Cadiz Teams Up with Stantec for Groundbreaking Mojave Groundwater Bank Project

Cadiz and Stantec Join Forces for Mojave Groundwater Bank

In a pivotal move for sustainable water management, Cadiz Inc. has announced its partnership with Stantec Inc. to lead the development of the Mojave Groundwater Bank project. This ambitious venture is set to become the largest water infrastructure initiative in the Southwestern United States, addressing the pressing water supply challenges faced by communities in California and Arizona.

Project Overview

The Mojave Groundwater Bank, budgeted at approximately $800 million, aims to create a robust water storage and supply system within California’s arid Mojave Desert. Once operational, it will provide around 2.5 million acre-feet of new water supplies and will feature an underground storage capacity of 1 million acre-feet. A network of pipelines extending over 350 miles will facilitate the transport of water from the Colorado River to the California Aqueducts, bolstering the local water supply significantly.

Susan Kennedy, the CEO and Chair of Cadiz Inc., expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that Stantec has been a trusted partner for nearly 20 years, particularly in the field of water infrastructure design and development. She stated, "We are very pleased to select Stantec to oversee design, development, and construction as we move into this critical phase in bringing the Mojave Groundwater Bank online."

Stantec's Role

As the Owner's Engineer, Stantec will play a vital role in managing the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction processes. They will assist in selecting a contractor under a Construction Management at Risk model, ensuring the project adheres to both the budget and timeline. Stantec’s extensive experience in working with utilities in California positions them as an ideal leader for such a large-scale initiative.

John Hanula, a senior vice president at Stantec, underscored the importance of updating the water delivery systems across the Western U.S. in light of the challenges posed by climate change. "Water supply variability resulting from climate change threatens long-term water security throughout the Western U.S., and the water delivery system must be updated and expanded to safely and reliably meet the needs of our communities," he noted.

Environmental Significance

Geographically, the Mojave Groundwater Bank will sit at the base of a 2,000 square mile watershed system, located approximately 40 miles north of the Colorado River Aqueduct. The region’s underground aquifers are estimated to contain between 30 to 50 million acre-feet of groundwater, surpassing the storage capacity of Lake Mead and Lake Powell combined.

The project holds the promise of delivering 2.5 million acre-feet of new water supplies to communities in the Mojave River Basin and has been designed to relieve the stressed State Water Project and Colorado River systems.

In a historic collaboration, Cadiz has also formed a partnership with Native American tribes to construct, own, and operate the Mojave Groundwater Bank. This partnership signifies a landmark moment, as it establishes the first large-scale water infrastructure project to be built off tribal lands in American history.

Future Implications

As Cadiz and Stantec move forward with this groundbreaking project, the focus will not only be on immediate water supply needs but also on the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region. The total construction cost of approximately $800 million underlines the scale of ambition both companies have for this initiative.

Cadiz Inc., a recognized leader in California's water solutions landscape, continues to advocate for innovative approaches to water access and management. With an impressive portfolio that includes 45,000 acres of land, various water treatment technologies, and a commitment to addressing climate change’s impacts on water access, Cadiz aims to set a new standard for water resource management in the face of evolving challenges.

For more details, visit Cadiz Inc..

Conclusion

The Mojave Groundwater Bank project represents a significant step towards ensuring water security for many communities in California and Arizona while laying the groundwork for future water management strategies. As the project progresses, all eyes will be on Cadiz and Stantec to deliver a transformative solution that meets the growing demands of the region’s water infrastructure needs.