AVRWC acquires water rights to increase supply reliability (January 7, 2014)
Acquiring water reduces reliance on leased water market.
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. — Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co. announced today it is taking steps to increase the reliability of future water supply for its customers by acquiring 280 acre-feet of water rights for approximately $1.3 million. One acre-foot of water is about 326,000 gallons. On average, one acre-foot of water can supply two households, with about three to four people in each residence, for an entire year. Ranchos Water Co. currently supplies customers and other users in Apple Valley with more than 12,000 acre-feet of water annually.
Ranchos Vice President and General Manager, Scott Weldy, indicates investing in water rights means less dependence on the leased water market and less exposure to likely future increases in the cost of leased water rights.
Our responsibility is to assure that we are able to provide our customers with a safe and reliable water supply and service,
stated Weldy. Whether it is for a person who wants a drink of water from their faucet or for a crisis such as responding to a fire people count on us. We are committed to providing this essential service each and every day.
Including this acquisition, Ranchos Water Co. has more than 13,600 acre-feet of water rights. However, due to limitations established under the Mojave Basin Adjudication, which is designed to prevent over pumping the basin, Ranchos can only pump 60 percent of these water rights — about 8,000 acre-feet. Ranchos is required to lease amounts pumped in excess of that from other owners of water rights.
The people who live in Apple Valley are mindful of desert living and limited water resources,
said Weldy. They do a great job of conserving water because of this. The bottom line is that the majority of our customers embrace a sustainable approach to water consumption.
Ranchos Water Co. provides ongoing indoor and outdoor water efficiency education, and outreach programs related to conservation and use. Ranchos Water Co. notes since 2007 residential customers reduced their annual average consumption of water by about 30 percent.
About Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co.
Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co. delivers reliable, quality water service to about 63,000 people, in the town of Apple Valley and parts of San Bernardino County. Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co. is a subsidiary of Park Water Co., based in Los Angeles County, which provides contracted and regulated water utility services. In addition to Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co., Park Water Co. owns Mountain Water Co., which serves Missoula, Mont. Park Water Co. and its subsidiaries provide safe, reliable drinking water service to approximately 300,000 people.
Source: All One Water