News Release Archive

Reclamation announces $1.5 million in Water Use Efficiency grants

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: September 01, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces the selection of two California projects to receive $1.5 million total in CALFED Water Use Efficiency grants for fiscal year 2017. Combined with local cost-share contributions, these projects are expected to implement about $6.9 million in water management improvements during the next 24 months.

The projects will conserve an estimated 733 acre-feet per year of water, contributing to the CALFED Bay-Delta Program objectives of improving ecosystem health, water supply reliability and water quality. California and federal agencies are partners in the 30-year program (2000-2030).

Reclamation made the selection through a competitive process, giving priority consideration to projects that address CALFED goals on a statewide basis. Here’s a closer look at the two selected applicants and projects:

Santa Margarita Water District, $750,000 The district will expand the existing 3A Water Reclamation Plant to provide up to 3,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water and energy savings. The project includes construction for expanding the existing facility. Annual water savings will be 390 acre-feet per year; lifetime water savings will be 19,500 acre-feet. Total project cost is $5,080,000 with a federal cost-share of $750,000.

Semitropic Water Storage District, $750,000 The district will install a 1.5-mile long, 30 cubic feet per second, 36-inch diameter, bi-directional, intertie pipeline. The intertie pipeline will allow for the efficient conveyance of surface water supplies to spreading ground facilities located in Semitropic and the adjacent Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District. Annual water savings will be 343 acre-feet per year; lifetime water savings will be 17,000 acre-feet. Total project cost is $1,850,000 with a federal cost-share of $750,000.

For more information on the Water Use Efficiency program, please contact David White at dwhite@usbr.gov or 916-978-5208 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.