City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
S
eptember 21, 2026
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Department of Public Works
Jay Spurgin, Interim Public Works Director
Subj
ect: Appointment of a City Council Member to the Ambassadors Council for the Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed
Sta
ff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the City Council authorize the Mayor to appoint a City Council Member to the Ambassadors Council for the Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed.
Ba
ckground
T
he Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas) is conducting a Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed. The study aims to identify a preferred approach for converting underutilized brackish groundwater resources into a reliable local supply of potable water. As part of the study, Calleguas is evaluating potential desalter concepts, including a project in Simi Valley, through a series of workshops where screening and analytical steps are being developed.
T
o support regional participation in the study, Calleguas has also established an Ambassadors Council to be composed of elected officials and executive leaders.
Attachment A provides an informational flyer that includes an overview of the Ambassadors Council and a list of Study Partners participating in the effort. The Ambassadors Council will be briefed at key milestones to promote an early and consistent understanding of alternatives, issues, trade-offs, and constraints. Each Study Partner is being asked to appoint a representative to participate on the Ambassadors Council.
Participation on the Ambassadors Council will provide the City with access to historical background, technical information, regional perspectives, and emerging opportunities related to long-term water supply reliability. This engagement will help ensure the City is well-positioned to understand and respond to potential regional water supply solutions.
Di
scussion
T
he Ambassadors Council will help ensure that when the study identifies the preferred desalter concept, the region is prepared to act on it. The Ambassadors Council will not determine the location of a future desalter facility, but will provide a forum for area leaders to discuss local economic benefits, regional equity, and the costs of alternate solutions.
Agenda Item No.
3A(1)
Members will provide i nput on community v alues that will inform the evaluation cr iteria used in the study process.
The Ambassadors Council is scheduled to meet in September 2026 to receive a briefing on work completed thus far and will continue to receive updates on emerging opportunities and detailed analysis of shortlisted concepts as they become available. The Ambassadors Council members will review the draft study report, provide input on public feedback, and be briefed on next steps for water supply resilience projects in the region.
Financial Impact
There is no direct financial i mpact t o t he City’s G eneral F und associated with the recommended action.
City Council Priority
This item supports the City’s Reliable Infrastructure Pillar of Excellence, which is the City’s commitment to support the development of local, independent water sources, including the exploration of groundwater desalination Focus Area Goal.
Suggested Motion
I move to authorize the Mayor to appoint a City Council Member to the Ambassadors Council for the Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed.
Summary
The Calleguas Municipal Water District is conducting a Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed. The study aims to identify a preferred approach for converting underutilized brackish groundwater resources into a reliable local supply of potable water. As part of the study process, Calleguas is evaluating potential desalter concepts, including a project in Simi Valley, through a series of workshops where screening and analyt ical steps are being developed. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Mayor to appoint a City Council Member to the Ambassadors Council for the Study to Optimize Brackish Groundwater Desalting in the Upper Calleguas Creek Watershed.
Prepared by: Jay Spurgin, Interim Public Works Director Attachments
Attachment A – Ambassadors Council and Study Partners Flyer 2 3