California’s $2.9 Billion Water Plan Expands Supply Options for Pasadena

A $2.9 billion state water investment is strengthening supply options for Pasadena.

California completed or launched eight major infrastructure projects this fall. The initiatives add 2.9 billion gallons annually to the state’s water supply.

The projects serve more than 1 million residents statewide. Nearly $590 million in grants and low-interest loans funded the work.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has made water infrastructure expansion a priority. The new facilities focus on recycling, wastewater treatment and desalination.

“We’re dealing with hotter, drier, wetter, more volatile weather all at once,” Newsom said. California must “stay ahead of it,” he added.

The developments provide enough water for roughly 20,000 homes yearly. They upgrade local systems to boost wastewater recycling and remove harmful chemicals.

Pasadena relies partly on groundwater basins for its supply. The state plan allocates funding for groundwater cleanup projects.

Such projects would help remove contaminants from Pasadena’s aquifers. That’s critical for a city that has faced drought-related supply challenges.

The investment emphasizes climate adaptation, including drought resilience. State funding could strengthen local programs like turf replacement and water-efficient landscaping.

Funds support infrastructure upgrades statewide. Pasadena could use this to modernize aging systems and reduce leaks across its 23-square-mile service area.

The plan also backs stormwater capture projects to better use rainfall. Pasadena, which experiences seasonal flooding, could expand local systems to reduce flood risks while increasing usable supplies.

The State Water Board invested $2 billion during the past fiscal year. Projects in 390 communities will eventually benefit nearly half the state’s population.

Since 2019, the board has distributed over $11 billion in financial assistance.

State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel said the investments accelerate projects in large cities and small rural communities alike.

Newsom also continues advancing the Sites Reservoir Project. It will hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water.

The plan includes funding for low-income water affordability programs. Pasadena residents struggling with utility costs could see relief.

Pasadena is part of the greater Los Angeles water network. Regional investments would indirectly benefit the city by strengthening reliability of imported supplies from the Metropolitan Water District.