California Department of Water Resources provides grant to California American Water

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has provided a $10m grant to a public utility, California American Water, to help construct a seawaters desalination component of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.

This project is expected to help address the water shortage problem of Monterey Peninsula.

California American Water president Rich Svindland said: “We are extremely grateful to DWR for supporting our project.

“This grant will reduce costs to our customers for this project, which is urgently needed to protect the local river and groundwater and to meet the demands of the community in a sustainable way.”

The $329m Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project consists of a portfolio of water supply components, which will help address the water requirements of the area.

In 2009, the California State Water Resources Control Board issued a Cease and Desist Order that restricts drawing of water from the Carmel River, which serves as the community’s major source of water supply. Further, this river is home to some threatened species.

The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project consists of a seawater desalination facility that is based on slant well technology, which cuts down harm to marine life while drawing water for treatment.

Among the other aspects of the project consist of continued conservation and recycled water, aquifer storage of excess winter river flows.

In September 2018, California American Water secured approval for the project from the California Public Utilities Commission.

Additional permits are required, including approval from the California Coastal Commission, which is expected later this year.

Svindland added: “With only 100,000 customers served in our Monterey District, finding cost savings for this project is of critical importance.

“We have also applied to the state for State Revolving Fund low-interest loans, will continue to engage in value engineering and always, to look for additional opportunities for savings.”