Legal Notice: OPV Groundwater Lawsuit Raises Concerns Over Water Rights in Oxnard and Pleasant Valley Basins
Attention VCCAR Members:
Some of you, your neighbors, or clients may have received a legal notice via mail from JND Legal Administration concerning litigation about the Oxnard Plain Groundwater Basin and the Pleasant Valley Groundwater Basin (collectively, OPV Groundwater Basins).
Background
The case, “OPV Coalition, et al., v. Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency, et al., Santa Barbara Superior Court Case No. VENCI00555357” was brought forward by a group of agricultural landowners in Ventura County.
Because of state law requirements, all property owners who own land overlying groundwater basins must receive a notice to remain informed of all litigation regarding groundwater rights.
The legal case, among other things, seeks to determine water rights within the OPV Groundwater Basins including how much groundwater can be used by property owners and groundwater users.
What does this mean for your clients?
The Cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura are all participants in this lawsuit on behalf of their municipal water customers. The rights of property owners on municipal water in these cities are being represented by the Cities and these property owners do not need to participate in the litigation to maintain their ability to access municipal water service.
Property owners with an existing well on their property (independent of the City), or others who want to preserve a potential right to pump water in the future on their land, should obtain legal advice from an attorney as those rights may be impacted from this lawsuit. It is recommended to select an attorney knowledgable in California Natural Resource law.
Adjudication Litigation: Oxnard Plain Groundwater Basin and Pleasant Valley Groundwater Basin
Agents and brokers are highly encouraged to ensure contracts for property outside city limits within the OPV Groundwater Basin area speak specifically to water rights for the property relative to the progress of the above mentioned lawsuit.
The Date By Which Persons Receiving the Notice Must Appear in the Comprehensive Adjudication is August 30, 2023.
The Date of Case Management Conference is September 29,2023.
The Date By Which Persons Who Wish to Participate Must Submit Information Regarding their Groundwater Use is February 29, 2024.
Information on the OPV Groundwater Adjudication lawsuit can be found here.
Member Responsibility: As a member of Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS, you are responsible for your own actions, decisions, and interpretations of the information provided by the association or its members. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information shared within our association, we cannot guarantee its completeness or applicability to your specific situation. It is essential that you independently verify or validate any information with legal council before relying on it.