South Coast Water District targets new USBR funding for Doheny desal and coastal recycling projects

South Coast Water District targets new USBR funding for Doheny desal and coastal recycling projectsThe Californian utility has approved a resolution to pursue further Bureau of Reclamation funding for its desalination efforts, building on $27.6 million already secured, while advancing federal earmarks for its coastal recycling program.

The district's Administration & Finance Committee approved a resolution to apply for the USBR WaterSMART Desalination Construction grant by August 10, 2026.

The USBR waived additional feasibility study requirements for the Doheny Project, simplifying the district's path to securing a 25% federal cost share.

SCWD is slated to receive a federal earmark in the FY27 appropriations bill for Phase 4 of the Ritz-Carlton Drive coastal water recycling project.

The district is preparing a separate $1.5 million grant application through the WaterSMART Drought Response Program for recycling expansion.

South Coast Water District (SCWD) is accelerating its efforts to secure federal and state funding for two major alternative water supply initiatives: the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project and the coastal water recycling project expansion. During a June 15, 2026, Administration & Finance Committee meeting, the district approved Resolution 13-25/26, officially endorsing its pursuit of the next round of Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Desalination Construction funding. Director of Engineering Taryn Kjolsing noted that SCWD has already received $27.6 million from the USBR and will submit its application for additional funds by the August 10 deadline. The district's path to further desalination funding was recently cleared when the USBR issued its Notice of Funding Opportunity without requiring SCWD to conduct additional feasibility studies. Federal lobbyist Ryan Leavitt informed the committee that this waiver was a significant success, allowing the district to push for the full 25% federal cost share for the Doheny Project without undertaking time-consuming preliminary work. SCWD representatives plan to meet with the Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation in Washington, D.C., to further advocate for the Doheny Project. Leavitt noted that the project aligns with a recent federal memorandum of understanding signed in Carlsbad, which aims to explore how desalination and advanced purification can strengthen long-term water reliability across the Colorado River system and the broader Southwest. In parallel, the district is advancing funding for Phase 4 of its Ritz-Carlton Drive water recycling project. Leavitt confirmed that the House Appropriations Committee has approved an FY27 earmark for the coastal water recycling expansion, championed by Congressmen Dave Min and Mike Levin. To supplement this, SCWD is preparing a $1.5 million grant application through the USBR's WaterSMART Drought Response Program. At the state level, the district is also navigating a volatile budget environment. Lobbyist Bob Gore advised the committee that state funding could fluctuate with a new governor taking office in January. However, SCWD is maintaining close contact with the State Water Resources Control Board to pursue guaranteed state funding for the desalination project amid fierce competition.