State Water Project, water banks in Kern County and recycled water to meet community water needs; conservation measures central to community design
Tejon Mountain Village will rely on three sources of water, all of which will be provided by Tejon Castac Water District (TCWD):
- State Water Project
- Water banks in Kern County
- Recycled water from a proposed on-site reclamation plant.
This water plan was advanced by a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) recently approved by TCWD. The purpose of the WSA, which is mandated by the state, is to analyze Tejon Mountain Village’s and other water demands against TCWD’s water supplies over a long-term horizon, taking into consideration variable hydrological conditions, including combinations of dry, wet and normal precipitation years.
This study concluded that TCWD’s existing rights as well as the plan for using recycled water are sufficient to serve the proposed community while also maintaining substantial reserves.
The WSA states that by utilizing the State Water Project, Tejon Mountain Village also avoids the use of local groundwater and brings a new supply of water to the Mountain Communities.
But Tejon Mountain Village’s water stewardship doesn’t end there.
Tejon Mountain Village is designed with a comprehensive Water-Wise Program program focused on conservation, education and water recycling measures including:
- All domestic water resources proposed to come from existing rights to the State Water Project and water banks in Kern County;
- Proposed on-site reclamation plant that will capture and treat 80 percent of all indoor water use; supplies will be used on the community’s planned golf courses as it becomes available;
- Drought-tolerant landscaping would substantially reduce irrigation water needs;
- Ongoing resource education program to teach residents and guests water conservation and other environmentally sound practices;
- Water-saving plumbing in residential and resort buildings such as tank-less water heaters and low-flow fixtures and high-efficiency equipment;
- All homes and community facilities will be subject to a Maximum Applied Water Allowance, which will help each home’s water demand equal its allocated water supply.
These proposed water stewardship solutions, as well as the advisory WSA, will be considered as part of a comprehensive draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to be prepared by the Kern County Planning Department. It is anticipated that the DEIR will be available for public review and comment by late 2008 or early 2009.
Water is an important resource in the Mountain Communities. We want to hear your feedback on the Tejon Mountain Village water stewardship program. Please click the box below to offer your thoughts and opinions.
The California Aqueduct, above, runs through Tejon Ranch and will supply most of Tejon Mountain Village’s domestic water supply.
