FRESNO (KMJ) — The finishing touches are now being installed on the City of Fresno’s latest addition to its water supply system, billed as the largest and most expensive project its history.
The Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility is described as not only on time, but sticking to its $201.5 million budget too (click here to read more). It is part of the wider $429.1 million Recharge Fresno project which was approved by Fresno City Council in 2015.
“The rates that were approved fully support these projects,” explained planning manager Mike Carbajal.
“We’re happy to report that at this point during construction we’re within budget so we’re making good on that commitment. Not only on schedule but to deliver them within the budget that we were allocated.”
Carbajal said local officials have been working with their state and federal counterparts to ensure the supply stays safe to drink.
“Our customers we don’t expect will necessarily notice the transition. But we do have some community meetings scheduled just to make sure they’re fully aware.”
The first meeting is scheduled for Monday April 23rd at Fresno City Hall’s Council Chambers, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. The second is Tuesday April 24th at Temperance-Kutner Elemantary’s school cafeteria, from 7pm until 9pm. The third is Wednesday April 25th at Fresno High School’s cafeteria, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm
Carbajal added that the treatment of surface water should also reduce reliance on water below the ground.
“That’s the overall plan for Recharge Fresno. We have historically been a groundwater and while the groundwater has been a very reliable source of water for the city for many decades, we have seen groundwater levels decline significantly over the last 80 years.
“With this investment we are able to utilize surface water supplies that the City has been paying for…and we can shut off a large number of our groundwater wells.”
Water deliveries to customers are expected to begin mid-May 2018.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
