JURUPA VALLEY, Calif.,
Aug. 23,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from Jurupa
Community Services District (JCSD) took part in a critical
roundtable discussion at the California State Capitol yesterday,
focusing on the pervasive challenges posed by Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Representing JCSD were General
Manager Chris Berch and Manager of
Government & Public Affairs Arman Tarzi. The roundtable of
state leaders, invited by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Chair of the California Assembly
Committee on Environment and Toxic Materials, aimed to address the
impacts of PFAS contamination across California.
JCSD has been at the forefront of addressing PFAS contamination,
having proactively tested for the chemicals well before state
mandates were established. PFAS led to significant operational
challenges, with JCSD taking an unprecedented 60% of its water
production capacity offline. In response, JCSD implemented
innovative new treatment processes, engaged in strategic water
blending, and formed collaborative agreements with neighboring
agencies. While JCSD is unable to recover all of the production
lost due to PFAS, it has been able to safeguard public health and
ensure the continuation of safe water services through these
actions.
General Manager Chris Berch
stated, "Our proactive measures against PFAS have made JCSD an
industry leader in responding to environmental challenges while
continuing to provide reliable water services. I appreciate
Assemblymember Garcia's leadership in Sacramento on a number of key issues and for
inviting JCSD to this roundtable. It is a vital platform for
sharing our insights and strategies with other leaders and
developing statewide solutions to protect our communities from
these harmful contaminants."
"Today's roundtable brings to light the critical need for
comprehensive state action on PFAS," stated Assemblymember Garcia.
"I thank all the leaders who attended today's discussion for their
insights. I also want to commend JCSD for their leadership in the
water community and tackling challenges head-on, demonstrating the
kind of proactive approach that can guide policy and ensure the
well-being of all Californians."
The roundtable facilitated a robust exchange of ideas and
experiences with stakeholders from various sectors, including the
State Water Resources Control Board, contributing to a deeper
understanding of the PFAS issue and exploring effective mitigation
strategies. As one of only two water agencies at the discussion,
JCSD's participation underscores its role as a key player in
addressing PFAS and shaping the policies that will govern statewide
responses to such challenges.
Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a
public agency providing services and programs to Jurupa Valley and
Eastvale. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of five
elected representatives from both cities. Serving over 130,000
people in a 40-square-mile area, JCSD provides a variety of
community services and programs, including water, sewer,
streetlights, frontage landscape maintenance, graffiti abatement,
and parks and recreation services.
Contact Info - Arman
Tarzi
Manager of Government & Public Affairs
951-685-7434
Outreach@JCSD.us
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SOURCE Jurupa Community Services District