The US Bureau of Reclamation has selected eight desalination/water reuse construction projects in California for funding under the WaterSMART Title XVI Water Reclamation & Reuse Program.
Together, these two-year projects will receive US$ 11.34 million and help fund construction totaling more than US$ 99 million.
The projects include phase 2A of the Calleguas regional brine line, three wells to feed the Chino I Desalter and two subregional reclamation plants worth US$ 57 million in the Victor Valley Water Reclamation Area.
Announcing the awards on 23 May 2011, deputy secretary of the interior David J Hayes said, “This funding will help communities reduce reliance on imported water and protect against drought by utilizing recycled water and advanced water treatment technologies.”
Eligible projects include construction activities that can start in fiscal year (FY) 2011 and be completed within 24 months, or construction activities that have been completed previously without federal funding.
The agencies selected for funding in FY 2011 are:
Detailed descriptions of each project are available on the Reclamation website:
Reclamation will work with each successful applicant to develop a financial assistance agreement for each project. Funding will be provided once each agreement has been executed.