Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo moves into delivery phase

The Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo is moving decisively from planning into delivery, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone initiative to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient water supply for communities in the Los Angeles area. Driven by the Las Virgenes–Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA), the program centres on construction of a new advanced water purification facility (AWPF) that will transform locally recycled water into a high-quality drinking water source.

The JPA is a partnership between Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Triunfo Water and Sanitation District. The JPA Board recently approved its first progressive design-build contract, enabling construction of the AWPF along with most of the major pipeline infrastructure needed to convey source water to the facility and deliver purified water to the Las Virgenes Reservoir.

The contract includes $303.7 million for final design and construction of the AWPF and key pipeline components, with additional $12.7 million for project contingencies

Brown and Caldwell has been appointed as the prime consultant for the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo, providing comprehensive engineering design services in partnership with Walsh Construction. The collaborative delivery model is intended to enhance constructability, manage risk, and maintain cost control on this complex infrastructure program.

The approved contract includes $303.7 million for final design and construction of the AWPF and key pipeline components, with an additional $12.7 million allocated for project contingencies managed by the JPA. The overall budget remains consistent with the JPA’s long-term capital investment plan, following extensive cost review and coordination that achieved significant negotiated savings.

Technically, the AWPF will employ proven advanced treatment processes, including membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection with advanced oxidation. Recycled water from the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility will be treated to meet or exceed California drinking water standards before being conveyed to the Westlake Filtration Plant for final treatment and distribution.

Located near Ladyface Mountain in Ventura County, construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with operations beginning in early 2030. Once operational, the project is expected to supply up to 30% of regional drinking water demand, reduce discharges to Malibu Creek, and lessen dependence on imported supplies, positioning the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo as a long-term investment in water reliability and regional resilience.