The Accelerated Drought Response Project (ADROP) is a water storage project that will improve drought resilience for the existing County residents.
It will allow the San Benito County Water District (District) to store excess wet-year water in the local groundwater basin and recover those supplies during future droughts. ADROP will include an expansion of the West Hills Water Treatment Plant, the construction of up to 5 aquifer storage and recovery wells (ASR Wells), and associated water transmission pipelines. The project is estimated to cost approximately $55 million. However, the District has secured $20 million in grant funding from the State and Federal governments, which will help limit rate impacts. The District continues to work on securing additional funding to further minimize rate impacts.
Water Supply Reliability
- Helps meet drought demands. Mitigates for reduced availability of imported water in dry years
Improves Water Quality
- Maintains high water quality during droughts.
Local Control
- Reduces reliance on state-wide water delivery system.
Construction Schedule
West Hills Water Treatment Plant Expansion
- May 2025 - August 2026
ASR Wells
- July 2025 - January 2026
Pipelines
- May 2025 - August 2026
Project Cost
The current construction cost estimate is $55 million. State and Federal grants will cover more than one third of project costs.
- California Department of Water Resources: $13.7 million
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: $6.7 million
Construction Impacts
West Hills Water Treatment Plant Expansion
Impacts will be minimal and will be limited to an insignificant increase in traffic on Union Road.
ASR Wells
Impacts will be minimal due to location in agricultural areas but has the potential to increase noise levels.
Pipelines
Moderate traffic impacts could result along San Felipe and Fallon Roads, potentially with one-way traffic controls.
Prior Master Plan Accomplishments
- Lessalt Treatment Plant Upgrade
- West Hills Treatment Plant
- Hollister Wastewater Reclamation Facility
- Ridgemark Wastewater Treatment Plant
2023 Master Plan – Key Findings
- Current water supply is sufficient in normal and wet years
- Deficit of 1,200 acre-feet per year in dry and critically dry years
- Shortage exists for existing customers
2023 Master Plan – Key Recommendations
- Implement the Accelerated Drought Response Project (ADRoP) to improve drought resilience
- Build treated water transmission pipeline from West Hills Water Treatment Plant to San Juan Bautista
Accelerated Drought Response Project (ADRoP)
- Implement the Accelerated Drought Response Project (ADRoP) to improve drought resilience
- Build treated water transmission pipeline from West Hills Water Treatment Plant to San Juan Bautista
Purpose:
Provide a drought resilient water supply on an expedited timeline to qualify for grant funding.
Project Benefits:
Improves water supply reliability and water quality during droughts.
Project Components:
- Expansion of West Hills Water Treatment Plant to 6.75 MGD
- 4-5 wells for injection and extraction
- New pipelines and appurtenances
Capital Cost:
Current estimate +/- $55 million
ADRoP Grant Funding
| Grant Funding | Target Grant | Grant Award | Match Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWR – IRWM | $1.8M | $1.8M | 50% |
| DWR – SGMA Round 2 | $20M | $11.5M | 0% |
| USBR – Small Storage | $9.2M | $6.7M | 75% |
| Total Grant Funding $20M | |||
- Over 35% of the project will be funded through grants.
- Eligible for another $6M in federal grant funding.