SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The California Water Commission (Commission) approved $52.1 million in supplemental funding for the Sacramento Area Sewer District’s (SacSewer’s) Harvest Water Program during its public meeting on April 15. The additional funding reflects updated state guidance to account for inflation and does not represent a cost overrun or increase to the project’s overall budget.

The adjustment aligns the Commission’s original 2023 funding award with current construction and land costs using a water-project-specific inflation index based on the published Bureau of Reclamation’s Construction Cost Trends. The approved supplemental funding represents the Commission’s recognition that the 2023 WSIP funding award did not fully reflect inflationary changes over time under updated guidelines established through Proposition 4. Commission staff and economists noted that this revised methodology more accurately reflects real-world cost trends for large-scale infrastructure projects.

“Harvest Water reflects years of planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way,” said SacSewer Director of Policy and Planning Mike Huot. “We’re grateful for the Commission’s continued support of projects that deliver real impact for communities, the environment, and the state’s long-term water future.”

As the project secures this additional funding, SacSewer has also reached a major construction milestone. More than 41 miles of recycled water transmission and distribution pipeline have been installed, and impacted roadways throughout southern Sacramento County were reopened to the public, marking significant progress toward full system completion.

When operational in 2027, Harvest Water will deliver up to 50,000 acre-feet—approximately 16 billion gallons—of drought-resistant recycled water annually, supporting local agriculture, improving groundwater sustainability, and enhancing critical ecosystems. Harvest Water will use high-quality, recycled water from SacSewer’s EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility to irrigate farmland and existing habitat areas, reducing reliance on groundwater and supporting long-term environmental sustainability. The project represents a significant regional investment in water reliability, climate resilience, and responsible resource management for future generations.

“Completing the distribution system pipeline installation is a major achievement for the project,” said Director of EchoWater Operations Sonny Lunde. “We recognize that construction created temporary disruptions, and we appreciate the patience of the community as we worked to build infrastructure that will provide long-term benefits.”

In coordination with the Sacramento County Department of Transportation, including a $5.5 million contribution, many roads impacted by construction were fully repaved across their width, improving overall road conditions and safety for local communities.

With major pipeline installation complete, and road restoration nearing completion, SacSewer continues advancing construction of the Harvest Water Pump Station and on-farm connection assemblies needed to control the delivery of recycled water to participating growers.

For more information, visit www.sacsewer.com/harvest-water.