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REVISED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2024
Rancho Water Receives $9.1 Million Investment from
US Bureau of Reclamation for Groundwater Banking Expansion Program
Temecula, Calif.— Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $9.1 million in funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) as part of the “Investing in America” agenda. This investment, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support Rancho Water's Upper Valle de Los Caballos Groundwater Recharge and Recovery Expansion Program (Groundwater Banking Program).
The Groundwater Banking Program is a critical element in expanding Rancho Water’s groundwater storage and recovery program. Collectively, the program will give the District the storage equivalent of 60,000 acre-feet or one year of water demands. It will also allow the District to purchase lower-cost raw water in lieu of imported treated water. During wet years, the program will recharge the Pauba Valley groundwater subunit in the Temecula Valley. This stored water will be invaluable during dry years to meet potable water demands in the district, including agricultural needs.
Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of such investments, stating, “Water is essential to everything we do... it will take all of us working together to safeguard our communities.” Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of these projects in enhancing water storage opportunities and increasing resilience in Western communities.
"We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from the USBR, which will play a pivotal role in advancing our Groundwater Banking Program,” said John Rossi, Board President of Rancho Water. “This funding represents a critical step forward in our efforts to enhance in-region water storage capacity, allowing Rancho Water to bank less expensive raw water which will ensure the long-term resilience of our water supply for the region and the communities we serve.”
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda represents a historic investment in climate resilience, providing much-needed resources to address the challenges posed by drought and climate change. The funding awarded to Rancho Water is part of a $35 million investment for six groundwater storage projects in California and Utah. These projects are vital for increasing water supply reliability, improving operational flexibility, and bolstering community and landscape resilience.
For more information about Rancho Water and its initiatives, please visit RanchoWater.com.
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