Torrance Celebrates Groundbreaking of Major Water Desalter Expansion Project

A significant milestone was achieved this week as the Water Replenishment District (WRD) and the City of Torrance held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project (TGDEP). This event not only marked the beginning of a pivotal project aimed at converting brackish groundwater into a dependable local drinking supply for South Bay residents, but it also highlighted the power of collaboration among elected officials, community leaders, and funding partners.

The celebration drew a diverse group of attendees, showcasing the community's support for the project. As part of WRD's Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program (BGRP), the expansion of the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter is crucial for increasing sustainable groundwater replenishment options within the West Coast Basin. Once completed, the desalter will be capable of purifying up to 7,100 acre-feet (about 2.3 billion gallons) of high-quality drinking water each year, which will significantly contribute to the municipal supply for people living in the South Bay area.

WRD Director Rob Katherman expressed confidence in the project by stating, "Since 2001, the Torrance Groundwater Desalter has demonstrated that brackish groundwater can be transformed into potable water for Torrance residents. Today marks the next phase of our BGRP as we aim to recover additional parts of the 14-square-mile brackish plume within the basin."

The project represents a collaborative effort to lessen Southern Los Angeles County's dependence on imported water by utilizing the brackish groundwater source more efficiently, while enhancing groundwater storage capacity for future use. The initiative aims to foster regional water sustainability and ensures long-term groundwater reliability. This partnership between WRD and the City of Torrance highlights the dedication to enhancing water quality and availability for all South Bay communities.

Mayor of Torrance, George Chen, emphasized the long-lasting impact of this expansion, stating, "With this addition, the facility will nearly double its capacity, addressing longstanding groundwater issues that have affected the South Bay area. We are not just breaking ground today; we are making a significant investment in a secure future for our community."

Stephan Tucker, WRD’s General Manager, pointed out the importance of financial support for the project, noting it as the largest capital investment within WRD's history. With over $82 million in grants and low-interest loans secured from various state and federal funding partners, the project stands as a testament to the collective effort toward boosting local water supply development and enhancing resilience against climate challenges.

Sergio Calderon, WRD Board President, discussed the broader objectives of this groundbreaking effort by stating, "This milestone propels our WIN 4 ALL initiative, which aims for enhanced regional water reliability through locally sustainable resources while creating more groundwater storage for future generations."

Moreover, representatives from McCarthy and Jacobs praised the project’s progressive design-build approach. McCarthy's Vice President of Operations, Sagrado Sparks, asserted their excitement about contributing to the expansion, which eliminates the community's reliance on externally sourced drinking water. Jacobs’ Executive Vice President, Tom Meinhart, added, "This project exemplifies how communities can preemptively tackle water challenges and establishes a model for California and beyond, showing how local, dependable water can be secured."

Construction activities are already well underway, with the completed facility expected to be operational by 2029. As Southern California grapples with water scarcity, the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project stands as a beacon of innovation and commitment towards achieving sustainable water solutions for its residents.

For more updates on the project, interested parties can access a media folder containing photos and additional resources from this landmark event. The Water Replenishment District of Southern California continues to strive for improved water management, ensuring a reliable future for the diverse populations residing in the vibrant and essential region of southern Los Angeles County.