The following is a press release issued by the California Department of Water Resources:
With California preparing for a third dry year, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced its sixth round of local assistance through the Small Community Drought Relief program.
In coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, DWR has allotted $49 million in funding for 18 projects across the state. Projects include 15 that will directly support disadvantaged communities, including five Tribes, with infrastructure repairs, well rehabilitation, and hauled water.
“As California’s drought continues, we cannot let our guard down when it comes to preparing vulnerable communities for the dry months ahead,” said Kris Tjernell, DWR Deputy Director of Integrated Watershed Management. “We will continue working with the State Water Board to invest in long-term solutions to bolster drought resilience and help ensure that every Californian has access to safe, clean water.”
DWR coordinated with the State Water Resources Control Board to determine these funding commitments, which complement the Board’s historical and ongoing financial assistance to small, economically disadvantaged communities for their water infrastructure needs. Recipients of the $49 million in phase six include:
- Lundy Mutual Water Company: In Mono County, the Lundy Mutual Water Company water system is struggling to meet demands due to leaks. The company will receive $2.6 million to repair leaks in its current water infrastructure.
- Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria Kashaya Utility District: In Sonoma County, the Stewart’s Rancheria water supply is decreasing due to drought. The State will award $1.5 million to help drill a new well that will provide additional water supply for the community.
- California Environmental Indian Alliance (for Manchester Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribe, Yokayo Tribe): In Mendocino County, the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribe, and Yokayo Tribe are struggling to meet demands with their vulnerable water systems. The State will award $3.2 million to construct back-up source connections and storage tanks.
- Konocti County Water District: In Lake County, a mobile home community has been supplied water by Konocti County Water District (KCWD) through a temporary intertie. The district will receive $4.3 million to replace existing leaky pipelines and expand the distribution system to consolidate the Cache Creek Mobile Home Estates and Creekside Mobile Home Park. Furthermore, the project includes the construction of interties between KCWD, Lower Lake County Water District, and Highlands Mutual Water Company.
- Redwood Valley County Water District: In Mendocino County, the Redwood Valley community does not have a reliable water source and must purchase surplus water from neighboring districts to meet demands. The district will receive $1.8 million to drill a new well.
- County of Santa Cruz: In Santa Cruz County, the community of Waterman Gap is struggling to meet daily demands due to its dwindling water supply. The County of Santa Cruz will receive $113,200 to improve its current water system and start a hauled water program.
- Yurok Tribe: In Del Norte County, the two water systems serving the Yurok Tribe are vulnerable to drought. The Tribe will receive $12.6 million to consolidate with neighboring systems and construct 10 miles of pipelines and two booster pump stations.
In addition, DWR announced funding for two emergency projects in Mendocino and Kings counties that were awarded in late December. In Mendocino County, the Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians received $104,523 to rehabilitate its existing well to provide the community with a stable water supply. In Kings County, the Kettleman City Community Services District received $165,200 to purchase water for the health and safety needs of the community.
February marked six months since the Small Community Drought Relief program launched. In that time, the program has awarded over $142 million total in funding to 68 projects in 25 counties. Response to this grant program has been overwhelming with $374 million worth of projects submitted overall. Following today’s announcement, the program has $48 million remaining in funds. The program is one of several drought funding programs available through the State. For information about other DWR and State drought response efforts and funding programs, visit: drought.ca.gov.
I can’t believe the city of Fort Bragg & the town of Mendocino didn’t get in on this. Both places need major upgrades asap to provide water to their residents.
Especially Mendo town.
FB is much better situated now vs last summer since they deployed the desal plant, though plenty of room to improve.
It still baffles me as to why there isn’t some type of incentive/rebate program to steeply reduce water use/waste.
This could be easily done for upgrading residential and commercial fixtures (CalGREEN Code) AND for converting Ag to mostly drip irrigation.
Especially since Ag uses far and away the vast majority of water in CA, and a large amount of those Ag products are exported within and without the US.
If Isreal can do it (and increase production), why can’t the 5th largest economy in the world???
At my place, we used <8-12gals/day/person last year.
PS.
Everybody should check their water meters to certify if you have leaks or not.
Water IS life.
Without it we are all outta here.
We are deep in a mega-drought. The worst in 1200+ yrs.