FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Basics
What is a general obligation bond?
A general obligation bond is a way for a public agency to borrow money upfront to pay for capital projects, then repay that money over time through a dedicated property tax assessment. Think of it like a home mortgage — the agency borrows what it needs today and repays it in predictable annual installments. Voters must approve the bond before any funds can be raised or spent.
What projects will this fund?
Bond funds may only be used for capital projects — specifically, the construction, improvement, and related costs of the projects described in the measure. California law is explicit about what bond proceeds cannot be used for: they may not be spent on employee salaries or benefits, day-to-day operating expenses, routine maintenance, administrative costs, or any purpose not described in the voter-approved measure. Every dollar raised through the bond must go directly toward building the capital projects authorized by voters. Nothing else.
Why is United Water pursuing a General Obligation Bond Measure?
United Water has spent years pursuing every available outside funding source: grants, low-interest federal loans, and legislative appropriations. Those efforts have produced real results — $31.5 million in secured grants and up to $83 million in low-interest federal financing. But even combined, these sources fall short of what is needed to complete all three projects within the timelines that regulators and the courts require. A general obligation bond is the most transparent, equitable, and fiscally responsible way to close that gap while protecting Ventura County's long-term water supply.
Costs & Taxes
Who has to pay this tax?
The tax applies to all taxable real property within United Water Conservation District's service area — residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial. The annual amount owed is based on each property's assessed value.
How and when will the tax impact my property tax bill?
If the measure is approved, the tax would first appear on property tax bills in fiscal year 2028. It would be collected annually through the Ventura County property tax roll — the same bill property owners already receive each year. The estimated annual rate is approximately $24 per $100,000 of assessed value, which works out to about $121 per year, or roughly $10 per month, for the average homeowner. The tax is expected to remain in place for 30 years, through fiscal year 2057.
I rent. Does this affect me?
Renters are not subject to any direct new tax from this measure. General obligation bonds are repaid through property taxes levied on property owners of record. Renters will, however, benefit directly from the water supply reliability and groundwater protections these projects deliver.
How does this affect agricultural property owners?
Agricultural properties within United Water's service area would be subject to the same tax rate as other property types — approximately $240 per $1,000,000 of assessed value. At the same time, all three projects directly benefit Ventura County agriculture. Santa Felicia Dam stores water that much of the region's farming depends on, and losing that storage capacity or facing operational restrictions would have serious consequences for irrigation supplies. The Freeman Diversion improvements are expected to increase groundwater recharge by 5,000 to 8,000 acre-feet per year, further supporting agricultural water supplies. And the Extraction Barrier project directly protects the Oxnard Plain from the seawater intrusion that threatens both crop viability and long-term well water quality.
What if United Water gets more grant funding? Does the tax go down?
Yes, potentially. The bond authorizes United Water to issue up to $350 million in bonds, but the District is not required to issue the full amount. If additional grants, loans, or appropriations are secured, fewer bonds may need to be issued — which could reduce the total tax burden on property owners. United Water is committed to pursuing every available outside funding source throughout the life of these projects.
Projects & Timeline
When will construction start?
Work is already underway on the Freeman Diversion, with conveyance upgrades that began in 2021. Design and permitting for the fish passage improvements are on track for completion in 2026, with in-river construction planned during future dry seasons. Construction on the Extraction Barrier project is anticipated to begin as early as 2027. The Santa Felicia Dam project is in active design and regulatory coordination. All three projects have significant groundwork already completed, so bond proceeds would move United Water directly to construction.
What happens if the bond doesn't pass?
The projects still need to be completed. The regulatory mandates, court orders, and groundwater sustainability obligations don't go away. Without bond funding, United Water would face a difficult choice — delay critical work and risk enforcement action, court sanctions, and serious consequences across all three projects.
For the Santa Felicia Dam, that could mean operational restrictions or decommissioning, eliminating water storage that farms and communities across the region depend on, and permanently closing Lake Piru. For the Freeman Diversion, it means continued legal exposure and the potential loss of future water supply gains the improvements would deliver. For the Extraction Barrier project, delay means continued seawater intrusion that becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to reverse.
The alternative to the bond is not the status quo. It is a far greater and more immediate burden on customers and property owners through rate increases, or the permanent loss of critical water supply capacity. Voting YES on November 3 is the lower-cost, more responsible path forward.
Voting & Accountability
When can I vote?
The measure will appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Registered voters within United Water Conservation District's service area are eligible to vote. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters in Ventura County ahead of Election Day. You can also vote in person at your designated polling location on November 3. To register to vote or check your registration status, visit venturavote.org.
How many votes does it take to pass?
Under California law, a general obligation bond measure for a special district requires approval by two-thirds (66.67%) of voters casting a ballot on the measure. That's why every YES vote matters.
How do I know the money will be spent as promised?
By law, bond proceeds may only be used for the capital projects described in the measure. They cannot be redirected to operations, salaries, or unrelated expenses. All expenditures are subject to independent annual audits, and United Water's Board of Directors retains full oversight of bond issuance and spending. The District is also committed to regular public reporting on project progress, budget performance, and schedule throughout the life of the bond program.
How can I find out more about this measure?
United Water is holding community meetings across the District to walk through the bond measure, the projects it funds, and what it means for property owners. You can also read United Water's Bond Report — a detailed public document prepared under the California Water Code — at unitedwater.org/bond.