1850s – 1950s: Formation and the Early Days
1854
First water wells drilled in the West Basin.
1918
Salt water intrudes into coastal aquifers in Redondo Beach area.
1922
Groundwater drops below sea level, salt water intrudes into drinking water wells in El Segundo.
1931
Following approval of a $220 million dollar bond, Colorado River Aqueduct construction begins.
1940s
Industry increases pumping for war.
1940: Redondo Beach High School – salt water contaminates groundwater well.
Planning for State Water Project begins.
1941
Colorado River Aqueduct is complete.
1942-1944
West Basin Survey Committee formed to determine salt water damage to the groundwater supply.
1944-1945
Production is 69,476 acre feet a year.
1945
West Basin Groundwater Conservation Group (WBGCG) formed by representatives from cities, private water utilities and local industries.
WBGCG releases report showing more water being withdrawn from groundwater basin than being naturally replenished and overdraft is 29,000 acre feet. Suggested corrective measures include reduce the overdraft of groundwater, educating the public about the water shortage problem and finding a source of supplemental water, including reclaiming water from the San Fernando Valley and the Owens Valley.
1946
Legal action taken to arbitrate water rights and control overdraft in California Water Service Company, et al. v. Compton, et al., L.A. County Superior Court, Case # 506,806.
West Basin Water Association organizes and initiates study under Harold Conkling to determine supplemental water source needed to prevent overdraft of groundwater supplies. Conkling’s report recommends the use of Colorado River water as supplemental supply. West Basin needs majority of public to vote in support of its formation as a Municipal Water District and become member of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).
1947
Mayors of five South Bay cities form the South Bay Water Committee.
- Jan – First attempt to form West Basin Municipal Water District fails.
- Nov – Second attempt to form West Basin Municipal Water District succeeds by an 8:1 margin.
1948
U.S. Geological Survey releases water supply report showing fresh groundwater is threatened by salt water intrusion.
- West Basin becomes member of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
- Following formation of West Basin, a five-member Board of Directors is elected and sworn into office. First board includes Robert E. Austin, William C. Farquhar, Russell T. Hutchins, Ralph W. Pritchard, and August H. Riess.
- Kenneth K. Wright is appointed Attorney of the District.
- Carl Fossette is appointed General Manager of the District.
1949
Report on reclamation is prepared for L.A. County Board of Supervisors, outlining opportunities for using reclaimed water.
- First supply of imported water used in West Basin service area.
1950
In an effort to control salt water intrusion and determine effectiveness of maintaining a fresh water pressure ridge along the coast, County Flood Control begins fresh water injection tests into abandoned water well in Manhattan Beach.
- $750,000 grant allocated by California State Legislature to start injection well testing.
1951
Legislature amends the County Flood Control District Act to authorize establishment of conservation zones.
- Salt water intrusion increases in the West Basin.
1952
Report of Referee in West Basin adjudication is filed with the Court, ordering water producers to reduce groundwater extractions, requiring purchase of supplemental water to offset reduced pumping.
- Major aqueduct expansion required due to tremendous growth of Southern California following World War II.
1953
Test barrier, paralleling Manhattan/Hermosa Beach area, development begins.
- Ralph B. Helm appointed Attorney for the District.
1954
Zone II is established to carry on barrier testing started by the State.
1955
Forty-six major groundwater producers in the West Basin voluntarily agree to restrain their groundwater extractions to 56,963 acre feet per year.
- California State Legislature adopts the Water Replenishment District Act and the Recordation of groundwater Production Act.
1956
Second adjudication action filed to gain jurisdiction over new producers and those who may have been overlooked during the service of the original action. Court orders continuation of the West Basin Reference to update physical facts and directs State Water Rights Board to make these determinations.
1958
Second report was prepared for the County Board of Supervisors, affirming findings of first report from 1949. It proposes construction and operation of water reclamation plant at Whittier Narrows to demonstrate the feasibility of wastewater reclamation.
1959
Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District is formed to purchase supplemental water to replenish the depleted groundwater basins.
Construction begins on State Water Project.