Meet the Candidate Dirk Marks Running for SCV Water Board

The ongoing drought highlights the importance of November’s election for the SCV Water Board. We need experienced and knowledgeable water professionals on the Board to meet this challenge.
I have over forty years as a water resources engineer in the private and public sector planning, acquiring and managing water supplies. After working in the private sector for seven years I joined Metropolitan Water District of Southern California where I managed their State Water Project supply and put in place innovative water banking and exchange programs. In 2008, I began working as the Water Resources Manager at Castaic Lake Water Agency and recently retired as the Director of Water Resources at SCV Water. Here, I have brought groundwater banking programs on-line that are currently providing critical dry-year supplies for our valley.
Along with dealing with the current drought, SCV Water will need to be making decisions on how we go about dealing with groundwater contamination, climate change and other challenges. As a Director at SCV Water, I would support:
Restoring our local groundwater supplies that are currently impacted by contamination and pursuing cost recovery from the polluters and manufacturers
Expanding our recycled water system to existing irrigation customers
Expanding our water conservation incentives to stretch out our existing supplies
Finding additional programs that store wet-year water for use during dry periods
Investing in the renewal of aging infrastructure to make sure the water keeps flowing to the SCV.
As a local water rate payer you want to be assured that your money is spent wisely. I am a strong proponent of careful fiscal management and consistently have had this in mind when bringing forth solutions. Additionally, I have led groups that have acquired over $25 million in grant funds to offset local costs. Further, I support pursuing polluters and manufacturers that are responsible for groundwater contamination.
As a recently retired water professional, I continue to have a passion to provide a safe, affordable and reliable water supply for our community. Please elect me to the SCV Water Board of Directors so I may continue to serve the Santa Clarita Valley.