The City of Ventura’s proposed water reuse program, VenturaWaterPure, anticipates $1.7 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program.
VenturaWaterPure is among a shortlist of projects funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, pending Congress’ approval. This award is in addition to the $2.4 million that the City received from the program in 2018.
“It is encouraging to see VenturaWaterPure selected to participate in these competitive State and Federal funding programs,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “The City will continue to pursue grants and cost-sharing opportunities like this to minimize the financial impact to our residents and maximize value to our community.”
Through the Title XVI program, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides grants to communities to reclaim and reuse wastewater, impaired groundwater, and surface water. Funding may be used for the planning, design or construction of water recycling and reuse projects
“With record-low rainfall across California, water reuse projects such as the VenturaWaterPure program are critical to protecting our communities against drought and climate change,” shared VenturaWaterPure Program Manager Linda Sumansky. “VenturaWaterPure will provide a reliable, drought-resistant water supply to the City of Ventura, a solution that is needed now more than ever.”
The VenturaWaterPure program is also being considered for a low-interest loan through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. If awarded, the City will receive a $125 million loan to fund the design and construction of the program’s Advanced Water Purification Facility. The City is expecting to receive formal loan approval in early 2022.
VenturaWaterPure will recover, treat, and reuse water that is currently discharged to the Santa Clara River Estuary. At a new purification facility, water will be treated using advanced technology for potable reuse. The multi-benefit program will create a new local water supply, meet legal requirements, and improve water quality for Ventura customers.
The program remains in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2023. To learn more about the VenturaWaterPure Program, visit www.VenturaWaterPure.net.
