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About
VenturaWaterPure (VWP) is a multi-benefit water reuse program that will recover, treat, and reuse water that is currently discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary, creating a new, local, drought-resilient water source that isn’t dependent on rainfall.
VenturaWaterPure is
- Drought resilient. Creates a drought-resistant, reliable water supply that isn’t dependent on rain.
- High-quality. Provides a high-quality drinking water supply that meets and exceeds drinking water quality standards.
- Environmentally protective. Meets regulatory requirements by reducing water discharge into the estuary, creating a natural environment that can support endangered species.
VenturaWaterPure will produce approximately 3,600 acre-feet per year (AFY) of water in Phase I and up to 5,400 AFY in future phases, accounting for up to 20% of Ventura’s total water supply.
Ventura is one of the largest cities in Southern California to rely solely on local water supplies. Rainfall feeds the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and groundwater basins to meet all community needs. However, prolonged drought, increased regulations, and operational and legal challenges have impacted Ventura’s local water supply.
Water Supply and Challenges
- Drought
- Climate impacts
- Environmental
- Regulatory
- Operational
- Legal constraints
Here's how VenturaWaterPure works:
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Currently, wastewater from the City of Ventura is sent to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility (VWRF), where it’s treated and cleaned before being discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary. The VWRF is being updated to a membrane bioreactor, which will provide a higher quality of water than currently produced. | Water from the VWRF is sent to a new Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) for reuse. Using a scientifically proven process, the AWPF will treat water that exceeds drinking water standards, creating a reliable and high-quality water source. The concentrate generated during the treatment process will be sent to the ocean outfall for disposal. | The purified recycled water will then be injected into a local groundwater basin and later distributed to Ventura Water customers, accounting for up to 20% of the City's water supply when fully operational. |
Treatment Process
VenturaWaterPure will use a four-stage treatment process that produces purified water that exceeds drinking water quality standards.
- Membrane Bioreactor*
- Ultraviolet Light Disinfection*
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Ultraviolet Light / Advanced Oxidation Process (UV / AOP)
*Located at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility
This proven approach is used throughout California, the U.S., and internationally.
For more information on the Treatment Process.
VenturaWaterPure is…
- DROUGHT RESISTANT: VenturaWaterPure creates a drought-resistant, reliable water supply that isn’t dependent on rain.
- HIGH-QUALITY: VenturaWaterPure provides a high-quality drinking water supply that meets state water quality standards.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY PROTECTIVE: VenturaWaterPure meets regulatory requirements by reducing water discharge to the Santa Clara River Estuary, restoring a natural environment supportive of endangered species.
Demonstration Facility - Coming Soon
The City is piloting a small-scale Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) demonstration. The demonstration facility will achieve water quality standards, conforming with the State Division of Drinking Water’s strict regulations under Title 22 of the CA regulations for Indirect Potable Reuse.
This demonstration facility will be similar to the successful demonstration facility that Ventura Water operated in 2015 and 2016.
Demonstration Facility 2015-2016
Previous Demonstration Facility
The 2015-2016 demonstration facility successfully hosted a mix of community members, school groups, City staff, Council members, water reuse professionals, and water agencies from across California—all sharing a common interest in efforts to pilot and implement potable reuse projects to improve the sustainability of vital water resources across California.
The 2015-2016 demonstration facility provided an excellent resource for these stakeholders to learn more about VenturaWaterPure and advanced treatment technologies.