#USA #Torrance #Water Replenishment District #Desalter Project

Torrance's Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project Initiated

In a significant move towards enhancing local water sustainability, the City of Torrance and the Water Replenishment District (WRD) recently inaugurated the expansion of the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Project (TGDEP). The ceremony, held in Torrance, marked an important milestone in efforts to convert brackish groundwater into a reliable supply of drinking water for residents in the South Bay region.

This new chapter of the project not only reflects the dedication of local officials but also represents a pivotal step in the long-term vision for sustainable water management in Southern California. Attending the ceremony were elected representatives, community leaders, and financial partners, all of whom played a vital role in bringing this transformative initiative to fruition.

The Significance of the Expansion

As part of WRD's Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program (BGRP), the TGDEP expansion aims to enhance the capacity of the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter. Once completed, the project is set to treat a staggering 7,100 acre-feet, approximately 2.3 billion gallons, of high-quality potable water each year. This process will significantly contribute to the municipal water supply for South Bay residents, thereby reducing reliance on imported water sources.

Rob Katherman, director of WRD, emphasized the project's importance: "Since 2001, the Torrance Groundwater Desalter has proven that brackish groundwater can be transformed into potable water for our community. Today, we celebrate the next phase of our Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program and reclaim additional areas of the 14-square-mile plume that remains in the basin."

Reducing Dependency on Imported Water

The BGRP exemplifies the strength of regional collaboration aimed at lessening the South Los Angeles area's dependency on imported water. By transforming a 14-square-mile brackish aquifer into a dependable source of drinking water, the project not only enhances local water availability but also strengthens the sustainability of the region's water supply in the long term.

"With this expansion, the facility will nearly double its capacity while addressing long-standing groundwater challenges in South Bay," noted Torrance Mayor George Chen. He added, "Today marks the beginning of construction, but more importantly, it signifies our commitment to investing in a stronger and more secure future for our community."

General Manager of WRD, Stephan Tucker, described the project as one of the most critical water infrastructure investments currently underway in Southern Los Angeles County, pointing out it is WRD's largest capital project to date. Thanks to substantial support from state and federal funding partners, the project has secured over $82 million in grants and low-interest loans.

Funding and Future Plans

Among the significant financial contributions are those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation (WIIN) Act, and the California Department of Water Resources’ Proposition 1 Desalination Grant. This funding landscape underscores the project's role in ensuring long-term water security and climate resilience.

Sergio Calderón, President of the WRD Board, highlighted that the recent milestone is part of a broader initiative named WIN 4 ALL, which targets strengthening the reliability of regional water supplies through sustainable local sources.

"McCarthy and Jacobs are proud to support the City of Torrance in this expansion of the groundwater desalter, further enhancing clean drinking water supply for the region," stated Sagrado Sparks, Vice President of Operations at McCarthy. He noted that the collaborative design and construction approach taken in this project reflects the community's willingness to tackle water challenges proactively.

Tom Meinhart, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, reiterated this perspective, stating, "Today, we are realizing the vision of how communities can overcome water challenges. Through an advanced and collaborative delivery model, we are progressing towards ensuring reliable local water supplies."

Conclusion

Construction is set to commence shortly, with operations anticipated to begin by 2029. Additional resources and multimedia coverage of the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project can be found online. The Water Replenishment District of Southern California plays a crucial role in managing and preserving groundwater quality and quantity for urban areas in California, serving over ten percent of the state's population across 43 cities in Southern Los Angeles County.