EPA Invites San Diego Project to Apply for Water Infrastructure Loan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited the City of San Diego to apply for a $492 Million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan. The City would use the funds to construct San Diego’s multi-year Pure Water program that will convey 30 million gallons of purified water per day to the Miramar Reservoir, enough to supply one-third of the City’s drinking water needs.  

The Pure Water program will use proven water purification technology to filter recycled water to produce potable drinking water. The project will provide a sustainable water supply for the community while reducing the need for imported water. 

The City of San Diego submitted a letter of interest to EPA in April 2017 and was selected from a group of projects that represent large and small communities from across the United States. 

“This is a tremendous boost to our efforts to create an independent, drought-proof water supply for San Diego,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “By inviting us to apply for this loan funding, the EPA is showing its strong support for our Pure Water recycling program and providing us an opportunity to secure low-cost financing for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in city history.” 

For coverage of this story in the San Diego Union-Tribune, click here.