News Release Archive

Semitropic Water District to implement water conservation measures and reduce energy costs

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

For Release: October 25, 2017

WASCO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has completed an Environmental Assessment for three water conservation projects for the Semitropic Water Storage District, 20 miles northwest of Bakersfield.

The Groundwater Well Operational Data Acquisition Project will equip 390 existing groundwater wells with data systems to provide the District with real-time data on landowner water and power usage, improve on-farm management, and implement water conservation practices at the landowner level. The Solar Power Project will generate up to 5 megawatts of solar energy to supplement and augment the District’s energy supply. The Lateral Canal Lining Project will line conveyance ditches associated with the Pond-Poso Spreading Grounds, thereby reducing seepage losses of groundwater conveyed to the main distribution canal.

Federal funding comes from Reclamation’s water conservation programs that promote district level water conservation improvements that facilitate on-farm water use efficiency and conservation. Reclamation provided the District two grants for a total of $1,750,000 out of a total project cost of $3,574,962.

The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and may be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=30210.

Comments are due by close of business Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. Written comments should be sent to Doug Kleinsmith, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or emailed to dkleinsmith@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Kleinsmith at 916-978-5034 (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.