California water department funds drought relief projects

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded nearly $153m in grants for integrated regional water management (IWRM) projects around the state, many of which will provide long-term drought relief by expanding water conservation and water recycling.

Passed by California voters in November 2006, Proposition 84 made $1bn in grants available for IRWM. The announced funding includes $131.1m in Proposition 84 funds that already have been appropriated, while an additional $21.8m was tentatively awarded by the department, subject to future appropriation by the legislature.

Funding will be provided for 15 recycled water projects that will improve the ability of local water agencies to cope with drought. This includes $1m to extend a pipeline to provide recycled water to Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland.

Funding will also be provided for 20 water conservation projects, including $1.77m to build a new 600,000gal water storage tank to help meet health and safety needs within the San Benito County Water District. Also, $680,000 will be used to install water-saving appliances and fixtures in Tehachapi homes and businesses that exceed state efficiency requirements. The funding also includes $906,000 to develop a groundwater recharge basin on a 52-acre site using Kings River floodwater near Riverdale.

The projects have estimated total costs of roughly $800m, so the DWR still needs to leverage approximately $647m in local and federal support. As well as Proposition 84, funding is available through the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, as amended 2010.