Media Corner

For Immediate Release
November 24, 2004

Santa Fe Springs and Whittier Drink In Central Basin MWD's Efforts

Carson, CA - Central Basin Municipal Water District began serving drinking water this week from its Water Quality Protection Project (WQPP) to residents of Santa Fe Springs and Whittier.

Residents are now able to make use of up to 3,600 gallons of water per minute that was previously unavailable for household use. Santa Fe Springs will receive a maximum of 586.4 million gallons of water per year, and Whittier will receive a maximum of 260.6 million gallons of water per year from the WQPP.

The WQPP is a $10 million project, federally funded through the United States Bureau of Reclamation, constructed to prevent a contaminant plume fouling San Gabriel Valley supplies from spreading into the local groundwater supply. For the past eight months, Central Basin has been treating this groundwater at the WQPP treatment plant in Whittier, testing it and releasing it into the San Gabriel River. After the State Department of Health Services determined that the water meets all drinking water standards and is safe for consumption, Central Basin began the process to provide this water to local residents.

"As water is a precious resource here in Southern California, it is important that we utilize all possible drinking water sources," said Central Basin Board President Bob Apodaca. "The Water Quality Protection Project is helping to ensure that we provide a continuous supply of water to our customers today and in the future."

Central Basin is also currently working with the City of Pico Rivera to begin delivery of water from the WQPP by early December.