Rep. Levin Announces $32 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Desalination Projects

Rep. Mike Levin announced Thursday that he has secured $32.2 million in federal funds for three desalination projects to increase water security in north San Diego and south Orange counties.

The projects will help provide reliable sources of potable water while reducing dependency on the drought-challenged Colorado River.

“I am thrilled that our region will receive this critical funding to support our water infrastructure,” said Levin, a Democrat wo represents the 49th District. “In the face of threats from climate change, these projects are essential for ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for our communities.”

“By investing in innovative solutions like groundwater purification and desalination, we are taking significant steps toward protecting our water resources for future generations,” he said.

The three projects are:

Carlsbad — $19.4 million to upgrade the San Diego County Water Authority‘s desalination plant by improving the seawater intake system.

Dana Point — $7.7 million for the South Coast Water District’s Doheny Ocean Desalination Project.

Oceanside — $5.3 million for the city’s Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility. The project will increase the amount of drinking water produced from brackish groundwater in the area.

The funds are allocated through the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program for desalination projects and comes from the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.