About Dan
Welcome to my campaign website! I am Dan Masnada, and I am running for a seat on the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors. With a deep-rooted commitment to our community and a rich background in water resource management, I am eager to serve and contribute to the sustainable water future of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Professional Background
My career in the water industry spans several decades, during which I have held pivotal roles and overseen numerous significant projects. Here is a brief overview of my professional journey:
Vice President of Valencia Water Company (1985-1992): In this role, I gained extensive experience in the retail water service and knowledge of the Santa Clarita Valley’s sources of water supply.
Executive Director of the Central Coast Water Authority (1992-2002): I oversaw permitting, design and construction of CCWA project facilities to treat and deliver State Water Project water to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. I also led operational start-up and managed the wholesale water agency serving SWP water to 25 municipalities, water retailers and others (including Vandenberg Air Force Base) in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
General Manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency, predecessor to the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (2002-2015): Accomplishments while with CLWA consisted of overseeing over $150 million of capital improvements including nearly doubling capacity of both water treatment plants to meet growing needs of SCV cost-effectively and efficiently.
Acquiring an additional source of imported water to supplement CLWA’s SWP water supply and implementing CLWA’s first water banking and exchange agreements to improve dry year supply reliability.
Leading a legal and technical team in successfully negotiating a settlement of a groundwater contamination lawsuit and obtaining up to $100 million to remediate and treat perchlorate contamination of the local Saugus Formation aquifer.
Completed construction and initiated first deliveries of recycled water in the SCV.
Commitment to Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita has been a wonderful place for my family and me, both during much of my working career and after I retired. As a resident, I have always been passionate about ensuring the reliability and quality of our water supply. This commitment drives my decision to run for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors.
Vision for the Future
If elected, my priorities will include:
Ensuring a Reliable and Clean Water Supply: I will work diligently to maintain and enhance the quality and reliability of our water supply and to, address challenges such as climate change, drought, and escalating costs.
Promoting Sustainability and Innovation: I will advocate for sustainable practices and innovative solutions to meet our community’s water needs while protecting our environment.
Engaging with the Community: Transparency and community involvement are essential for effective water management. I pledge to keep our residents and local businesses informed and involved in decisions that affect our water resources.
Why Expertise Matters
Filling this seat with someone who has extensive knowledge and background in water management is crucial for several reasons:
Complex Challenges: The Santa Clarita Valley faces complex water challenges that require a deep understanding of water resource management and the ability to develop and implement cost-effective and efficient strategies.
Infrastructure and Sustainability: Managing a water agency involves overseeing intricate infrastructure projects and ensuring they are implemented within budget, on schedule, in complete accordance with the project plans and specifications and in full compliance with all environmental requirements. My experience ensures long-term benefits for our community.
Regulatory Compliance: Water resources management and operations are heavily regulated, and navigating these regulations requires expertise. My background ensures that the Santa Clarita Valley will remain fully compliant with state and federal regulations.
Community Trust: Having an expert in this position builds trust within the community, ensuring that our water supply is in capable hands, especially during times of crisis or change.
With my extensive experience and deep commitment to Santa Clarita, I am confident that I am uniquely qualified to serve on the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors. I ask for your support and your vote to help ensure a sustainable and reliable water future for our community.Thank you for visiting my website. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community's water resources.
-Dan Masnada
