The City of Santa Monica’s Department of Public Works, Water Resources and Engineering Divisions have successfully secured multiple grants, totaling over $45 million, to fund various water self-sufficiency projects to diversify and increase Santa Monica’s local water supplies.
“These grants come at a critical time and will help fund local water supply projects to enhance drought resiliency and reduce the City’s reliance on imported water,” said Interim Public Works Director Rick Valte. “Public Works looks forward to delivering these projects in the near and long term that will positively impact the Santa Monica community for decades.”
The grant awards are as follows:
Arcadia Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: The California Department of Water Resources’ Water Desalination Grant Program awarded $10 million on December 6, 2019 to enhance the production efficiency of the City’s Arcadia Water Treatment Plant. The grant aims to aid the advancement of water desalination facilities which would serve as an alternative water source and buffer against drought conditions. The funding agreement was finalized in June 2021 and the project is scheduled to break ground in September 2021.
Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP): In February 2021, the City was awarded $8.77 million through the State Water Resources Control Board’s Proposition 1 Storm Water Grant Program to support the construction of the SWIP stormwater harvesting tank, particularly because it will improve local beach water quality by diverting stormwater away for treatment and beneficial reuse. An additional $7.5 million was secured through the County of Los Angeles’ Measure W Safe Clean Water Program that supports projects that capture, clean, and conserve stormwater which would increase local water supplies and improve water quality.
Production Efficiency Enhancement Project and SWIP: In May 2021, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Local Resources Program awarded $19.6 million over a 25-year period. The Local Resources Program aims to aid member agencies implement local water supply projects that reduce the strain on imported water supplies and enhance the region’s water supply to adapt to persistent droughts and climate change.
For water conservation tips and resources, visit www.santamonica.gov/water-conservation.
Constance Farrell, Public Information Officer
