By Sara Beth Williams–
Construction is underway on two new groundwater wells that Citrus Heights Water District leaders say will strengthen the community’s water reliability and lessen dependence on Folsom Lake during times of drought.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, Aug. 6, on two wells which will have the ability to both store water for use, and pump water back into the ground. Local and regional officials, as well as water district officials, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
According to an Aug. 6 press release, the $6.6 million project is backed by a mix of federal, state, and regional funding, including more than $2 million in Community Project Funding secured by U.S. Congressman Ami Bera. Additional grant support comes from the Regional Water Authority and the state.
Bera called the wells “a smart investment in public health and economic security,” adding that he plans to continue supporting the water district’s work to provide “reliable and sustainable water supply for families and businesses in Citrus Heights.”
A key feature of the new wells is aquifer storage and recovery technology, which allows water to be pumped underground in wet years and withdrawn during dry spells. Water District officials say this approach benefits their customers and also bolsters the overall health of the Sacramento region’s water supply.
The new wells will help decrease reliance on water from Folsom Lake, according to local news outlets. When completed, the wells will each be capable of delivering more than a thousand gallons of water a minute.
The construction of new wells follows after the City of Roseville’s construction of underground water storage which took place last year. According to a social media post, the city is in the midst of building the above-ground infrastructure to make those wells fully operational.
Known as Wells #7 and #8, the new facilities in Citrus Heights are part of the water district’s ongoing Groundwater Expansion and Reinvestment Program. CHWD Board President Ray Riehle said the investment reflects the district’s long-term commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable water service, according to the release.
“We should all be proud of this investment for our community and future generations,” Riehle said. “These wells represent our mission in action.”
