OCEANSIDE — North County recently received $3.42 million in state grant funds for recycled water infrastructure projects.
The grant money will be split evenly between the 10 water agencies in the North San Diego County Regional Recycled Water Project (NSDCRRWP) with each receiving $345,200.
Oceanside City Council approved accepting its share of the grant on Nov. 19.
During the council meeting City Manager Steve Jepsen said it is important for Oceanside to do its part in capturing water resources.
“It’s critical right now to look at this,” Jepsen said.
Oceanside will use its portion of the grant money to partially fund its estimated $10 million recycled water pipeline project.
The project will put in 37,000 lineal feet of pipeline in the Ocean Hills area to deliver recycled water to nearby customers including the city of Carlsbad and Vista Irrigation District that serves Carlsbad.
Jason Dafforn, Oceanside water utilities interim director, said grant funds would help offset project costs.
He added it made sense to partner with nearby agencies on the project.
“We’re trying to all work together and benefit the region as a whole,” Dafforn said. “Teaming up with neighbors, projects become much larger, and more visible.”
Other North County water agencies will fund recycled water infrastructure projects that have a mix of area specific and regional benefits.
Dafforn said recycled water projects lessen area dependency on potable water, and therefore always benefit the region.
This is the second grant that North County received under Proposition 84 The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond, and Proposition 50 that brought about Integrated Regional Water Management Planning.
The previous grant of $1.45 million was awarded to NSDCRRWP in 2010. Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Carlsbad Municipal Water District, city of Escondido, Leucadia Water District, city of Oceanside, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, and Vista Irrigation District comprise the NSDCRRWP.
Dafforn said opportunities for additional state grant funding are expected in the future.
