PWD Board Appoints Local Nurse to Fill Vacant Seat
PALMDALE – Cynthia Sanchez, a nurse at Kaiser Permanente, is the new Palmdale Water District (PWD) Board Director representing Division 3. Director Sanchez was appointed to the position by the Board and immediately engaged in her first meeting after taking the oath of office on Feb. 12. Director Sanchez was one of two residents who applied for the position vacated on Dec. 31 by former Director Gloria Dizmang, who resigned due to health issues. Her term will expire in December 2024. “I am very excited to be a part of the Palmdale Water District and grateful for the chance to be involved in the community,” said Director Sanchez. “I am eager to jump right in, learn about the water industry and contribute to the District’s success.” The Board voted 4-0 to appoint Director Sanchez, praising her enthusiasm and ability to bring a new perspective to the group. “It is wonderful to have Director Sanchez on the Board,” said PWD Board President Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “I commend her for her interest and willingness to give her time to make a difference in our community. We look forward to working with her.” Director Sanchez plans to fully immerse herself in the water industry by being active and attending as many events as she can. “I think a good director needs to know all the ins and outs of everything involved,” she said. “That is the only way I can fully represent my division.” The new Director has been in the healthcare industry for most of her career. She has spent the past 12 years working as a nurse at Kaiser Permanente in the Antelope Valley. After many years working in ophthalmology, she is currently assigned to podiatry. “Nursing is my passion,” she said. “I love being a nurse and taking care of my patients.” Director Sanchez and her husband, Miguel, are parents to four children ages 11 to 22. She spends her spare time serving as a team mom for her children’s sports teams, serving food at homeless shelters and hiking. She has lived in Palmdale since 2005. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.###
Central Coast Agencies will use $5.5 million from DWR for Local Projects
As part of our continued partnership with local experts to make strategic investments in water supply resilience projects across the state, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) presented a $5.5 million grant to the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District to support groundwater resilience in Central Coast communities, including disadvantaged communities and Tribes.
The award, funded by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program, will support efforts by eight Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin agencies to manage and monitor groundwater for drinking water quality and quantity, study the impacts of current groundwater use, and reduce groundwater reliance by exploring potential stormwater runoff projects and developing water use efficiency plans.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Department of Water Resources and the $5.5 million in grant funding. The grant will fund projects that assist the groundwater sustainability agencies with Sustainable Groundwater Management, providing multiple benefits to all groundwater users in the Santa Ynez River groundwater basin over the next 20 years and beyond,” said Bill Buelow, general manager, Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District.
While the conservation district is the lead on Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) efforts for the Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin, this grant will also benefit seven other agencies representing communities across the region, including the County of Santa Barbara; the City of Buellton; the City of Solvang; the City of Lompoc; Mission Hills Community Service District; and Vandenberg Village Community Services District.
“Collaboration is central to the success of California’s water future, and that is what this grant funding is all about. Because these communities all rely on the same basin, the initial partnership of the local water stewards really set the stage for a collaborative and intentional sustainability process. We’re proud to work closely with these local experts to ensure that their communities have access to the water supplies they need,” said Anita Regmi, DWR senior engineering geologist.
The mission of DWR’s groundwater grant program is to provide funding to Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and other responsible entities under SGMA to promote healthy and sustainable groundwater basins, reduce and eliminate undesirable effects, and promote projects that provide multiple benefits while also improving groundwater supply and quality.
“This DWR grant award to the entire Santa Ynez Valley Basin is essential to formalize the work and activities that the three agencies have been dedicated to since SGMA was passed in 2015. The funding will allow the newly formed agencies to start the necessary and public work to continue to assess the basin’s groundwater and plan for the implementation of sustainable practices to protect and monitor the health of our natural resource. These efforts will benefit Solvang and the entire basin. We look forward to continuing to be reliable stewards of SGMA and putting the funding to constructive use,” said Elizabeth Orona, Councilmember, City of Solvang.
This grant is one of many featured as part of DWR’s Go Golden Initiative, which highlights partnerships between the State of California and local organizations and water agencies to fund bold and innovative projects that strengthen California’s water infrastructure and community resilience. Interested parties can stay up to date with the latest “Go Golden” announcements and news through DWR’s email subscription list.
For more information about upcoming grant opportunities, visit DWR’s Grants and Loans webpage.
Bureau Announces Initial Allocations for CVP Contractors
SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Feb. 21 announced initial 2024 water supply allocations for Central Valley Project water users. Water supply allocations are based on an estimate of water available for delivery to Central Valley Project water users and reflect current reservoir storage, precipitation, and snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
“The wet hydrologic conditions we experienced during the 2023 water year left most of our reservoirs in good shape as we progressed to the 2024 water year,” Bureau California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock stated in a news release. “Precipitation totals this water year started off slowly, evidenced by the fact we were well below average at the time of the Feb. 1 water supply forecast. Since that time, several storms have boosted the Sierra Nevada snowpack, bringing us to near normal conditions for Northern California. It is likely we will see the water supply benefits from these storms in the March 1 forecast update. At the same time, we must be prepared for and respond accordingly to the possible re-emergence of drier conditions.”
A Bureau news release outlined the initial allocations based on contractor type and usage.
“We recognize mother nature is unpredictable and forecasting water allocation is hard work and challenging. We appreciate the staff at Reclamation for their efforts to deliver water — a critical resource — to our family farmers so they can grow the produce that nourishes not just our region, but beyond,” Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo stated in a news release. “To be resilient to changes in climate and to be prepared for future drought conditions, the district has been focused on implementing solutions like groundwater recharge to replenish our aquifers and working with our farmers to explore alternative use for fallowed land like solar.”
The Friant Water Authority also issued a statement.
“After a slow start to the water year, several large storms have begun to pack the Northern and Central Sierra Mountain ranges with much needed precipitation and snowpack. And thankfully so,” Friant Water Authority CEO Jason Phillips stated in a news release. “On behalf of FWA and the entire Friant Division of the CVP, I’d like to thank the US Bureau of Reclamation for the early initial allocation announcement of 60% for Class 1 Contractors. Under the latest inflow forecasts we anticipate the need for an increased allocation soon even under dry conditions to avoid spilling of Millerton supplies this spring. We look forward to frequent updates to the allocation and continued coordination from Reclamation as this water year progresses.”
In recognition of recent efforts to develop a south-of-Delta drought plan, the Bureau also announced that it is reserving approximately 83,000 acre-feet of water currently in San Luis Reservoir that will contribute to a drought reserve pool and is not considered as a volume of water available for water supply allocations.
Desert Water Agency General Manager Mark Krause Retires
After 29 years at Desert Water Agency – the last eight as General Manager and Chief Engineer – Mark Krause retired on Feb. 22, 2024. Steve Johnson, current Assistant General Manager, replaced Krause upon his retirement.
“It has been a privilege to serve the public over the past three decades and work with a talented team at Desert Water Agency,” said Krause. “I look forward to the Agency’s continued success in providing our community with safe, affordable and reliable water.”
Krause joined DWA in 1995 as the Operations Engineer. In that role, Mark helped develop the engineering department so DWA could design its own pipelines, booster stations and wells – which it still does today. Krause was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2004 and became DWA’s sixth General Manager on Jan. 30, 2016.
As a man with vision and determination, Krause found ways to improve the reliability and sustainability of DWA’s groundwater supply. He was instrumental in implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and in the signing of a historic water agreement between Metropolitan Water District (MWD), Coachella Valley Water District and DWA.
Krause also helped the agency dive into the digital world with new data management systems, GIS (Geographic Information System) and advanced meter technology.
“Mark always puts community first and has led the team with dedication and integrity,” said Paul Ortega, DWA Board President. “We celebrate Mark’s contributions and retirement knowing that DWA is in good hands. Under Steve Johnson’s leadership, DWA will continue to prosper and grow.”
Johnson was hired as an Assistant Engineer at DWA in 1995 and promoted to Operations Engineer in 2004. He became Assistant General Manager in 2016.
Among his many accomplishments, Johnson negotiated new power purchase and land use agreements to generate revenue for DWA and keep rates down. He also guided the Agency through several departmental restructurings to help the Agency navigate the ever-increasing regulations more efficiently.
“I have spent my entire career at DWA working under and alongside Mark, learning from the best. I look forward to my new role and continuing to plan so that future generations can enjoy clean, reliable drinking water, like we do today.” said Johnson.
OCWD Captures Enough Water For 204,000 People During February Storms
FOUNTAIN VALLEY – The Orange County Water District (OCWD, the District) has successfully captured 25,500 acre-feet of water during February storms so far, equivalent to 8.3 billion gallons—enough water for 204,000 people for a year. This significant achievement comes in the wake of a powerful series of storms that brought 7.28 inches of rain to the region, totaling 13.54 inches of rain since July 1, the beginning of the water year. OCWD’s ability to capture this water stems from meticulous planning, substantial investments in water infrastructure, a robust partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the dedication of its staff, who worked tirelessly through inclement weather to ensure the maximum capture of stormwater. “We operate one of the most advanced aquifer recharge systems globally,” stated OCWD President Cathy Green. “Our network of percolation basins, pumps, and inflatable dams effectively recharge the Orange County Groundwater Basin which serves as a major drinking water source supplying 85% of the water to 2.5 million people.” Stormwater capture has been integral to the District’s diverse water supply portfolio for decades and accounts for 17% of water recharged annually into the basin —enough water for 453,000 people. Given the amount of rain received to date, OCWD expects to recharge even more stormwater this water year. To further enhance its capture capabilities, the District is testing Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) at Prado Dam in Riverside County. FIRO aims to boost water storage levels behind the dam by leveraging improved weather forecasting to allow for more precise dam operations. Through its partnership with the Corps, water behind Prado Dam is strategically pooled and released to be captured downstream by OCWD. “OCWD’s proactive water management approach ensures a reliable water supply and serves as a model to the industry,” added President Green. “We will continue to do everything we can to enhance stormwater capture and explore all options to increase our local water supply.”###
DWR Announces Increase to Anticipated State Water Project Allocation
SACRAMENTO– The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced an increase in the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2024. The forecasted allocation is now 15 percent of requested supplies, up from the 10 percent initial allocation announced in December. This translates to about 200,000 acre-feet of additional water for the 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians.
This assessment does not include the results of any of the storms that hit California earlier this month. The State Water Project will review conditions and may revise the forecasted allocation in mid-March. The February allocation forecast update takes into account snow survey measurements and data up until February 1 and spring runoff forecasts outlined in the first Bulletin 120 of the season.
While California has seen a series of winter storms the past two months, those storms have been warmer and brought historic rainfall to Southern California. Northern California, the headwaters of the State Water Project, has seen less of a benefit from these storms and precipitation for that region was below average.
The State Water Project has been able to take advantage of these storms, increasing storage at both Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir. Lake Oroville has increased 460,000 acre-feet and San Luis Reservoir has increased 85,000 acre-feet since January 1.
“We will continue to assess our State Water Project allocation forecast as more storms materialize in February and March.” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “This season is an important reminder of our extreme conditions and shift to bigger, flashier storms and the need to continue increasing the state’s ability to capture and store stormwater when it comes as rain instead of snow.”
As of today, the statewide snowpack is 86 percent of average for this date, and 69 percent of its April 1 average, which is considered the peak snowpack for the season.
State Water Project reservoirs remain above average for this time of year, as the state continues to benefit from last winter’s historic snowpack and efforts to capture and store as much water as possible. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is at 134 percent of average for this date.
With recent storms bringing more rain than snow, DWR continues to work with local water agencies to capture and store as much stormwater as possible. DWR is also supporting efforts statewide to capture stormwater and use it to recharge critical groundwater basins.
Each year, DWR provides the initial State Water Project allocation by December 1 based on available water storage, projected water supply, and water demands. Allocations are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall, and runoff information is assessed, with a final allocation typically determined in May or June.
Yuba Water Meets with Local Students for Engineers Week
MARYSVILLE – Yuba Water Agency engineers are meeting with approximately 60 Yuba County middle schoolers this week as part of a new pathway program to expand engineering education opportunities for Marysville Joint Unified School District students.
“We already have many of these courses, like robotics and coding, at some sites and we have started expanding these across the TK-12 system,” said MJUSD Superintendent Fal Asrani. “Our new engineering pathway program is an example of a more formal and accessible option that is aligned to university standards so that students are better prepared to pursue a four-year degree, if they choose.”
Asrani spoke about the engineering pathway program during an update to Yuba Water’s board of directors on Feb. 20. The new pilot program includes three years of integrated math and four elective courses in coding, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Yuba Water is providing in-kind support of the program by connecting its engineers with incoming and current Lindhurst High School students to talk more about their career paths and what it’s like working as an engineer at the agency. The meetings will be at active work sites and agency facilities like New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir to help students connect classroom learning with real-world jobs and projects.
“As someone who grew up in the Yuba-Sutter area, left to pursue engineering and came back to work as an engineer for Yuba Water, to see more opportunities for young people to explore engineering and to be able to give kids the exposure to this career field is just so exciting,” said Yuba Water Flood Risk Reduction Manager Sami Nall.
During today’s meeting, agency staff also shared an update on plans to improve levee monitoring throughout Yuba County in partnership with the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), part of the University of California.
“Today happens to be the anniversary of the 1986 levee break on the Yuba River that impacted thousands of people, homes and businesses in Linda and Olivehurst,” said Yuba Water Director of Water Resources and Flood Risk Reduction Ryan McNally. “I can’t think of a better way to leverage our partnership with CITRIS than to explore the best and latest technologies to further reduce the likelihood of an event of that magnitude from happening again.”
Yuba Water will commit up to $360,000 over two years for the project, which will deploy advanced sensing technologies at eight different levee sites to investigate more efficient monitoring methods. The goal of the research is to enhance monitoring capabilities and, in the long term, predict and manage the life expectancy of this critical infrastructure, further reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding in Yuba County.
Last year, Yuba Water, the City of Wheatland and CITRIS signed a memorandum of understanding to outline plans for mutually beneficial research that will connect technological solutions to local and regional issues, build more resilient communities and protect Yuba County’s natural resources. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute is a University of California research center focused on creating information technology solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for everyone.
Half-Billion in Federal Funding Announced for California Water Infrastructure
SAN FRANCISCO, CA– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over half a billion ($510,054,000) from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for California drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. This historic funding is part of over $50 billion in water infrastructure upgrade investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in American history. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach disadvantaged and underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure. This vital funding will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“All people deserve the peace of mind that the water they drink, swim and bathe in, and use to feed their families is safe, readily available, and clean,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is making this a reality for tens of millions of Americans throughout the Pacific Southwest, especially those that need it the most. In partnership with communities and state leaders, we’re investing in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to provide sustainable, clean water that will improve the health and quality of life for communities and the environment.”
“This will be a massive injection into our strategy for getting more people clean drinking water,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “My administration has already improved access for 2 million Californians and invested hundreds of millions of dollars to ramp up this work, and this new investment will significantly boost these efforts. Our partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, and the work of California’s congressional and senate delegations, have delivered in a big way for Californians.”
“The Biden-Harris administration continues to deliver historic investments in American infrastructure, and the over half a billion in grants for water upgrades across the state is a significant win for Californians,” said U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler. “This bipartisan water infrastructure investment will help build out programs to improve storm drainage, replace aging pipes, and guarantee access to safe drinking water free of contaminants like PFAS.”
“Every community should have clean, reliable water infrastructure for drinking water, sanitation, and flood mitigation, but far too many cities and towns across California lack adequate water systems,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “This robust federal investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law builds on my goals as chair of the subcommittee responsible for clean water access to ensure we provide safe and affordable water for all Americans, including our most vulnerable communities in California.”
Communities across the country are facing urgent water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken, or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants needing major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to manage flood impacts from climate change effectively; others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for California is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address critical challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in California
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $1.6 billion ($1,625,045,000) into water infrastructure projects across California, protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.
With the help of more than $3.3 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, Walnut Ranch, a Colusa, California community impacted by multiple environmental and health issues and designated as disadvantaged, will improve water conservation and protect its drinking water supplies. Thanks to this funding, the community will install water meters, replace old and asbestos cement pipes, install fire hydrants, and effectively eliminate access to two arsenic-contaminated wells that are no longer in use. These upgrades will allow Colusa to consolidate drinking water systems and deliver safer, more reliable drinking water to this community.
To view some stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap here. For additional projects, see this Quarterly Report.
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for over 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant sustainable water quality and public health benefits nationwide. The inherent structure of revolving loans amplifies their growth by making the payment of principal and interest on loans available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
WVWD Bids Farewell to Visionary General Manager
Walnut Valley Water District bids farewell to Erik Hitchman, P.E., a visionary leader and dedicated professional in the field of water management, as he retires from his role as General Manager/Chief Engineer. Erik’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished three-decade career marked by remarkable contributions to the water industry and a legacy of unwavering commitment. His last day with Walnut Valley Water District is February 29, 2024.
Mr. Hitchman joined Walnut Valley Water District in 1998, assuming various roles including District Engineer, Director of Engineering and Planning, and Assistant General Manager/Chief Engineer. Armed with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cal State University, Long Beach, Erik brought a wealth of knowledge and a passion for developing sustainable water solutions. His extensive experience also includes roles at Three Valleys Municipal Water District (1996-1998) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (1989-1996).
Throughout his tenure, Erik emerged as a driving force behind the district’s transformative infrastructure projects. His foresight and innovative approach significantly enhanced the water resiliency profile in the regional area. Erik’s leadership extended beyond engineering, as he forged strategic partnerships to strengthen water supply reliability. His collaborative efforts created a network of alliances that bolstered the district’s ability to navigate the complex challenges of water management.
Mr. Hitchman’s impact transcended the technical realm; he demonstrated exceptional leadership during times of adversity. Under his guidance, the district’s team faced and triumphed over trials and tribulations, including the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Erik’s commitment to the safety and well-being of his team ensured that the essential services provided by Walnut Valley Water District remained steadfast even in the face of uncertainty.
As he steps into retirement, Erik leaves behind a legacy of excellence and resilience. His influence has not only shaped Walnut Valley Water District but has also had a lasting impact on the broader water industry. Erik’s dedication, strategic vision, and ability to navigate challenges have set a standard for leadership that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Walnut Valley Water District expresses its deepest gratitude to Erik Hitchman for his outstanding contributions and wishes him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.
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About Walnut Valley Water District
Walnut Valley Water District was formed in 1952, and after seven decades of service to the community, the District operates and maintains two large imported water pipelines, 434 miles of distribution mains, 17 pump plants, and 32 reservoirs with a storage capacity of 95.8 million gallons of water. The District also provides water service to more than 27,000 connections in an area encompassing 17,900 acres, serving a population of nearly 100,000 residents and businesses in six local communities (Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Pomona, Industry, and West Covina).
Unprecedented Diversions Replenish Ventura County Groundwater Resources
OXNARD – United Water Conservation District’s (UWCD) Freeman Diversion facility diverted 148,000 acre-feet (approximately 48 billion gallons) in 2023, significantly surpassing a record previously set in 1998. The facility typically diverts an average of 60,000 acre-feet a year for groundwater recharge, refilling the aquifers beneath the Oxnard Plain and slowing seawater intrusion.
The Freeman Diversion figures contribute to an unprecedented water year at UWCD, with releases and diversions for groundwater recharge totaling a record 271,000 acre-feet or more than 88 billion gallons. This includes storage and releases from the Santa Felicia Dam and Castaic Lake. The District’s amount of imported water also surpassed a record 24,150 acre-feet.
“The Freeman Diversion is a vital tool for managing the region’s natural resources. It sustains $1.08 billion in annual crop production in Ventura County,” UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado said. “Our efforts to expand and enhance the facility are already making a difference, and we are eager to see how additional groundwater resources help the Oxnard Plain flourish.
UWCD built the Freeman Diversion in 1991 to redirect water from the Santa Clara River to percolation basins. The 25-foot-high facility spans 1,200 feet across the Santa Clara River, delivering groundwater to the aquifers beneath Ventura County’s productive farms. The groundwater also supplies local industry in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. A fish ladder allows steelhead trout to migrate upstream and a screened fish bay keeps fish out of the canals and recharge basins.
In 2021, UWCD initiated a multiphase, $60 million expansion of the facility to ramp up its recharge capabilities. By 2036, UWCD estimates the expansion will increase groundwater recharge and in-lieu surface water deliveries by 10,000 acre-feet per year. Project highlights include conveyance system enhancements, fish passage improvements, new canals, basin partitioning and underground road crossings.
The expansion will increase the recharge of water from high river flows, which improves groundwater quality, reduces nitrate levels for small mutual water companies and disadvantaged communities in El Rio and Saticoy, and combats seawater intrusion. It also emits low greenhouse gases and provides significant energy savings to customers who use diverted surface water instead of pumping from their wells.
With the record diversions in 2023, UWCD’s expansion projects are having an impact. In 2021, UWCD upgraded the facility’s Grand Canal, significantly improving diversion figures. The District also added Rose Recharge Basin to the facility in 2016, responsible for 6,800 additional acre-feet of recharge in 2023. Basin maintenance and rotation added 7,000 to 9,000 acre-feet of water for groundwater recharge.
To learn more about the far-reaching benefits of the Freeman Diversion, visit www.unitedwater.org/freeman-diversion/.