Major Milestone for Pure Water Project Las Virgenes-Triunfo

We’re excited to share a significant milestone for our region’s water future. On December 8, the Las Virgenes–Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA) unanimously approved a contract amendment with Walsh Construction, officially launching construction of the Pure Water Project! This project will provide a local, drought-resilient drinking water supply for our region for decades to come.

 

 

10 Years in the Making

For years, the JPA has worked toward a more self-reliant, sustainable, and environmentally responsible water supply. With this approval, the JPA Board of Directors brings a decade of ideas and efforts to life. As Engineering Program Manager Oliver Slosser told the Board, “Tonight is really the moment when this vision becomes actual, buildable infrastructure.”

The approved contract includes:

• $303.7 million for final design and construction of the Advanced Water Purification Facility and major pipeline components
• $12.7 million in allowances for project contingencies, managed by the JPA
• A project budget that remains aligned with the JPA Board-approved, 10-year infrastructure investment plan

This step follows extensive collaboration and cost review, netting $28 million in negotiated savings for our customers, highlighting the partnership between the JPA, Walsh Construction, Jacobs (the Owner’s Advisor) and the commitment to providing the greatest value to our ratepayers.

“This vote is the culmination of years of dedicated research, planning, collaboration, and public engagement,” said JPA Chair and TWSD Chair Leon Shapiro. “Approving this contract is the single most important step we can take to secure a sustainable, resilient water supply for our community now and into the future.”

Transformational Infrastructure

“This is a monumental project with implications and benefits beyond the near-term,” commented JPA Vice Chair and LVMWD Board President Andy Coradeschi. “This is about future-proofing our entire region to the impacts of climate change and subsequent water supply challenges. By creating a local source of drinking water, we are investing in the resilience and long-term reliability of this region, ensuring that we are not solely dependent on fragile imported supplies. This project secures our future and is a crucial investment.”

Once in full operation, the Pure Water Project will:

• Provide up to 30% of the region’s drinking water needs from a local supply
• Reduce discharges to Malibu Creek
• Increase resilience amid climate-driven drought
• Reduce reliance on imported water
• Strengthen long-term water reliability and affordability

This is the largest infrastructure investment in the JPA’s history, tailored to the unique needs of our communities and the challenges we face over the next century.

Calloboration in Action 

Representatives from Walsh Construction attended the meeting to share their commitment to the project. Walsh Vice President Blayne Goodman, noting the valuable experience his team brings to the project, said “This will be our fourth design-build advanced water treatment plant… we’re going to do a good job for you.”

Walsh has already collaborated closely with LVMWD Operations, Engineering, and Finance teams to ensure the project is efficiently designed, priced and ready for construction beginning in early 2026.

What's Next?

In the coming months, you’ll see continued outreach as construction ramps up, to include:

• Community information events in Westlake Village and throughout the service area
• Traffic and construction updates for pipeline segments
• A groundbreaking ceremony with our partner cities and regional leaders
• Ongoing updates through our website, social media, and future newsletters

We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

Thank You!

The progress of the Pure Water Project is possible because of the engagement and trust of our customers, community partners, and regional stakeholders. Together we are bringing local water to our region.

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