Future Water Concerns
Residents of Santa Clarita have expressed several significant concerns regarding their water supply and safety. These concerns are paramount as they affect both the quality of life and the environmental health of our community. Below are the top three concerns and how I, Dan Masnada, plan to address them if elected to the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors.
Water Quality and Contaminants
One of the primary concerns for Santa Clarita residents is the quality of their drinking water, particularly regarding contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects, such as increased cancer risk and hormonal disruptions.
Action Plan:
Enhanced Monitoring: I will advocate for rigorous and continuous monitoring of our water supplies for PFAS and other contaminants. This includes ensuring compliance with new EPA regulations that set maximum contaminant levels for PFAS.
Advanced Treatment Solutions: Implementing advanced water treatment technologies such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange to effectively remove PFAS from our water supply.
Transparency and Communication: Keeping the community informed about water quality issues and measures taken to address them through regular updates and public engagement sessions.
Past Achievements:
During my tenure as General Manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA), I prioritized water quality and safety. One significant achievement was overseeing planning, permitting, design, construction, start-up and operation of the treatment facilities to remediate perchlorate contamination of the Saugus Formation aquifer.
Drought and Water Supply Reliability
Given the arid climate and frequent dry years in Southern California, the reliability of our water supply is a critical concern. Ensuring the Santa Clarita Valley has a resilient water supply system to withstand prolonged droughts and climate change impacts is essential.
Action Plan:
Water Conservation Programs: Promoting water conservation programs and incentivizing efficient water use among residents and businesses.
Diversified Water Sources: Supporting projects that diversify our water sources of supply and enhance the reliability of our overall water supply, such as the use of recycled water in the first instance, and water banking in the second instance.
Infrastructure Investment: Investing in infrastructure that timely enhances water storage capacity as growth occurs and reduces water loss through timely upgrades and proactive preventative maintenance.
Past Achievements:
At CLWA, I led initiatives to enhance water reliability, such as implementation of the Agency’s first water banking programs which, in combination with an effective water supply contingency plan, greatly minimized the impacts of the recent drought on residents and businesses.
Impact of Local Landfills on Water Supply
The potential contamination of water supplies from local landfills, such as the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, is a significant concern. The proximity of these landfills to groundwater sources raises the risk of pollutants seeping into the water supply.
Action Plan:
Proactive Testing and Regulation: Ensuring regular testing of water sources near landfills and strict enforcement of regulations to prevent contamination.
Mitigation Strategies: Developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to prevent landfill leachate from contaminating groundwater, including advanced filtration and containment systems.
Past Achievements:
I have consistently worked towards protecting our water sources from contamination. During my leadership at CLWA, I oversaw the implementation of robust water quality monitoring programs, advocated for stringent regulatory compliance to safeguard our water resources from potential pollutants, and pursued litigation to ensure that polluters, and not local ratepayers and taxpayers, paid to remediate groundwater contamination.
Why Expertise Matters
Addressing these complex water issues requires a deep understanding of water resource management, regulatory compliance, and innovative solutions. With my extensive experience in the water industry, including my tenure as General Manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency, I am well-equipped to tackle these challenges effectively. My commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community engagement will ensure that the Santa Clarita Valley continues to have a reliable and safe water supply.Your support in the upcoming election will allow me to work towards these goals and secure a sustainable water future for our community. Thank you for your consideration.
-Dan Masnada