Decision on water district consolidation delayed

The agency that decides which local governments get to be in charge of which areas has delayed a decision on whether two San Bernardino County water districts should merge.

The Local Agency Formation Commission, AKA Lafco board, took action Tuesday to continue a vote on the issue until July 15.

The question is whether the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, an H20 wholesaler, should absorb the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, which is responsible for recharging local groundwater supplies.

The Conservation District's territory is completely within the boundaries of the Municipal Water District. The Conservation District wants to remain independent and maintains that its less expensive to San Bernardino area residents to keep the small agency intact. The Municipal Water District has contended that it would be cheaper to join the agencies.

Lafco reports that an independent financial analysis of the proposed merger is not expected to be completed until early June.