Contra Costa targets federal conveyance grants as dry weather drives operational shifts

Contra Costa targets federal conveyance grants as dry weather drives operational shiftsThe California district is positioning its Canal Replacement Program for potential 50% federal cost-sharing while adjusting treatment and storage operations to mitigate early 2026 dry conditions.

The Board voted unanimously to support H.R. 5566 and S. 3590, the Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act.

General Manager Rachel Murphy identified the proposed 'More Water Act' as a potential source of 50% cost-share grants for the district's Canal Replacement Program.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir was filled to 91% capacity during a limited January operational window, adding nearly 2,000 acre-feet of storage.

The district brought the Bollman Water Treatment Plant online earlier than planned to meet demand spikes caused by recent dry weather.

The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors moved to align its legislative platform with federal resilience funding opportunities during its February 4, 2026 meeting, while simultaneously adjusting infrastructure operations to manage emerging dry weather patterns. The Board voted unanimously to adopt support positions on H.R. 5566 and S. 3590, known as the Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act. Both bills are currently in the early stages of the 119th Congress, with the Senate version referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works in January. Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Allen noted that the legislation is crucial for reauthorizing EPA programs designed to ensure drinking water and wastewater infrastructure resilience against natural disasters and cybersecurity threats before current authorizations expire on September 30, 2026. Staff also highlighted the introduction of the 'More Water Act' by Senator Alex Padilla as a critical development for the district’s capital planning. General Manager Rachel Murphy stated that the bill includes provisions for establishing a grant program for rehabilitating or constructing water conveyance systems in California. Murphy noted that preliminary reviews suggest the legislation could offer up to a 50% cost share, which would provide significant funding for CCWD's Canal Replacement Program. Staff are currently verifying if the bill contains limitations regarding district population size. On the operational front, Murphy reported that the district successfully utilized a two-week window between January 13 and January 31 to fill the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. The operation added just under 2,000 acre-feet of water, bringing the reservoir to approximately 91% capacity. The district is currently working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to secure flexibility regarding no-fill and no-diversion requirements in its biological opinions to optimize future operations without impacting state and federal projects. Despite the storage success, dry weather in early 2026 has driven an uptick in demand. Murphy confirmed that the Randall Bold Water Treatment Plant has been running around the clock, partially to supply the City of Brentwood while its plant undergoes maintenance. Consequently, the district brought the Bollman Water Treatment Plant back online earlier than typically scheduled to ensure flexibility in meeting service area demands. Separately, the district reported record financial performance for its recreation program at the Los Vaqueros Watershed. Watershed Resources Specialist Colton Rogers reported that fiscal year 2025 saw 61,000 paid visitors and gross revenue of over $791,000, the highest in the program's history, achieving a cost recovery rate of 56.4%.