WASHINGTON, DC – Bay Area water recycling efforts that will create jobs and expand water supplies got a boost this week after the federal Bureau of Reclamation announced more than $2 million in grants for these innovative projects. U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), a leading champion in Congress for water recycling praised the decision, saying the grants will help local economies.

“Water recycling is no longer a pipe dream, it is the way of the future in drought plagued states like California,” said Miller. “Water recycling projects create jobs, stretch water supplies, and drive the development of innovative technologies. These federal grants are critical to keeping this important part of our economy moving forward. There are already projects up and running in the Bay Area, that got off the ground through a partnership with the federal government,” Miller added. “Now, providing start-up funding for these new water recycling projects will help provide certainty for water managers and Bay Area communities. These local projects can have a significant impact on our regional water supplies, protecting our Bay-Delta and creating a sustainable water supply. Investing in innovative water recycling projects and clean water infrastructure is one of the smartest investments the federal government can make.”

The Bay Area Recycled Water Coalition (BARWC), a partnership of fourteen San Francisco Bay Area water recycling agencies, is proactively pursuing highly leveraged, locally-managed projects that will help ensure the security of water supplies in the Bay-Delta region. To date, projects undertaken by Coalition members have resulted in over 22,000 acre-feet of recycled water being supplied to Bay Area communities and businesses, which is equal to the annual water used by 66,000 single family homes.

“Partnering with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reflects the successful collaborative approach we are taking to address future San Francisco Bay Area’s ecosystem health, water supply reliability and water quality” says Gary Darling, spokesperson for the BARWC. “The Title XVI funding received today allows us to begin planning for the next 18,000 AFY of recycled water for the San Francisco Bay Area.”

"I am happy to learn that continued investments are bringing numerous water recycling projects in the East Bay closer to reality,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D- CA) of the announcement. “California needs sustainable solutions to meet our state's water needs. Water recycling is a critical part of our water future."

“As our population continues to grow, California needs lasting solutions to our water needs, and water recycling is among our most important investments,” U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) said. “I want to thank the Bureau of Reclamation for making these critical investments in Northern California water recycling feasibility studies. When we stop the needless waste of finite water resources, more water can be kept supporting recreation, fishing, fragile habitats, and Delta and river communities.”

This $2 million grant is the first step in getting these particular water recycling projects underway. Water recycling allows local water managers to treat wastewater and use the clean, recycled water for irrigation at places like city parks. Reusing this treated water helps preserve river and groundwater supplies in the Bay Area. In addition, treating and reusing wastewater allows urban water systems to improve the reliability of the local water supply. The following projects were awarded funding. Each dollar awarded by the federal government will be matched by non-federal funding, including from local sources.

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Concord Recycled Water Project: $97,000
The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District in Martinez will assess the feasibility of providing about 255 acre-feet per year of recycled water to 40 sites for irrigation at local businesses, office parks, and landscape medians within the City of Concord.

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Refinery Recycled Water Project: $180,000
The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District will assess the feasibility of providing up to 22,500 acre-feet per year of recycled water to the Shell and Tesoro refineries in Martinez for use in cooling towers and as boiler feed water. The study will address new construction, including a new recycled water treatment facility that would include ammonia removal, filtration, and disinfection.

Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Recycled Water Master Plan: $71,000
The Delta Diablo Sanitation District in Antioch will assess options for expanding and improving the District's current recycled water system. The feasibility study will examine the operations of the overall system for ways to maximize recycled water production and conveyance, while minimizing operations costs.

Dublin San Ramon Services District, Central Dublin Recycled Water Distribution and Retrofit Project: $253,400
The Dublin San Ramon Services District in Dublin will assess the feasibility of extending the current recycled water system to provide about 215 acre-feet of recycled water for landscape irrigation within central Dublin and to plumb retrofits to connect existing irrigation systems to the recycled water distribution system.

City of Hayward, Recycled Water Project: $156,500
The City of Hayward will assess the feasibility of a recycled water project that would serve up to 3,760 acre-feet per year of recycled water to over 20 customers, including Calpine Corporation’s Russell City Energy Center.

Ironhouse Sanitary District, Recycled Water Project: $133,100
The Ironhouse Sanitary District in Oakley will assess the feasibility of constructing a recycled water distribution system to provide up to 1,365 acre-feet per year of recycled water for existing and future landscape, agricultural, commercial, and industrial uses in and around the City of Oakley. The project could include about 15 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline, a distribution pump station, storage, and the retrofit of user connections.

City of Mountain View, Recycled Water System Expansion: $100,000
The City of Mountain View will assess the feasibility of expanding the current recycled water distribution system to new customers within the city and surrounding communities; and to connect with the City of Sunnyvale’s recycled water distribution system to maximize water reuse while minimizing construction costs.

City of Palo Alto, Recycled Water Pipeline Project: $268,800
The City of Palo Alto will assess the feasibility of expanding the current recycled water distribution system to deliver recycled water to additional customers within the City of Palo Alto. The proposed project would include a transmission pipeline, a booster pump station, laterals, and site retrofits.

City of Pleasanton, Recycled Water: $177,750
The City of Pleasanton will assess the feasibility of a new recycled water system to serve recycled water to customers within the City of Pleasanton and surrounding communities. The recycled water would mostly be used for landscape irrigation. But other uses such as reverse osmosis groundwater recharge, agricultural irrigation, and industrial applications will be analyzed.

Redwood City, Central Redwood City Recycled Water Project: $94,700
Redwood City will assess the feasibility of expanding the current recycled water distribution system to provide about 507 acre-feet per year of recycled water to over 20 customers for commercial, residential, and municipal irrigation. The project could include about 9.5 miles of distribution pipeline and would enable Redwood City to become a regional recycled water supplier to neighboring communities.

City of San Jose, Improvements and Expansions for South Bay Water Recycling Facilities: $268,000
The City of San Jose will assess the ability of the existing recycled water distribution system to meet current and future recycled water demands and recommend capital improvements to enhance system reliability, maintain water quality, and increase recycled water use. The study will also evaluate regional opportunities and recommend agreements and partnerships necessary to promote the regional coordination of recycled water use in northern Santa Clara County.

San Jose Water Company, San Jose Water Company Recycled Water Master Plan, $249,950
The San Jose Water Company in San Jose will assess the feasibility of expanding the current recycled water distribution system to serve recycled water to additional customers for landscape irrigation and industrial and cooling uses.

Town of Yountville, Recycled Water Feasibility: $80,700
The Town of Yountville will assess the feasibility of expanding the current recycled water distribution system to serve recycled water to urban and agricultural uses. The project could include additional distribution pipeline, seasonal storage ponds, and pumping and control facilities. The study will also assess the feasibility of decreasing discharges to the Napa River, which flows through the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and Mare Island Strait to San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay.

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