Prop 50 Grant Programs

About the Grant Programs

In 2007, all three of Central Basin Municipal Water District's proposals, totaling $1.8 million for the Proposition 50: Water Use Efficiency grant, received funding by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

The funding provides much needed resources to expand water conservation efforts throughout the southeast Los Angeles County served by Central Basin. Through the three programs, multi-family residences throughout the District's service area are able to be retrofitted with High-Efficiency Toilets, local cities can undergo a conservation makeover by installing water-saving devices at public facilities, and water retailers can receive free technical assistance to promote conservation to multicultural communities.

The three projects recommended for funding were selected from a competitive statewide process that resulted in approximately 216 grant applications received by DWR. The projects were scored on a variety of categories including water-saving calculation, cost-effectiveness and innovation.

Through HELP (High-Efficiency Living Program), 10,000 High-Efficiency Toilets, flushing at approximately 1.2 gallons per flush (gpf) replaced water-wasting toilets that flush 3.5 gpf or more. This program is designed to target multi-family units, where there is higher water usage.

The program covered the cost of devices and installation, making it easier for property owners to participate.

The second program, Urban City Makeover, is designed to transform disadvantaged communities into model conservation cities by installing water-saving devices and native plant landscapes at public facilities. An initial assessment of local interest in such programs was met with an overwhelming response. The program offers cities with limited resources an opportunity to participate in water conservation and become engaged in water issues that impact the region.

The third program is designed to provide technical assistance to urban water suppliers that serve multicultural and multilingual communities prevalent in Central Basin service area. The goal is to promote water conservation through training and tools, including website development, research services and bill-stuffers.

The Proposition 50 Water Use Efficiency grant program primarily funds projects that provide water savings or in-stream flows that are beneficial to the Bay-Delta or the rest of the state.

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