California has completed and started construction on eight new water infrastructure projects. Governor Gavin Newsom announced these projects, which will add 2.9 billion gallons of drinking water to the state’s supply each year. The projects aim to update local water systems and address changing weather conditions. They are expected to serve over 1 million residents and provide water for about 20,000 homes annually.
The projects are located throughout California and address several water issues. They include wastewater recycling, removal of chemicals such as PFAS from drinking water, and desalination of brackish river water. In Irvine, a new treatment system funded by a $2.8 million state grant now provides PFAS-free water to 38,000 people and can process up to 3,200 gallons per minute. Similar projects are underway in Orange County to improve water quality.
In San Luis Obispo, the city finished a major upgrade to its Water Resource Recovery Facility in October. The project was supported by a $140 million state loan. It replaced old equipment and improved treatment technology to meet state and federal standards for 46,000 residents. City officials said state funding helped keep local wastewater rates stable…