Water system to get improvements

To keep water flowing reliably and safely to residents' homes and local businesses, the city of Thousand Oaks will have to make some improvements over the next five years.

A $16-million water master plan was recently presented to the city council by staff members.

The study, a compilation of reports and surveys, took 21/2 years to complete at a cost of $1.3 million.

Although the existing water facility is in good condition, the study identified 34 improvements that will keep it that way. Construction of an additional reservoir and pump station in the Wilder service area, enhancements to 10 city pump stations and construction of a new pump station in the La Granada area were included in the plan.

The projects range in cost from $30,000 to $4 million.

"We don't anticipate having to raise rates to meet those projects," said Deputy Public Works Director Jay Spurgin.

However, the staff report indicates that adjustments may be made to connection fees and water quantity rates for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 fiscal years, depending on revenues and expenses when budgets are proposed.

A typical city water bill for a single-family home is about $55.59, according to Spurgin, less than the two other water providers in Thousand Oaks.

California-American Water charges about $61.87 and California Water bills $61.75.

The city-owned public water system primarily serves the central part of town, providing 12 million gallons to 50,000 customers daily. The system includes 16 reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 35 million gallons. It serves 1,700 fire hydrants, and has 225 miles of pipeline, 11 pumping units and six pressureregulating stations.

Councilmember Claudia Billde la Pea asked that lead paint on all reservoirs be removed as part of the upgrade process. One or two reservoirs will be taken out of service each year to replace exterior paint and interior coating.

"Lead paint is only on the outside--it is not in contact with the water," said Senior Civil Engineer Shamir Shahamiri.

The council unanimously approved the plan.