Where does your water come from?

Wells

When BVS first started it was relying on its own wells to provide water to BVS. BVS originally had 30 wells. Over the past few years. many of the BVS wells have been taken out of service for various reasons including high contaminants and aged equipment. BVS is currently trying to restart some of these wells. Some of the operating wells are only suitable for lake fill water. At the current time, the wells can only produce a very small amount of usable water, if any. We must buy most of our water from the Tehachapi Cummings County Water District (TCCWD). Currently we are buying 99% of our water from TCCWD.

Purchased Water

Back in the 1990’s the Board had the insight to buy land and develop a well field in Cummings Valley. This project also included contracting with TCCWD to buy water from the State Water Project, which is stored in the ground for use to re-pump. Unfortunately, water purchased is very expensive relative to producing our own. It is important for us to secure our own water and control expenses by making as many wells as possible operational and productive. As you know though, you can’t get water to your home without pipes.

Water Supply System

So now, through processing, the water is ready to be sent to your home. It is distributed through a mass network of piping, regulators, valves, pumps and storage tanks before it eventually makes it to your meter. No water system is designed to last for ever. It was installed in the early seventies and has been naturally degrading ever since. This is demonstrated by the constant leaks that are regularly witnessed.

Here is a good article on financial viability for a small water district.

https://rural-water-supply.net/_ressources/documents/default/1-1246-74-1728395437.pdf