U.S. E.P.A. Declares In excess of $182 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Plans in California

CARLSBAD-The E.P.A.'s Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld announced in excess of $182 million in backing to California for investment in statewide enhancements in local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and the reduction of water pollution. Blumenfeld was joined by the City of Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall for the announcement at an event highlighting the $37 million in backing that is being used to expand the Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility and nearly double its capacity to generate water for non-potable uses like irrigation and industrial uses.

The City of Carlsbad is using approximately $30 million through a one percent interest State Revolving Fund loan and an additional $7 million in other backing to expand its current water recycling facility capacity from 4,100 acre-feet per year to 7,235 acre-feet per year. The plan will construct 18 miles of pipe as well as a new storage tank, and install 156 new recycled water meters. Once completed, Carlsbad will recycle and use all of its wastewater during summer months, meeting nearly 33 percent of its Water District's yearly water needs.

"This substantial investment at the federal level helps communities like Carlsbad provide sustainable sources of water in the face of California's historic drought," said Mr. Blumenfeld. "EPA is committed to protecting the state's water resources so critical to our environment, public health and economy."

The $182 million in additional backing announced today will be used across California for water quality plans that will reduce water pollution, enhance municipal drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, make plans more sustainable by increasing water and energy efficiency, and provide technical assistance to communities. California's Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides financing in the form of low-interest loans for municipal wastewater treatment projects, while the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund provides financial assistance for drinking water infrastructure improvements.

Since the inception of California's clean water and drinking water revolving funds programs in 1988 and 1996, respectively, the E.P.A. has awarded in excess of $4.6 billion in federal funding. The Agency estimates that $271 billion is needed to address the nation's aging and failing wastewater infrastructure, of which $26 billion is needed in California.

California anticipates allocating a portion of this year's funds for San Francisco's planned Lake Merced Green Infrastructure Project. The plan will install stormwater management improvements, such as bio-retention planters and linear vegetation strips adjacent to the curb, in a dense residential setting within a disadvantaged area of the City. Another anticipated plan will enable the City of Davis to change the source of its drinking water from groundwater to the Sacramento River by connecting to a new regional water treatment facility. This will reduce the amount of selenium in the drinking water and help Davis meet the requirements of its wastewater discharge permit.

Recently funded plans include the City of San Diego Metro Biosolids Center made upgrades to their facility, which enables them to take solids from area wastewater treatment facilities and convert it to high quality biosolids that are then used to promote growth of agricultural crops, to fertilize gardens and parks, and as landfill cover. The facility also uses their cogeneration capabilities to convert methane gas from solid waste to energy that powers the biggest City wastewater facilities.

The EPA's Pacific Southwest Region administers and enforces federal environmental laws in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands and 148 tribal nations -- home to in excess of 48 million people.

For more information on E.P.A. Region 9's State Revolving Fund program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/grants/srf-loan-prog.html

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