Drought draws down reserves

In response to this year's dry spring season and an increased demand for water, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District will draw supplies from the Las Virgenes Reservoir earlier than usual.

John Mundy, general manager of the district, said some customers may notice the reservoir water tastes or smells slightly different, but he assures the public that the water is safe and healthy for consumption.

"People notice it because it's from a different source," said Carlos Reyes, the water district's operations manager.

The district obtains all its water from the Metropolitan Water District, but since it is stored in an open reservoir, the taste and smell is slightly different, Reyes said.

"Las Virgenes Municipal Water District customers continue to receive very high quality drinking water," Mundy said.

An analysis of water delivered by the district is included in the agency's annual Water Quality Report, scheduled to be mailed to all customers next month, Mundy said.

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District serves a population of 65,000 in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.