Tap water challenges from climate change in Southern California calls for a future depending on innovative, resilient and modern infrastructure, and Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies are leading the way. These forward-thinking water agencies are committed to providing a dependable water supply and are finding creative solutions to address these obstacles.
Let’s dive deeper into the infrastructure that safeguards our tap water, both for today and for the future. Tap is part of daily life, whether we are starting our day by brushing our teeth, cooking a meal with boiling water or washing off the day with a shower. Those everyday needs are not going away.
Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP) – Western Water
Western Water is one of a dozen key partners in the watershed-scale SARCCUP, a $55 million, state-funded effort that brings multiple agencies together to improve how water is managed across the Santa Ana River Watershed. By working together, agencies can capture more water during wet years and store it for use during dry periods. SARCCUP reflects a more connected approach to water management, where regional systems work together to improve reliability for millions of people across Southern California.
(Other agencies include Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Orange County Water District and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District)
Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Project – San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD)
The Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge project captures rain and snowmelt from the Santa Ana River, storing it underground for future use. By capturing and storing water from various sources, including rain, snowmelt and the State Water Project, the project is taking long-term steps to withstand dry periods and climate variability. This $30 million investment, recharging up to 8,000 acre-feet of water per year includes:
- 20 new recharge basins
- 200 acres of restored habitat
- 600-acre site
- Expands the region’s capacity to capture local stormwater and store imported water
(Other agencies include San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, Western Municipal Water District, San Bernardino Valley, City of Riverside Public Utilities and State Department of Water Resources)
Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) – Orange County Water District (OCWD)
The world’s largest purification system is shaping how highly treated wastewater can be repurposed for indirect potable ruse. The GWRS is a collaboration between the Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District to preserve the water supply through reuse strategies in a region with weather variance.
Perris North Groundwater Program – Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)
Long term solutions are underway to improve groundwater quality through cutting-edge infrastructure for the Perris North Groundwater Program. Developing the following infrastructure addresses water supply deficits while enhancing the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to approximately 15,000 households.
- Six groundwater production wells
- One treatment facility
- Blending stations
- Conveyance pipelines
- 16 groundwater monitoring wells
Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Demonstration Facility – Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA)
Construction is in progress for the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Demonstration Facility, a critical component of infrastructure enhancements for the Chino Basin Program to optimize advanced water treatment operations. The program focuses on addressing local and state water challenges through local water treatment, storage and delivery investments.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) – Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)
A comprehensive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan is underway to manage and support the regional water supply, despite extreme climate variations. Our previous blog provides a breakdown of the plan’s background and purpose. Through partnerships and community input, the plan will help:
- Identify climate vulnerabilities and risks
- Develop resilience projects in the Santa Ana River Watershed
- Foster collaboration and engagement among stakeholders
- Incorporate local perspectives from communities throughout the watershed
Together, these programs are modernizing Southern California’s water infrastructure and operations. The result is a more secure, resilient water supply – one that supports our everyday routine and future needs.
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