Small Water Systems

Small Water Systems Seek Funding 113011

Representatives from a number of small water systems met Monday, 28 November to discuss the possibility of “bundling” their projects to receive grants.

The representatives, mostly from small privately or communally run systems, met to discuss potential projects proposed through the Consumes American Bear Yuba Rivers Integrated Regional Water Management group.

The water systems represented have problems in common.  Water availability and quality are primary issues.  For some, it is potentially toxic run off from abandoned mines, for others it is watershed erosion issues.  Small private water systems still have to follow some state guidelines, and for some, that will require tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

CABY doesn’t actually have money; there is some Prop 84 money left the group can compete for, according to Tania Carlone, Bear-Yuba Project Coordinator.  Ms. Carlone did not specify how much money the group might compete for.  Funding is “not guaranteed” but the strategy is to “bundle” projects together to compete more effectively for the funds.  According to Ms. Carlone, low population areas are more successful getting grants if they partner with high population areas.  The small water representatives hope to “bundle” their needs to get a grant.

There are between 15 and 20 small water systems in the county; most are private or co-op.  Some only serve a few residents, a dozen or two, and some serve over a hundred.  All have similar problems of getting enough water all year instead of too much in spring and none in early fall, and of getting clean water so the problems of filtering and treating are reduced.  The IRWMP project, instituted in 2002, is intended to provide reliable clean water to thirsty Californians.

The meeting was to prepare some “first step” grants.  Regine Miller, SCFSWC Watershed Coordinator, organized the meeting.