Rep. Susan Davis‘ efforts to secure federal funding to expand the Sweetwater desalination facility have paid off with a $3.7 million grant.
Davis on Wednesday announced the grant from the Department of the Interior that will pay for doubling the capacity of the Richard A. Reynolds Desalination Facility.
“This funding will provide some much needed relief from the drought conditions we have been experiencing in California,” said Davis.
“Increasing sources of reliable drinking water and our region’s water independence must be a priority,” she said. “California is in the grips of a historic drought and improving our water infrastructure will be key to surviving this drought and any future water shortages.”
In March, Davis led a joint effort by the San Diego Congressional delegation to push for the expansion.
The facility converts brackish ground water to drinking water for residents of Bonita, Chula Vista and National City. The City of San Diego is partnering with the Sweetwater Authority in the expansion and will receive half of the water produced.
The grant will increase the facility’s output of drinking water from 3,600 acre-feet to 8,000 annually — enough for 16,000 four-person households.
Davis is also co-sponsor of a comprehensive water bill in the House to upgrade California’s water infrastructure.
