Why Dan Is The Right Choice
Dan Masnada for Division 1 of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency BoardAs a long-time resident and water expert with decades of experience, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Division 1 of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors. Santa Clarita has been a wonderful home for my family and me, providing a supportive community and a high quality of life. Now, in my retirement, I am eager to give back to the community that has given us so much.
Background and Experience
I have dedicated my career to ensuring the reliable supply and quality of water for our community. I served as the General Manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) for over a dozen years. During my tenure, I oversaw significant projects that have left a lasting impact on our water infrastructure and sustainability efforts, including:
Oversaw 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
Acquired additional source of imported water to supplement CLWA’s State Water Project (SWP) water supply.
Implemented CLWA’s first water banking and exchange agreements to improve dry year supply reliabilityCompleted construction of the Agency’s initial recycled water facilities and initiated recycled water deliveries in the SCV.
Proposed and implemented with unanimous water retailer support extending time frame of the SCV Urban Water Management Plan to extend through projected buildout to present ultimate water demand and supply (rather than 20-year projection as required by law). This action resulted in presenting a more complete roadmap for meeting the water needs of a growing community through buildout of the community.
Installation of two solar power facilities: This initiative not only reduced the Agency’s energy costs but also contributed to environmental sustainability, positioning CLWA ahead of anticipated greenhouse gas regulations.
Commitment to Community
Post-retirement, I served as an At Large Group Member on the Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Stakeholder Advisory Committee and as a member of the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission. The first role provided me the opportunity to use my expertise and knowledge of SCV groundwater resources to ensure the SCV Groundwater Sustainability Plan that was subsequently approved by the SCV Groundwater Sustainability Agency was accurate and complete. The latter role also provided me the opportunity to serve as the Commission “water expert” and gain a better appreciation and understanding of land use planning processes that depend on water supply availability.
Vision for the Future
As a Director, I am committed to:
Ensuring a Reliable and Safe Water Supply: My top priority is to maintain and protect the quality and reliability of our water supply. This includes addressing challenges such as climate change, drought, and rising 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 key to effective water management. I pledge to keep our residents informed and involved in decisions that affect our water resources.
Importance of Expertise in Water Management
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, including climate change, periodic droughts, and rising costs. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of water resource management and the ability to develop and implement effective strategies.
Infrastructure and Sustainability: Managing a water agency involves overseeing intricate infrastructure projects and ensuring their sustainability. My experience at CLWA, CCWA and Valencia Water Company demonstrates my capability to handle such projects effectively, ensuring long-term benefits for our community.
Regulatory Compliance: Water 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, ensuring the continued provision of safe, clean water and protection of the environment.
Community Trust: Having an expert in this position builds trust within the community. Residents and businesses need to have confidence that their water supply is in capable hands, especially during times of crisis or change.
With my extensive experience and deep commitment to Santa Clarita, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve on the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors. I ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election to help ensure a sustainable and reliable water future for our community.Thank you for your consideration.
-Dan Masnada