Malibu Creek. Use of recycled water reduces treated discharge volumes, thereby enabling the wastewater treatment plant to meet effluent discharge restrictions. Pursuant to the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District’s 2020 UWMP, the District delivered 1,281 acre feet (AF) of recycled water during 2020, and expects demands to increase modestly from 2025 through at least 2035. The District owns and operates the recycled water facilities within its boundaries, and the JPA owns and operates the shared recycled water trunk lines that traverse the LVMWD boundaries between the District and the wastewater treatment plant. In 2017, the District purchased the recycled water pipeline and related facilities from the Calleguas Municipal Water District, and as a result, became the wholesaler of recycled water to California Water Service, Inc. (located in Westlake Village) (providing 414 AF during Fiscal Year 2019-20) and the Hidden Valley Municipal Water District (providing 42 AF during Fiscal Year 2019-20). The JPA’s system includes the Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility, which processes sludge resulting from wastewater treatment processes at the wastewater treatment facility, combining it with wood chips or other organic amendments, and then offering the resulting compost at no cost to the public for soil amendment purposes. In 2016, the JPA Board approved moving forward with the indirect potable reuse of recycled water using Las Virgenes Reservoir. Additionally, the JPA is pursuing a program to enable potable reuse of wastewater (i.e., the “Pure Water Project”), which involves the construction of an advanced water treatment plant to further purify excess recycled water. Implementation of the project will address the requirement by the State Water Resources Control Board that the wastewater treatment facility cease discharge of wastewater into Malibu Creek by 2030 unless it provides substantial additional Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 8 of 15 treatment, as well as augment potable water supplies stored in the Las Virgenes Reservoir, thereby reducing reliance on State Water Project water supplies by approximately 1.6 billion gallons of water annually. The Pure Water Project will offer potable reuse of water, which is a water supply strategy intended to enhance local water supply reliability and drought resilience, while eliminating discharges of treated water from its treatment facility into Malibu Creek. Purified water will be conveyed through a newly-constructed pipeline to Las Virgenes Reservoir where it will blend with existing stored imported water, and then be retreated before distribution for potable use. The Pure Water Project is described in Las Virgenes-Triunfo JPA literature as creating “an affordable and reliable local water supply that will be cost-competitive with imported water, stabilize water rates, safeguard the local economy and significantly reduce the uncertainty of water supply associated with importing water due to climate change, natural disasters such as earthquakes and long-term drought conditions.” The demonstration project was completed in 2019 and the completed project is expected to be fully operational by 2030. Running at full operation, the facility is anticipated to reduce imported water demand by approximately 20 percent. With long-term financing and state and federal grants helping to defray construction costs of approximately $256 million (although the amount of support has not yet been determined), the average residential customer’s monthly water bill is expected to increase by $1 to $8 per month over at least a 5-year period. The provision of non-potable/recycled water is exempt from Government Code § 56133, which otherwise requires LAFCo approval in order for a city or district to provide a new or extended service outside its jurisdictional boundary; therefore, the District is authorized to provide non- potable water outside its boundaries. The District acknowledges that the addition of a reservoir for seasonal storage of surplus recycled water would provide benefits to and support all three systems (i.e., wastewater, potable water, and recycled water systems). As a means of reducing or eliminating wastewater disposal costs, it would benefit the wastewater system. It also would help relieve demand on the potable system, by eliminating the need to supplement the recycled water system with potable water. A seasonal storage reservoir would also improve the recycled water system by allowing water to be stored until needed and by ensuring water supply availability even during periods of drought. Such a project is a concept for future consideration; however, currently, the District is not actively exploring opportunities for additional seasonal storage. Water Services Since 1993, the District has provided potable water service within the unincorporated community of Oak Park, following its purchase of the Metropolitan Development Corporation’s Metropolitan Water Company. The water service, which is sourced exclusively from the Calleguas Municipal Water District, became known as Oak Park Water Service, and has since been fully integrated into the District under the District’s new name. The District’s water distribution system consists of 41 miles of asbestos cement pipe (ACP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe which serves a population of approximately 14,000. It operates four pump stations and four reservoirs, and has a 6,600,000 gallon storage capacity. It is equipped with emergency generators at the pump stations for the purpose of providing back-up power. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 9 of 15 According to the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District’s 2020 UWMP, the District provided 2,174 AF of potable water to a population of approximately 13,000 during 2020. Residential water use consisted of 81 percent of total water demand. Because the District’s service area is considered to be built out and the population remains stable, it does not expect notable changes in water demand into the foreseeable future. Water usage reached 148 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) during 2020. The District has met its target demand for 2020 (183 GPCD). The District projects that potable water supply will remain at 3,000 AFY until at least 2040 and that water demand will be 2,300 AFY through at least 2035. Additionally, while the District anticipates that it will continue to be able to provide service to its customers through supply available to it from the Calleguas Municipal Water District, the District expects that water demand reduction mandates established at the State level will continue to impact water supply and demand within the District. Water conservation measures (such as conservation pricing) and water rationing will be implemented as necessary to ensure that water supply will exceed demand. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 10 of 15 Sphere of Influence There have been no changes to the District’s service area that would require alterations to its sphere of influence boundary, and no changes are anticipated in the foreseeable future. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 11 of 15 Written Determinations The Commission is required to prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to each of the subject areas provided below (Government Code § 56430(a)). 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated 2010 population within the District’s jurisdictional boundary was 33,112 and within its sphere of influence was 32,429. The District estimates a population of 33,455 within both its jurisdictional boundaries and its sphere of influence, which is generally consistent with the U.S. Census estimate. The District’s service area is substantially built out (except for the area consisting of Chesebro/Palo Comado Canyon within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is not expected to be developed); therefore, significant population growth within the District is not anticipated. 2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence A disadvantaged unincorporated community is defined as a community with an annual median household income that is less than 80% of the statewide annual median household income (Government Code § 56033.5). No disadvantaged unincorporated communities are located within or contiguous to the District’s sphere of influence.6 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies Wastewater services: • The District provides wastewater collection and treatment services to the communities of Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, and the Westlake Village and North Ranch portions of the City of Thousand Oaks, and wastewater collection for the unincorporated community of Bell Canyon. • The District, through a Joint Powers Agreement with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, operates the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility (i.e., wastewater treatment plant), which currently treats an average of 9.5 million gallons per day (MGD) and has the capacity to treat 16 MGD. The facility has the capacity to treat anticipated wastewater flows for the foreseeable future. Recycled water services: • The District provides recycled water service within and outside its service area. Wastewater collected by the District is treated at the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility to recycled standards for future beneficial use. Recycled water service relieves demands on the potable water system by providing an alternate water supply source for limited non-potable uses, including fire suppression and landscaping irrigation. 6 According to Ventura LAFCo Commissioner’s Handbook Section 3.2.5, Ventura LAFCo has identified Nyeland Acres (within the City of Oxnard’s sphere of influence to the north of the city) and Saticoy (within the City of San Buenaventura’s sphere of influence to the east of the city) as disadvantaged unincorporated communities. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 12 of 15 • The District delivered 1,281 acre-feet (AF) of recycled water during 2020, and expects demands to increase modestly from 2025 through at least 2035. • The Pure Water Project, expected to be completed by 2030, involves the construction of an advanced water treatment plant to further purify recycled water, making it available for potable use. Implementation of the Pure Water Project is expected to reduce reliance on State Water Project water supplies by approximately 1.6 billion gallons of water annually, and will contribute to the elimination of treated wastewater discharge into Malibu Creek. • The addition of a reservoir for seasonal storage of surplus recycled water would provide benefits to and support all three systems (i.e., wastewater, potable water, and recycled water systems). As a means of reducing or eliminating wastewater disposal costs, it would benefit the wastewater system. It also would help relieve demand on the potable system, by eliminating the need to supplement the recycled water system with potable water. A seasonal storage reservoir would also improve the recycled water system by allowing water to be stored until needed and by ensuring water supply availability even during periods of drought. Currently, the District is not actively exploring opportunities for additional seasonal storage. • The District should continue to focus on improving its infrastructure to address anticipated new regulatory requirements and the expected need to replace system components (e.g., pumps, control systems, compressors, and blowers) as they reach the end of their useful life. • The provision of non-potable/recycled water is exempt from Government Code § 56133; therefore, the District is authorized to provide non-potable water outside its boundaries. Water services: • Since 1993, the District has provided potable water service within the unincorporated community of Oak Park. • The District provided 2,174 AF of potable water to a population of approximately 13,000 during 2020. The District projects that potable water supply will remain at 3,000 AFY until at least 2040 and that water demand will be 2,300 AFY through at least 2035. • While the District anticipates that it will continue to be able to provide service to its customers through supply available to it from the Calleguas Municipal Water District, it expects that water demand reduction mandates established at the State level will continue to impact water supply and demand within the District. Water conservation measures (such as conservation pricing) and water rationing will be implemented as necessary to ensure that water supply will exceed demand. 4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services • The District has a balanced budget. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 budget anticipates revenues of approximately $26 million and expenditures of approximately $16.3 million. District staff indicates that the difference covers depreciation, debt service, capital improvement projects, and reserve funding for future capital projects. • It appears that the District has the ability to finance the services it currently provides. • The District has a steady stream of revenue through water sales, and service charges, as well as rental revenue generated from five cellular facilities totaling approximately $185,000 annually. It has predictable expenses related to wastewater treatment, purchase of potable and recycled water, administration, management, and operations. Over the last three Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 13 of 15 years, the District has maintained reserves ranging between 56 percent and 65 percent of total revenue. The District’s reserve policy is provided on its website. • The District incurred $475,958 in one-time capital expenses for repairs related to the 2018 Woolsey Fire, of which $376,150 was covered by the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and $37,500 was covered by the District’s insurer. The District anticipates costs in the coming years related to the development of the Pure Water Project. These costs are expected to be defrayed through long-term financing and state and federal grants, resulting in the average residential customer’s monthly water bill anticipated to increase by a maximum of $8 after a timed, tiered rate approach. • The District is independently audited on a regular basis. According to the District, the most recent audit (December 21, 2021) prepared for the District was unqualified. An unqualified report reflects fair and transparent financial statements in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and statutory requirements. • Based on information that the Ventura County Special Districts Association provided the County in January 2021, the District has experienced financial impacts (including costs related to personal protective equipment, sick leave, custodial/sanitation activities, signage, education and enforcement, childcare, and technology), related to the coronavirus. More notably, the pandemic has affected the ability of the District’s customers to pay their water bills, with delinquency currently estimated at $30,000. The District expects that any shortfall will be covered by funds in reserves. 5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities • The District shares the ownership and operation of the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, through a JPA. 6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies • The District is accountable to its constituents through its elected Board of Directors, adherence to applicable government code sections, open and accessible meetings, and dissemination of information. • The District has adapted to the changing needs of public access as a result of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, by providing live internet access and public participation opportunities for its meetings. • The District maintains a modern and user-friendly website that includes basic information about the District, a summary of District services, current and recent Board of Directors meeting agendas and staff reports, current and historical budgets and annual financial reports, adopted ordinances, master plans, the current Urban Water Management Plan, archived video recordings of Board meetings, online and phone bill-pay option information, and a phone number for water or sewer emergencies (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week). The District may wish to consider inclusion of a Spanish translation option on its website. • The District achieves operational efficiencies by partnering with the LVMWD to provide wastewater-related services and recycled water service (through a JPA). • Pursuant to a contract with the City of Los Angeles, wastewater collected within the community of Bell Canyon is discharged into the City of Los Angeles’ sewer system. The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 14 of 15 conveyance system at the border of Ventura County and Los Angeles County is utilized by means of a contract with the County of Los Angeles. • From 1977 to 2020, the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) provided all administrative, management, operation, and maintenance services to the District by contract. While such an arrangement was beneficial to the District in terms of operational efficiency, it limited the District’s ability to control costs established by the VRSD and set priorities/schedules for completion of capital projects. The District is currently in the midst of a transition to separate itself completely from VRSD. Full autonomy of the District, expected by July 1, 2022, will enable it to independently control its services and operations, and will improve accessibility by allowing it to establish an office within its service area (e.g., within the Thousand Oaks area) that is more convenient to its customers. • The District is a member of the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network WARN (CALWARN) program (which supports and promotes statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and mutual assistance processes for public and private water and wastewater utilities in coordination with the State Office of Emergency Services). • The District participates in a program that allows it to provide rapid telephone notification of emergency situations to those constituents who have enrolled for notification. • The Ventura County Grand Jury released a document entitled Final Report – Independent Special Districts (April 26, 2018), which was the result of an investigation by the Grand Jury into the transparency and public accountability of independent special districts within the County. The Grand Jury identified opportunities for improvement in these subject areas and required a response from the District. The District’s response stated that expanded information is now available on the District’s website, as a result of the report. • The District has been proactive in creating water-related educational opportunities for its customers. As of December 2021, the District is pursuing agreements with third parties to host internet-based classes for its customers, which may include topics such as rainwater harvesting, fire-safe landscaping, and drought-friendly landscaping. Additionally, the District’s website offers conservation incentives and information on ways to conserve water. • District staff was responsive in providing information for this MSR during the requested timeframe. 7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by Commission policy • According to the August 2017 legislative report prepared by the Department of Water Resources of the California Natural Resources Agency, the District’s 2015 UWMP included a 2015 target 206 GPCD. The District met its 2020 target of 183 GPCD with a demand of 148 GPCD. • When the District’s sphere of influence was first adopted in 1981, the District proposed and LAFCo approved, a sphere that included only areas within the District that were planned for urban development. The District’s sphere has remained largely unchanged since 1981. The District’s service area covers approximately 23,599 acres; however, the sphere of influence covers only 13,039 acres (about 20 square miles). The difference consists of about 10,000 acres of Chesebro/Palo Comado Canyon within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area that is not served by the District and is not anticipated to be served in the future. The District may wish to consider a proposal to detach this area from its service area. Triunfo Water & Sanitation District – Municipal Service Review February 16, 2022 Page 15 of 15