Wilk Sponsors Bill to Combine Water Agencies

State Senator Scott Wilk has introduced legislation to consolidate the two water agencies serving the Santa Clarita Valley. Wilk, R-Lancaster, said it was a priority to him to ensure that residents have a reliable source of water at a reasonable price. That can be achieved by combining the Castaic Lake Water Agency and the Newhall County Water District, he said. “A valley-wide water agency will provide better management of our water resources through integrated planning and connected infrastructure,” Wilk said in a prepared statement. The legislation, introduced on Friday, would dissolve Castaic Lake and Newhall County and replace them with a single water agency. In December, the boards of the public districts approved taking that step. Although he sponsored the legislation, Wilk said the current version of the bill will need to be amended to reflect the true needs of the region. “As this bill moves forward through the legislative process, we will make changes to enhance accountability and transparency and deliver on the promises that citizens want and deserve from their government,” Wilk said in the statement. Business groups, including the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, back to water agency consolidation. For more on the water consolidation, read the story “Confluence in Santa Clarita” in the Feb. 20 issue of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal