Local water meets state, federal mandates

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District has released its 2005 Water Quality Report, which summarizes the yearround testing and monitoring of local drinking water.

"Again this year, the water we serve met or was better than all federal and state drinking water standards," district General Manager John Mundy said.

"The 2005 report shows that water served by Las Virgenes is of high quality and, of course, is safe to consume."

The report contains charts of primary health standards and what officials call secondary "qualitative" measurements that relate to taste, odor and the cloudiness of water.

David Lippman, the district's director of facilities and operations, called these measurements "aesthetic standards."

The report also outlined results from testing for alkalinity and trace elements including calcium, sodium and boron.

There is also information on the origin of the district's water and locations where consumers can obtain more information on water-related topics.

Las Virgenes customers rely entirely upon water delivered by the state water project system and the Metropolitan Water District, officials said.

"We're pleased that the late snow and rain in the Sierra Mountains ensures an ample supply of water through the coming year, but water conservation should remain a high priority in every home and business in our service area," Mundy said.

The Las Virgenes district provides potable water, recycled water and wastewater services to 65,000 residents of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village, and some unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water Quality Report is available online at www.lvmwd.com, or copies can be picked up at the district headquarters, 4232 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas.

For further information, call the district at (818) 251-2100.

-Stephanie Bertholdo