Residents fear underground basin is too contaminated for potable use melissa@theacorn.com A proposal to tap into Simi Valley’s groundwater basin as a source for drinking water drew angst and anger from residents who claim the water has been contaminated by runoff from the Santa Susana Field Lab.
About 30 people urged the City Council on Monday not to act on a study by Ventura County Waterworks District No.
Since 2014, the waterworks district, which provides water to about 65 percent of Simi Valley, has studied how much water the basin can produce, the quality of the available resource and how much could be pumped out annually.
Joe Deakin, Simi’s assistant public works director, previously told the Simi Valley Acorn that the basin’s feasibility as a drinking water source would provide a vital additional option for residents and potentially reduce the cost of water.
The remaining 15 percent is treated groundwater from Simi’s basin that the agency says is used for drinking water.
it’s absolutely frightening,” Becerra told the Simi Valley Acorn Tuesday.
“But what these residents are saying should definitely be taken into account because some folks have been impacted in ways we would wish on no one.” The waterworks study is a preliminary look at the feasibility of using groundwater and any related action is at least five years away, Simi’s City Manager Eric Levitt said, adding that the concerns of residents will be taken into account.
Residents can weigh in on the matter at a neighborhood council meeting on Aug. 21 and at future council meetings.
Holly Braithwaite, Boeing spokesperson, said the groundwater from SSFL is part of a different aquifer than Simi’s basin and therefore any potential contamination isn’t from the field lab.
“No matter the source, all drinking water delivered to customers is subject to regulatory analysis and must meet rigorous state and federal drinking water standards,” Zorba said.