Projects Will Make San Juan Water District Less Reliant On Folsom Lake In Drought
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) — Two new projects designed to help communities survive the California drought are about to bring a new water supply to people in the San Juan Water District.
The water district that serves 250,000 customers in Roseville, Granite Bay, Orangevale and Folsom primarily relies on Folsom Lake for it's water. But with the lake at historic lows, a new underground pipeline is tapping into the groundwater sources from communities miles away.
Special engineering is helping the San Juan Water District overcome gravity to keep water flowing to people's homes.
"It's like an insurance policy," said assistant general manager Keith Durkin. "We hope we don't have to use but it's nice to have in place."
In an emergency, the new pipeline can move groundwater from Antelope to Granite Bay, working like a reverse river pumping water some 13 miles to customers who primarily rely on Folsom Lake. A separate system connects with the Placer County Water Agency.
"Between the two projects, that's 16.5 million gallons a day," he said.
The $5 million projects are funded in part by Proposition 84 money from 2006. It will kick in nearly $1.5 million. The remaining costs are shared between the San Juan and Sacramento Suburban water districts and the Placer County Water Agency.
Officials say it will also cost 10 to 20 percent more to pump back the water. Which means, customer rates could eventually go up.
"It's a small price to pay to make sure that we have water available," Durkin said.
The water district will meet to go over those potential rate hikes at its next meeting on Oct. 28.