An agreement with the California Water Replenishment District (WRD) to cover the construction costs of new treatment facilities will result in improved water quality and millions of dollars in savings for Pico Water District customers.
Under the terms of the agreement, WRD will provide nearly $4.3 million in reimbursements for equipment to remove per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in the groundwater supply. Scientific studies indicate that exposure to PFAS over certain levels may result in adverse health effects.
“We strive to provide our customers with high-quality water at affordable prices. By working together with the Water Replenishment District, we can avoid taking out costly loans to pay for these improvements,” members of the Board of Directors said in a joint statement.
The partnership allows Pico Water District to move forward on the vital project without creating a financial burden for customers.
“The Water Replenishment District is proud to partner with the Pico Water District on this treatment project,” said WRD Director Vera Robles DeWitt. “The WRD Board of Directors is committed to supporting water providers in their efforts to provide high-quality groundwater to their customers.”
Pico Water District will add ion exchange treatment systems at three existing well sites to remove perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) from the groundwater, ensuring all water provided to customers is below state and federal notification levels.
The Pico Water District Board of Directors and staff have been working with WRD since early 2020 to develop a mutually beneficial solution for treating water to remove PFAS and enhance water quality in the aquifer.
With the PFAS remediation program participation agreement in place, Pico Water District can now move forward approving construction of the planned new treatment plants. The new treatment facilities are expected to be operational in fall 2022.
