WRD gains approvals to construct $110m water recycling facility

The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) in the US has secured approvals to proceed with its plans to construct a $110m water recycling facility on a 5.2-acre parcel in the northeast part of the city adjacent to the San Gabriel River channel.

Following the approval by Pico Rivera city officials, construction of the, 25,000ft² plant is expected to begin later this year.

The Pico Rivera Planning Commission voted 5-0 to award a conditional use permit (CUP) for the Groundwater Reliability Improvement Project (GRIP).

The project outlined various steps to be taken by the water agency to ensure its project reduces impacts to neighbours both during and after construction.

WRD director Albert Robles said: "After nearly a decade of planning, the Groundwater Reliability Improvement Project is approved for construction, marking a major leap forward toward complete and permanent local sustainability of the groundwater basins that provide half the water supply to over four million people."

The GRIP facility is planned to be constructed on property at 4320 San Gabriel River Parkway, the former site of a trash-hauling business.

It will produce enough water to offset the existing demand for imported water used for groundwater replenishment and will also include a water education space and drought-tolerant demonstration gardens.

WRD manages the groundwater for the Central and West Coast Basins, which supplies roughly 50% of the water demand for a 420 square mile region which with 43 cities in southern Los Angeles County.

GRIP facility will purify recycled and treated wastewater obtained daily from the nearby San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant.

Later on, WRD will deliver the water to groundwater percolation basins in Pico Rivera and enter the aquifer system.

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Image: Pico Rivera Planning Commission Gives Greenlight To WRD Project. Photo: courtesy of Water Replenishment District of Southern California.