At its regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, October 14, the United Water Conservation District will consider banning alcohol at Lake Piru. Over the past several years, a large number of boating and camping incidents have occurred in which alcohol was involved. In an effort to ensure that the public has a safe and enjoyable time at the lake, District’s Board asked its staff to prepare a policy banning alcohol throughout the park, including the campgrounds, day use areas, and on the lake. The Board also requested that an exemption to the alcohol ban be developed that would allow special events, such as wedding receptions, festivals, and fishing tournaments to apply for and receive an alcohol permit provided they agree to follow certain procedures.

Lake Piru Reservoir was created in 1955 when the Santa Felicia Dam was constructed north of the community of Piru. The lake has the capacity to store more than 100,000 acre-feet of winter runoff from Piru Creek and its tributaries. As a condition of its dam license, United Water must operate and maintain certain recreational facilities at the lake. Lake Piru hosts overnight camping, a day use picnic area, a marina and boat docks and a five-lane launch ramp. Boats are also available for rental. Lake Piru is open all year. For additional information about hours, amenities and reservations at Lake Piru, please call 521-1500. For information about the proposed alcohol policy, call 525-4431.

About UWSC
UWCD is a public water agency responsible for conserving and protecting groundwater resources in Ventura County. In addition to the District’s Lake Piru Recreation Area, United Water’s facilities include: Santa Felicia Dam; spreading grounds in Saticoy, El Rio and Piru; an agricultural water delivery system; a wholesale municipal water delivery system; and the Freeman Diversion facility. The District provides wholesale water to the City of Oxnard, the Port Hueneme Water Agency (which includes the CBC and Point Mugu naval bases), Pleasant Valley County Water District, and several small mutual water companies. A seven-member elected Board of Directors directs the District’s policy and activities.