DWR is now accepting applications for $510 million in funding to support water reliability, backyard transformation and migratory birds

Sacramento, California – As California prepares for an extreme drought that will extend into a fourth year, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is preparing to provide $510 million in financial assistance to help communities, water agencies and farmers prepare for a hotter, drier future .

“All communities are affected by climate change and several years of extreme droughts. California is moving aggressively to transform the way we use and manage water so we can thrive in a warmer and drier future,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Newsom and the state Legislature, we are deploying much-needed funds to support communities, farmers and wildlife while increasing existing supplies and building resilience to climate change.”

DWR’s funding efforts include:

$300 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvements, backyard transformation and improved water supply reliability

DWR offers over $300 million 2022 Urban Community Drying Grant Program under the new “Go Golden” program, which provides financial assistance and resources to help major organizations, water agencies and communities build resilience, replace thirsty grasslands with California native landscaping and promote water conservation as the golden standard of life.

This funding supports projects that build climate resilience and emphasize water conservation efforts. This follows the awarding of $268 million under DWR’s Urban and Multiple Amenities Drought Mitigation Program for 2021. Eligible projects include water infrastructure repairs, water conservation programs such as yard transformation, well rehabilitation, water emergencies and fish and wildlife protection. Approximately $85 million of the available funds will be allocated to support underrepresented communities and tribes. Funding is also available for public agencies, public utilities, special districts, nonprofit organizations, joint water companies, colleges and integrated regional water management groups.

The 2022 Urban Drought Reduction Program is one of DWR’s latest efforts to advance water conservation in California’s commercial, institutional and industrial sectors and communities. DWR will begin accepting applications today October 10 and those interested can visit 2022 Urban Community Drought Financing Website for more information on program guidelines and additional resources. Communities with insufficient potable water supplies should contact the county office of emergency services for emergency assistance and immediate response to emergency potable water needs. These contacts can then facilitate applications for government funding.

$10.7 million in financial assistance to farmers to support delta water conservation and help migratory birds

DWR has partnered with the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta Conservancy to offer $10.7 million in a second round of funding through the Delta Drought Pilot Program. The program is working with Delta farmers to implement measures expected to conserve water, protect Delta water quality, improve soil health, and mitigate the drought’s impact on fish and migratory birds.

The Central Valley is one of the main wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl, supporting wintering waterfowl and attracting millions of birds to the seasonal wetlands. With California’s prolonged drought and climate change resulting in less water and habitat for wildlife, farmers could receive a bonus of $75 per acre for short-term shallow flooding or $40 per acre for providing nesting habitat through delayed harvest. The Delta Conservancy will implement the 2023 program through a reverse auction. Offers, which can be submitted via the Delta Conservancy website, are accepted until October 18, 2022.

For questions Fr Delta Drought Response Pilot Program and future questions, please contact the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy at [email protected].

$200 million in financial assistance for communities that rely on groundwater

California’s warming climate means that changes in precipitation, decreasing snowpack, and the ongoing extreme drought are likely to increase demand on groundwater sources, risking overdrafts and declining water quality. Recognizing that many municipal, agricultural and vulnerable communities rely on groundwater for up to 100 percent of their water supply needs, DWR is offering $200 million in funding through the second call for the Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program. The funding will help regional groundwater agencies comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and follows the release in May of $150 million to groundwater agencies in 20 California basins with critical exceedances.

The $200 million grant will support planning efforts and projects in medium- and high-priority groundwater basins to help local agencies achieve their groundwater sustainability goals. Eligible projects include groundwater recharge projects, projects that prevent or clean up contaminated groundwater supplies that serve as a source of drinking water, and other projects that support the reliability of water supplies for people, farms, and the environment. Funding will also support revisions or updates to an existing Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) or GSP Alternative.

Visit Sustainable Groundwater Management Grants Program website to view program guidelines and additional resources.

In addition to the $510 million in grants announced today, DWR will introduce a new program this fall to provide $50 million to protect drinking water wells in vulnerable communities. The program will create a financial incentive for farmers to temporarily plug farmland to reduce pressure on shallow drinking water wells and groundwater basins. The program will promote the acceleration of the implementation of the Law on Sustainable Groundwater Management. In the coming weeks, DWR will engage farmers, groundwater agencies and other agricultural interests to implement this program.

As California enters a possible fourth year of drought, it’s critical that we all do our part to use water wisely. Water conservation should continue until autumn even during possible rainfall. More information and tips for saving water are available at saveourwater.com. For information on other DWR and State of California funding efforts and programs, visit: drought.ca.gov.

Additional resources:

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Contact:
Allison Armstrong, Information Officer, Department of Water Resources

916-820-7652 | [email protected]