The Las Virgenes Metropolitan Water District—like other water agencies but unlike most local government—carries wide-ranging power and authority, including the ability to issue building permits and to proceed with infrastructure projects without obtaining consent from cities and other entities. There’s a reason for this: People cannot survive without water, and it is LVMWD’s responsibility to deliver clean, safe water—despite all obstacles.

But having this kind of power can lull the good people from the water district into plowing ahead on certain projects without vetting other ideas that might work better. LVMWD’s board of directors recently pulled back at the eleventh hour on plans to build a new water tank near the Three Springs neighborhood of Westlake Village due to serious concerns about traffic and safety, and questions as to whether the tank is even necessary. Kudos to the water board for rethinking the project. Other options for a new water tank near Westlake Reservoir are now being explored.

Going forward, we support a new process for LVMWD, one that preserves the authority it currently possesses, but also instills a sense of collaboration into the organization. One would think the district would seek the support of cities, neighborhoods and other public services such as the sheriff’s and fire departments before embarking on projects like the Three Springs tank and other district-wide improvements that are currently underway or in the planning stages. Regrettably, such support isn’t required. Because it’s not, perhaps the board’s feet should be held to the fire in a different manner.

Each time an impacted group expresses opposition to a water district project, we propose the board members be required to overrule that lack of support with a separate vote. This would call attention to the board’s moving ahead on the project without having the stakeholder’s backing.

Just because an opponent is thwarted that doesn’t mean they haven’t been heard. The water district will never make all the people happy all of the time. But facing more scrutiny, LVMWD would be encouraged to communicate, not isolate, to collaborate, not withdraw. And it would still have the authority it needs to deliver clean, safe water.

Call it accountability, call it transparency. It is the best way to do business when in the realm of public service.