Water district unveils plan

Public comment is needed on five-year program that seeks to reduce the local need for outside water.Members of the public are invited to weigh in on the South Coast Water District’s draft 2005 urban water management plan, which outlines how the district will provide residents with a reliable supply of drinking water for the next 30 years. The state requires the district to update this plan every five years.

South Coast Water District serves South Laguna. The five-year water plan calls for measures to conserve water and find local sources of water to reduce dependency upon the Metropolitan Water District. Currently, 100% of the district’s drinking water is imported from the Colorado River and northern California through the Metropolitan Water District.

Under the plan, in 2007 the district will start producing local water from a groundwater recovery facility in Capistrano Beach, thereby lessening dependence on imported water.

In addition, the district will continue its recycled water program for large outdoor irrigators such as homeowners associations and will continue to promote water conservation techniques and programs for residents and businesses.

South Coast provides water to more than 40,000 residents, 1,000 businesses and over two million visitors a year in Dana Point, South Laguna and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

To read the plan or make comments, visit the district office, 31592 West St., Laguna Beach, or view it at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

The plan can also be printed from the district’s website, www.scwd.org.

The district is accepting public comments through Thursday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m., via e-mail from its website or in writing to SCWD, P.O. Box 30205, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607.

The public is also invited to make comments in person at the district board meeting, 6 p.m. Nov. 22, at the district office, 31592 West St.

Information: (949) 499-4555, ext. 120. Public comment is needed on five-year program that seeks to reduce the local need for outside water sources.