Rep. McNerney calls on Congress to authorize regional water recycling projects
Antioch, CA – Recognizing that water recycling is a critical part of a larger, comprehensive approach to addressing California’s drought crisis, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) announced on Thursday, July 2, that he would introduce legislation calling on Congress to authorize 27 additional regional water recycling projects. To highlight this announcement, McNerney toured Delta Diablo, the site for one of the water recycling projects he believes needs to be authorized.
“I’m calling on Congress and introducing legislation to authorize more regional water projects – because expanding water recycling is one component of a comprehensive solution needed to address California’s long-term drought challenges,” said McNerney. “In this extreme drought, California communities a struggling to conserve the limited water available. That’s why it’s important to continue investing in water recycling technologies that treat wastewater and augment current supplies. Funding these projects creates additional water supplies available to ease pressure off the Delta, irrigate public spaces, grow crops, increase the potable water supply, and support environmental restoration.”
These 27 projects, when funded, can provide over 100,000 acre feet of new water – enough water to meet the needs for over half a million residents. These water projects need Congressional authorization in order to compete for Title XVI construction funds through the Bureau of Reclamation.
“We thank Congressman McNerney for his leadership in introducing legislation which will proactively support new drought-tolerant water sources while protecting the Delta.” said Gary Darling, spokesperson for the Western Recycled Water Coalition.
Developing recycled water reduces dependence on Delta supplies. Recycled water projects like Delta Diablo improve water supply reliability, and reduce wastewater discharge into the fragile Bay-Delta environment.
When constructed, the Delta Diablo Recycled Water Project will provide more than 4,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water to municipal, commercial, and industrial users in Antioch and Pittsburg – equivalent to meeting the water needs of 16,000 households.
“We need to look at bold, forward-thinking solutions that use new technology and scientific advancements to improve the management and conservation of California’s water supply. This will better prepare communities for severe drought conditions in the future,” added McNerney.
List of 27 Water Recycling Projects
Delta Diablo recycled water project – serving Antioch
Delta Diablo high purity water treatment facility – serving Antioch
Brentwood recycled water project
Ironhouse Sanitary District Cypress recycled water project – serving Oakley
Ironhouse Sanitary District industrial recycled water project – serving Oakley
Ironhouse Sanitary District direct potable reuse project – serving Oakley
Benicia recycled water project to Valero refinery
Central Dublin recycled water distribution and retrofit project
Central Redwood City recycled water project
Concord recycled water project
Contra Costa County refinery recycled water project, phase 1
Dublin recycled water expansion project
Fresno east central recycled water facility
Fresno downtown recycled water distribution
Fresno southwest recycled water distribution
Hayward recycled water project
Monterey peninsula groundwater replenishment project, phase 1
Mountain View recycled water project.
North Valley regional recycled water project
Palo Alto recycled water pipeline project
Pleasanton recycled water project
Potable Reuse in Santa Clara County, phase 1
San Jose Water Company recycled water project
Sunnyvale continuous recycled water production project
West Bay Sanitary District Recycled Water Project
Wolfe Road recycled water project
Yountville recycled water project
