OWNERS OF WELLS UNITE FOR POWER AIM IS TO GIVE SMALL USERS A VOICE.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SAUGUS - Local well owners plan to do more than just wish to become part of Santa Clarita Valley's water politics. They are joining forces.

Since April, the nonprofit Santa Clarita Valley Well Owners Association has gathered and gained membership, all in an effort to advocate for the rights of small, private well users.

``We formed initially because the master plan for the water in Santa Clarita is under the management of the Castaic Lake Water Agency and those of us on wells don't get to vote,'' said Judy Reinsma, president of the group. ``I felt that it was imperative to have some say as a group because we have no where else to go for water.''

Some of the water used by well owners come from the Saugus Aquifer and the Santa Clara watershed, both overseen by the CLWA.

Reinsma said the CLWA has been formulating its water plans without valuable information from private well owners, who have kept tabs on water levels for decades.

The CLWA, which is responsible for water planning in the valley, is not required to track small, private wells. But CLWA officials have acknowledged that accurate statistics from people with private wells would be useful in painting a full picture of the region's water supply.

``Our first priority has been to get members, so that we can do something,'' Reinsma said. ``We have 40 members, some from Agua Dulce. All the private well owners are being impacted by water companies.''

Reinsma said the group also is keeping tabs on the county's proposed $160 million water facility, intended to ease shortages in Agua Dulce and parts of Acton. Los Angeles County officials presented a draft master plan in Acton and Agua Dulce in September. The facility would connect with an existing distribution system known as Waterworks District No. 37 to the two towns.

District 37's supply comes from three wells and the Antelope Valley- East Kern Water Agency treatment plant.

Reinsma said the association will work to apply for grants to be able to hire hydrologists as well as conduct more research - before it's too late.

``It's gotten to the point where water is so valuable that corporations are getting into buying water rights. You can make a lot of money selling water.''

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

IF YOU GO

The Santa Clarita Valley Well Owners Association will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at The Church of Hope, 29908 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. For information, call Judy Reinsma at 296-6869.

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IF YOU GO (see text)