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Indian Wells Valley Water District asks Ridgecrest council to place recycled‑water negotiations on a future agenda
Summary
The Indian Wells Valley Water District asked the Ridgecrest City Council to schedule a future discussion and to open negotiations over treated wastewater rights, noting a Navy agreement covers 5.25 acre‑feet and roughly 2,000 acre‑feet remain for allocation.
Representatives of the Indian Wells Valley Water District asked the Ridgecrest City Council on Feb. 5 to place a discussion of recycled water and treated wastewater rights on a future agenda and to open negotiations with the city.
George Crowell, representing the water district, said the Groundwater Authority chose not to pursue a water‑reclamation project and that the water district has accepted an offer to take the project forward. Crowell asked the council to schedule a formal discussion so the district can present its plan for recycled water, cost calculations and decision points for moving forward.
Crowell said the existing agreement with the Navy reserves 5.25 acre‑feet for the Navy, including limited uses such as watering a golf course, but that the remaining roughly 2,000 acre‑feet from the wastewater treatment project would be subject to negotiation for beneficial use. He said the water district will begin an initial study phase and seek board authorization in the near term to advance consultant work.
At the meeting, John Kersey — identified in public comment as a community liaison with ties to China Lake — clarified that the 5.25 acre‑feet allocation to the Navy remains in place and does not expire in the near future. Kersey described the water issue as one of interagency agreements and suggested the city and water district coordinate on rights and contracts.
Council members and staff acknowledged the request and asked staff to follow up on scheduling an agenda item. One resident who declined to give a name during public comment said residents have already paid for wastewater treatment and expressed concern about any additional fees if the water district were required to pay the city for rights.
No council action or vote was taken on Feb. 5; the water district’s request was a request to place the matter on a future agenda and to enter negotiations if the council so directs staff in a later meeting.
