Pure Water San Diego EIR/EIS Approved

The City of San Diego has certified the Pure Water San Diego Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS), clearing the way for design and construction of the North City Pure Water Plant. The proposed Pure Water Program is one of the most ambitious water recycling programs in the nation, which aims to treat and produce 83 million gallons per day of potable water.

The project will reduce the flow of treated wastewater effluent to the Pacific Ocean and increase San Diego’s sustainable water supply. Currently, the County of San Diego imports 85% of its water from the Colorado River and Northern California Bay Delta. As imported water costs continue to rise, water shortages and drought increasingly threaten the County. The Pure Water Program intends to provide one-third of San Diego’s water supply by 2035, alleviating dependence on imported water.

Dudek analyzed potential environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of the Pure Water San Diego facility, as well as long-term effects associated with changes in water supply procurement.

The San Diego City Council unanimously certified the documentation in April. Dudek helped keep the nearly 3,000-page Final EIR/EIS on schedule, and we are now supporting the City with obtaining key permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Regional Water Quality Control Board.

“Dudek is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work on the Pure Water San Diego project, which sets a new nationwide precedent for water recycling on such a grand scale,” said Project Manager Shawn Shamlou.

“Our team was fortunate to work directly with the City of San Diego and Bureau of Reclamation agencies. Their professionalism and technical expertise inspired the Dudek team to work ever harder to meet their schedule targets and successfully deliver a comprehensive environmental document that will serve as a benchmark for similar projects.”

Learn more about Dudek’s work on San Diego’s Pure Water Program here.