California invests $880 million to boost water systems

• $880 million distributed to 395 projects statewide.
• Benefits 12 million Californians with improved water supply and climate resilience.

September 10, 2024 — California is enhancing its water systems and climate resilience. The State Water Resources Control Board has allocated approximately $880 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year to fund 395 projects to improve drinking water, increase water supplies, and bolster climate resilience across nearly 400 communities. These initiatives are set to benefit around 12 million Californians.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “California is taking action to build a climate-resilient water system that meets the needs of our communities for the long haul. These projects breaking ground across the state will help hundreds of communities expand access to safe drinking water, improve stormwater management, and secure water supplies now and into the future.”

The funding supports various efforts, including capturing and recycling water, recharging and protecting groundwater, and enhancing stormwater management. Since 2019, state efforts, including the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resiliency (SAFER) program, have expanded access to clean drinking water for nearly 900,000 Californians.

This year alone, about $570 million of the total financial assistance was allocated as grants for drinking water and wastewater projects in disadvantaged communities, as well as groundwater recharge, remediation, and stormwater projects. Additionally, $62.8 million was directed towards new projects aimed at recycling, capturing, and storing more water, adding over 8,300 acre-feet per year to the state’s water supplies.

Over the past three years, the State Water Board has distributed more than $5.2 billion to infrastructure projects and drinking water systems, leveraging funds from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This federal support is expected to reach $2.8 billion cumulatively for California by the end of 2026.

Projections indicate that hotter, drier conditions could reduce California’s water supply by up to 10% by 2040. The state is proactively implementing multi-faceted solutions to safeguard and enhance water supplies, as outlined in the California Water Plan, Water Supply Strategy, and Water Resilience Portfolio.

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