City of San Buenaventura v. United Water Conservation Dist.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A. Factual Background The District was formed to manage, protect, conserve and enhance groundwater for those entitled to use it. (§ 74000 et seq.) The District covers 214,000 acres in central Ventura County and the Santa Clara River watershed and encompasses eight groundwater basins. It serves those who pump groundwater from the basins, including the City’s water utility. The District funds its work through property taxes, fees on its surface water sales, investment earnings and the groundwater extraction charges at issue here. The District has established two zones for the charges: Zone A covers the whole District; Zone B includes those who benefit directly from the Freeman Diversion Dam on the Santa Clara River. Wells in Zone B, some of which belong to the City, pay both Zone A and Zone B extraction charges. In imposing its extraction charges, the District divides groundwater pumpers into two classes: Ag and M&I. Ag uses include the production of food and commercial crops, livestock

1All statutory references are to the Water Code unless otherwise stated.

2 support and aquaculture. M&I uses include drinking water, residential and commercial uses…