Western Water Launches Groundwater Storage Program by Western Water Feb 15, 2024 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – Capitalizing on wet weather while preparing for the next dry period, Western Municipal Water District’s (Western Water) Board has approved a substantial investment in its groundwater banking program, taking a major step to enhance its water supply for its customers. “A water bank functions much like a personal savings account but for water. It allows us to stockpile surplus water underground, ready for withdrawal in times of need,” said Board President Mike Gardner. “During wetter seasons, we can recharge groundwater basins, effectively ‘depositing’ water. This stored water can be withdrawn during dry periods.” In light of California’s notorious weather extremes – from the severely dry years of 2020, 2021 and 2022 that drastically diminished vital water deliveries, to the deluge in 2023 that swelled snowpacks to 200% above normal and replenished state reservoirs– Western Water has developed a proactive approach to future water reliability. The Board, seizing the moment in 2023, approved an investment over two years, targeting the secure storage of surplus water supplies. This decisive action is already beneficial, achieving a quarter of the project’s goal by banking more than 5,000 acre-feet of water—sufficient to satisfy the indoor water needs of over 20,000 families of four annually. In 2024, Western Water will continue building on this momentum, increasing water storage capacity to ensure even greater resilience against future droughts. Western Water is also a partner in the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARRCUP), a collaborative regional groundwater banking initiative that is developing infrastructure critical to distributing the banked water across the region. The SARRCUP program constructed new major pipelines and pump stations, connecting with adjacent agencies, and installed new wells to extract stored water. These infrastructure enhancements support a more resilient and efficient water supply system in the region. The SARCCUP partnership received $55 million in grant funding from Proposition 84 funds, which provides funding for projects that help local public agencies meet the state’s long-term water needs. Western Water received $26 million towards facilities and conveyance to increase available water supplies in dry years and prepare the communities we serve for future droughts. “Our evolving climate scenarios demand a proactive and adaptive approach to water management,” said General Manager Craig Miller. “Groundwater banking is a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to saving wet year surplus water supplies and better prepare for periods of lower rainfall and snowpack.” Western Water’s efforts extend beyond regional projects. They are a regional leader for broader initiatives, such as the CA Water for All (Senate Bill 366 (Caballero) sponsored by the California Municipal Utilities Association). This statewide initiative emphasizes the importance of a collaborative, comprehensive approach to tackling California’s water challenges. By working with stakeholders at all levels, California can develop sustainable solutions for our water needs. “Similar to Western Water and other like-minded local water suppliers that have invested in drought resiliency projects, the State of California must invest in capture, conveyance, and storage solutions to shore up our water supply for our children and grandchildren,” said Miller. To learn more about Western Water’s water supply reliability efforts, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterSupply. To learn more or get involved in CA Water for All, visit CAWaterforAll.com. ### Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly 1 million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work, and play within 527-square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: WesternWaterCA.gov.
