Last month, we officially broke ground on the Advanced Water Purification Facility (we’ll call it the “AWPF” – abbreviations make everything easier in water speak) on Agoura Rd., and it's a milestone we've been working toward for a long time.

The ceremony brought together about 150 guests, including community leaders, stakeholders, project partners, and the people who have been working hard behind the scenes to make this project a reality. The energy on site was electric, and the air of anticipation was palpable.

LVMWD Vice President Jay Lewitt served as the emcee, setting the stage and reflecting on what it means for customers.

“The water that was once lost to the ocean will come back to us, full circle, giving us a reliable source of water,” Lewitt mused.

The response from everyone who attended was genuinely heartwarming. Community partners and stakeholders came away energized, and the event received solid media coverage from outlets including KCLU, The Acorn, 91302 Magazine, and the Calabasas Enterprise. It was a great reminder of just how much this project means to the people who live and work here.

The event also attracted a more statewide crowd, with Senator Ben Allen serving as a guest speaker. Allen - who recently worked closely with the district to get a new bill passed into law that penalizes water theft – aligned his work with the JPA’s overall vision.

“I’m hopeful that our work on SB 394 will compliment the work you all are doing here,” Allen said, “as you are engaging in so much great work to ensure that there’s going to be a strong water future for our region up here.”

Thanks to all our partners who helped put this event together and to our community for continuing to support such an important project. Stay tuned for more as the project moves forward.