On Friday, March 25, 2022, Valley of the Moon Water District (District) learned that it will be awarded nearly $3 million in State funding for projects to help respond to the current drought and to help harden the District against future droughts. This amount includes $40,000 in grant administration funds. The District’s projects were selected as part of the second phase of grant awards for the “Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Program” through the State of California Department of Water Resources. Specifically, two projects will be receiving funds:
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$1,731,000 was awarded to the Park Well Replacement and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project; and
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$1,143,000 was awarded to the Verano Well ASR Conversation Project
Aquifer Storage and Recovery is a method of using treated drinking water to recharge the groundwater supply in times when there are surplus surface water supplies available to do so. This often occurs in the winter, even in the midst of drought conditions. The District’s ability to store and recharge groundwater will aid District customers and non-customer groundwater well users in the Sonoma Valley alike during future droughts.
“Congratulations, to our employees! This is a result of their tremendous work in using creative resources to better serve our community,” said Colleen Yudin-Cowan, member of the Valley of the Moon Water District Board of Directors.
The District and its consultants are implementing these projects into their plans and schedules beginning immediately.
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from the Budget Act of 2021 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.