Local agencies receive nearly $430k in conservation grants
Federal grants totaling just over $426,000 wereawarded to a pair of Riverside County water agencies that will use the funds tooffset the costs of conservation projects now underway, it was announced today.
The U.S. Department of Interior provided a $217,000 grant to the EasternMunicipal Water District and a $209,157 grant to the Western Municipal WaterDistrict.
The WaterSMART Water & Energy Efficiency grants are part of a $20.8million disbursal to cover costs tied to 44 projects in 11 states.
“Throughout the west, we’re seeing that drought, growing populations,energy demands and basic environmental needs are stressing our finite water andenergy supplies,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. “These WaterSMARTgrants will help stretch water supplies and improve water and energyefficiencies in communities throughout the west to support sustainable uses ofour limited resources.”
The Eastern Municipal Water District grant will cover half the cost ofinstalling a high-tech meter data management system that monitors theconsumption activity of 70,000 customers who reside in communities stretchingfrom Temecula to Moreno Valley, according to EMWD officials.
The system is expected to contribute to the conservation of 1,890 acre-feet of water annually.
The Western Municipal Water District grant will cover roughly one-thirdthe cost of installing 2,000 high-efficiency flush valves on customers’ toiletswithin the district, which encompasses the Riverside metropolitan area.
According to the WMWD, the project will conserve about 123-acre-feet ofwater annually.
In both cases, the agencies will have to kick in funds to match thefederal allotments.
