Project Name: 

City of Oceanside 

Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study 

Grant Application 

Due February 28, 2023; 4:00 MST 

Prepared For: 

Prepared by: 

U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation 

WaterSMART Grants: 

Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Funding Opportunity Number: 

R23AS00076 

Project Manager: 

Mabel Uyeda 

Principal Water Engineer 

City of Oceanside 

300 N. Coast Hwy 

Oceanside, CA 92054 

Phone: 760-435-5819 

Email: muyeda@oceansideca.org 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Contents 

I. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ - 1 -

A. Project Location.................................................................................................................- 1 -

B. Project Description ............................................................................................................- 2 -

II. Responses to Evaluation Criteria........................................................................................ - 4 -

A. Evaluation Criterion 1: Project Planning and Analysis........................................................- 4 -

B. Evaluation Criterion 2 – Stretching Water Supplies ...........................................................- 9 -

C. Evaluation Criterion 3-Environment and Water Quality ..................................................- 12 -

D. Evaluation Criterion 4—Department of the Interior Priorities.........................................- 15 -

E. Evaluation Criterion 5—Watershed Perspective &Stakeholder Involvement .................- 18 -

III. Project Budget.................................................................................................................. - 21 -

A. Funding Plan ....................................................................................................................- 21 -

B. Budget Proposal ..............................................................................................................- 21 -

C. Budget Narrative .............................................................................................................- 21 -

D. Letters of Funding Commitment......................................................................................- 23 -

IV. Required Permits or Approvals......................................................................................... - 23 -

V. Official Resolution ............................................................................................................ - 23 -

VI. Letters of Support ............................................................................................................ - 24 -

VII. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement...................................................................... - 24 -

VIII. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement ............................................................................... - 24 -

IX. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement......................................................................... - 24 -

Tables 

Table 1. Historical Water Supplies 2015-2020 

Table 2. Projected Water Supplies 2025-2045 

Table 3. Projected Population 2020-2045 

Table 4. Project Water Demand 2020-2045 

Table 5. Preliminary Feasibility Study Schedule 

Table 6. Basin Plan Water Quality Objectives for the Mission Groundwater Basin 

Table 7. Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources 

Table 8. Total Project Cost Table 

Figures 

Figure 1. Project Location Map 

Figure 2. Oceanside Water Supply Portfolios 

Figure 3. Oceanside’s Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Map 

Attachments 

Attachment 1 – Letters of Support 

Attachment 2 – Uniform Audit Reporting Statement 

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LIST OF ACRONYMNS 

AF Acre-feet 

AFY Acre-feet per year 

AWPF Advanced Water Purification Facility 

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act 

CRA Colorado River aqueduct 

DAC Disadvantaged community 

DDW Division of Drinking Water 

DPR Direct potable reuse 

DWR Department of Water Resources 

FAT Fully advanced treated water 

IPR Indirect potable reuse 

IRWM Integrated Regional Water Management 

L Liter 

MCL Maximum contaminant level 

MBGPF Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility 

Mg Milligram 

MGD Million gallons per day 

MHI Median household income 

MWD Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 

NSDWRC North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition 

NL Notification level 

NOFO Notice of funding opportunity 

NTU Nephelometric turbidity unit 

PWO Pure Water Oceanside 

RO Reverse osmosis 

RW Recycled water 

RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board 

SDAC Severely disadvantaged community 

SDCWA San Diego County Water Authority 

SLRWRF San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility 

SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board 

SWP State Water Project 

TDS Total dissolved solids 

TMDL Total maximum daily load 

TOC Total organic carbon 

UWMP Urban Water Management Plan 

WFP Water filtration plant 

WRFP Water Recycling Funding Program 

WWTP Wastewater treatment plant 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

I. Executive Summary 

Applicant Name: City of Oceanside 

City/County/State: Oceanside, San Diego County, California 

Project Summary: In an effort to develop a local, drought-proof, and new water supply for its 

customers, the City of Oceanside (City) completed Phase I of Pure Water Oceanside (PWO), a 

project which included constructing an advanced water purification facility (AWPF) and 

accompanying features to inject fully advanced treated water (FAT) water into its groundwater 

basin. AWPF treats tertiary (Title 22) recycled water to produce 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD) 

or 3,360 acre feet per year (AFY) of FAT water. The City began producing and injecting FAT water 

into its groundwater aquifer, known as Mission Basin, at the end of 2021. The proposed 

Oceanside Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study (feasibility study) 

will evaluate alternatives to expand treatment and beneficial use of wastewater effluent, as well 

as the capture and reuse of stormwater and desalination of seawater. The feasibility study will 

include updates to the City’s estimated recycled water demand and seasonal patterns, and will 

develop comparative cost information for all alternatives. The optimal alternative will be selected 

and further evaluated to include all required elements of a Title XVI Feasibility Study. This project 

meets the stated objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by developing a study 

that evaluates the feasibility of constructing new or expanded water recycling and desalination 

facilities. This planning effort is not for a project that will be located at a Federal facility, nor will 

it involve Federal lands. 

Project Length: 17 months 

Project Start / Completion Date: November 1, 2023 – March 1, 2025 

A. Project Location 

The City of Oceanside encompasses approximately 42 square miles and is located in San Diego 

County, California, 35 miles north of the City of San Diego. It is bordered to the north by Marine 

Corps Base Camp Pendleton, to the south by the cities of Carlsbad and Vista, and to the east by 

unincorporated San Diego County. The Pacific Ocean is to the west. The study area is located 

entirely within the jurisdiction of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), 

Region 9. The feasibility study will review alternative projects located within the City’s 

incorporated area. Five of the alternatives concern expansion of the AWPF, where the PWO 

Phase I project was constructed, located at the City’s San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility 

(SLRWRF) at 3950 N. River Road, Oceanside, CA 92058. The SLRWRF houses the City’s wastewater 

and tertiary recycled water treatment facilities. See Figure 1 - Project Location Map. SLRWRF is 

marked by the red box titled “Project Location.” The latitude of SLRWRF is {33°14’N} and 

longitude is {117°19’W} 

Applicant Category: The City of Oceanside is seeking funding under Funding Group I. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Eligibility of Applicant: The City of Oceanside is located in the Western United States, within 

territories defined in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902. 

B. Project Description 

Goals: The goal of the feasibility study is to identify the best alternative(s) to pursue when 

developing additional local water supply for the City. Five alternatives will study the expanded 

use of wastewater to create tertiary recycled water and/or FAT water; one alternative will 

evaluate the capture of stormwater and treatment to recycled water and/or FAT standards and 

one alternative will evaluate seawater desalination. The objective of this effort is to determine 

the most effective way to develop a local, reliable water source that provides immunity to 

drought, regulatory cutbacks, and the effects of climate change when compared to the City’s 

current, primarily imported water supply. The study will consider the costs, operability, 

environmental constraints, regulatory feasibility, and funding opportunities of each alternative. 

Alternatives determined to have a fatal flaw will be eliminated. 

FIGURE 1 - PROJECT LOCATION MAP 

Project Approach: The City has largely completed construction of PWO Phase I project, including 

the new AWPF which has the capacity to produce 4.5 MGD or 3,360 AFY of FAT water. As 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

mentioned, the City proposes to evaluate five wastewater reuse alternatives. Additionally, an 

option to capture, treat and reuse stormwater will be considered. Finally, an updated seawater 

desalination option will be developed (desalination with initially studied by the City in 2010, 

“Seawater Desalination Pilot Facility and Feasibility Study”). The feasibility study tasks are 

presented below, including descriptions of each proposed alternative. It is anticipated that a 

consultant will prepare the feasibility study. 

Task 1: Alternatives Development and Evaluation 

A. Develop and evaluate the following water supply development alternatives for the City’s 

consideration. 

•Alternative No. 1 – No expansion of the AWPF, operate the injection included in PWO Phase 

I as designed. Maintain use of FAT water to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) for agriculture. 

Upgrade SLRWRF Plant to reduce nitrogen and convey tertiary effluent to new spreading 

basins for groundwater recharge. 

•Alternative No. 2A – No expansion of the AWPF, increase groundwater injection using all 

three injection wells. Maintain use of FAT water to reduce TDS for agriculture. Note: without 

expanding the AWPF a third injection well only increases the amount of injection by 

approximately 350 AFY. 

•Alternative No. 2B - Expand AWPF to 6.0 MGD, increase groundwater injection using three 

injection wells. Maintain use of FAT water to reduce TDS for agriculture. 

•Alternative No. 3A - Maintain groundwater injection using two injection wells. Expand AWPF 

to 6.0 MGD and upgrade to meet the anticipated requirements for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) 

for the portion of the FAT water that is not injected or blended. Maintain use of FAT water to 

reduce TDS for agriculture. 

•Alternative No. 3B - Maintain groundwater injection using two injection wells. Expand AWPF 

based on available supply and upgrade to meet the anticipated requirements for DPR for the 

portion of FAT water that is not injected. Maintain use of FAT water to reduce TDS for 

agriculture. Reduce other non-potable use of tertiary recycled water. 

•Alternative No. 4 – Update the costs and assumptions from the 2010 Seawater Desalination 

Project considered by the City. 

•Alternative No. 5 – Collect and store stormwater for treatment and subsequent groundwater 

recharge. Evaluate potential locations and recharge methods (percolation, injection, etc.). 

B. Review evaluations of all alternatives and determine which alternative(s) to prepare further 

analysis that meet the requirements of WTR 11-01, Reclamation Manual Directives and 

Standards. 

Task 2: Title XVI Feasibility Study 

Prepare draft and final report that will align with the Title XVI Feasibility Study requirements set 

forth in WTR 11-01, including the following sections: 

• Introductory information 

• Statement of problems and needs 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

• Water reclamation, recycling, or desalination opportunities (Developed under Task 1) 

• Description of alternatives, including figures for each option (Developed under Task 1) 

• Selection of proposed project(s) and preparation of the following: 

o Economic Analysis 

o Environmental Consideration and Potential Effects 

o Legal and Institutional Requirements 

o Financial Capability of Sponsor 

o Research Needs 

Task 3: Project Management 

Hold project meetings with key members of the project team as needed to provide updates on 

progress on major technical activities and keep the project on schedule and within budget. 

Project meetings will allow for ongoing communication among project team members and 

discussion of issues related to the progression of technical activities and project status. 

II. Responses to Evaluation Criteria 

A. Evaluation Criterion 1- Project Planning and Analysis 

Subcriterion 1a – Water Recycling Needs and Opportunities 

1. Describe the problems and needs in the project area. 

The City faces many challenges regarding its water supply. Ongoing drought and population 

growth, along with legal and environmental constraints combine to destabilize water supplies, 

particularly imported water, upon which the City relies on for nearly 79% of its supply. The 

southwestern United States is experiencing a megadrought which began in 2000. Over the past 

three years significant parts of the region have experienced extreme dry conditions, reducing 

State Water Project (SWP) and Colorado River system storage levels to historic lows. The urgency 

of drought conditions is exemplified by the current levels of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, with 

eminent concerns over hitting “deadpool” status.

1, when reservoir levels drop below a point 

where water cannot be used for water supply or hydroelectric power generation. As of late 

January, SWP will deliver just 30% of requested water supplies to its contractors. The last time 

the SWP delivered all water requested by contractors was 2006. Emergency water use 

restrictions are currently mandated in many communities throughout California. It is likely that 

mandatory restrictions will be enacted in Oceanside should drought conditions in distant 

watersheds persist. Imported water charges from the City’s regional water wholesalers, the San 

Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern 

California (MWD) have increased significantly over the past decade due to growing costs to 

secure and convey water. In the face of these insecurities, City leaders are committed to 

developing local, reliable, drought-proof supplies to ensure clean, safe water is available to its 

residents and businesses, and to maintain public safety, health, and economic vitality of the 

community. To this end, the planning activities of this feasibility study will explore cost1 Robyn White. January 3, 2023. “Lake Mead Water Levels Over Time Shown in Before and After Pictures.” Lake 

Mead Water Levels Over Time Shown in Before and After Pictures (newsweek.com) 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

competitive and drought resilient opportunities for water reclamation, reuse, and desalination 

in the City’s service area. 

2. Describe the current and projected water supplies and demands in the project area; include a 

discussion on supply and demand imbalances. Additional consideration will be given to proposals 

that explain how the problems and needs in the area may be impacted by climate change, and/or 

if supply and demand projections will include climate change information. 

From 2015 to 2020, 89% of the City’s supply was purchased from SDCWA, the City’s water 

wholesaler. During that time, 10% was supplied locally through groundwater extraction at 

Mission Basin. Tertiary recycled water made up less than one percent of the total water supply 

(see Table 1). SDCWA’s supplies consist mostly of imported water from the Colorado River 

Aqueduct (CRA) and SWP, with up to 10 percent produced at the regional sweater desalination 

plant located in the city of Carlsbad. The distant water sources that supply most of the region is 

vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, environmental and regulatory restrictions, seismic 

risk, water quality issues, competing uses, and infrastructure instability. The City’s historic water 

demands vary from year to year which can be attributed to annual variations in weather, 

economic activity, and droughts (see Table 1). 

TABLE 1 - HISTORICAL WATER SUPPLIES 2015 – 2020 

Source: City of Oceanside Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) 2020 

The recent completion of PWO Phase I begins to address these vulnerabilities by creating a new 

local supply to allow for a steady reduction in reliance on imported water. Table 2 – Project Water 

Supplies 2025-2045 illustrates this anticipated trend, showing purchased water from SDCWA 

remaining stable as the City significantly expands production of recycled/reuse to meet 

anticipated increases in demand. The City anticipates an increase in population (Table 3) and 

water demand (Table 4) through 2045. Population growth as well as the growth of industry, 

agriculture, and urbanization are increasing the demand for water resources, contributing to 

climate change and further aggravating the imbalance between water demand and supply. 

Global warming is impacting weather and precipitation patterns and requiring that water 

purveyors rethink how water supply portfolios are developed. The feasibility study will provide 

the basis to continue to plan and develop a portfolio in which a greater share of supply will come 

from sustainable, local sources. The study will provide critical information on how the City should 

pursue its goal of increasing local water supplies to 50% by 2030 to meet a goal established by 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

TABLE 2 - PROJECTED WATER SUPPLIES 2025 - 2045 

Source: City of Oceanside UWMP 2020 

Oceanside’s City Council. The study will provide the City with a roadmap to achieve this goal. 

Expansion of PWO, stormwater capture and reuse, or desalination will allow the City to meet 

increased water demands by a growing population from an uninterruptable, drought- proof, cost 

effective and high-quality source. 

TABLE 3 - PROJECTED POPULATION 2020 - 2045 

Source: SANDAG, 2020 

TABLE 4 - PROJECTED WATER DEMANDS 2020 - 2045 

Source: City of Oceanside UWMP 2020 

3. Describe how the planning activities will investigate potential uses and markets for reclaimed 

or desalinated water (e.g., environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, groundwater recharge, 

municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, and recreation). 

The study will investigate environmental and regulatory constraints, required infrastructure 

enhancements, and costs associated with the expanded beneficial uses of FAT, tertiary recycled 

water, stormwater, and desalinated water to meet growing demands from the City’s municipal, 

domestic, industrial, agricultural sectors. It will evaluate the potential water quality and 

environmental benefits associated with desalinated water and expanded groundwater recharge 

(injection) of FAT water and captured stormwater into Mission Basin. The analysis will also 

explore the potential to upgrade treatment processes at SLRWRF to reduce nitrogen and convey 

tertiary effluent to spreading basins for groundwater recharge. Should the selected alternative 

include expanded use of effluent to create recycled or FAT water, the study will evaluate the 

environmental benefits associated with the reduction in secondary treated effluent disposed of 

through the ocean outfall to the Pacific Ocean. The agricultural industry is an important 

economic contributor to the City. The study will evaluate future demand from the agricultural 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

sector for a blended, low-salinity water consisting of an optimal combination of recycled water 

and FAT water that is ideal for use on local crops. 

4. Describe the source water that will be considered for the project, including location, capacities, 

existing flows, treatment processes, and quantities of impaired water available to meet the new 

reclaimed, recycled, or desalinated water demands. 

The source water considered for the project will be drawn from wastewater collected by the City. 

Effluent is currently treated at SLRWRF (location provided in Figure 1) and the La Salina 

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located near the coast at 1330 Tait St, Oceanside, CA 

92054. SLRWRF treats wastewater from the City’s service area east of interstate 5 (I-5) and from 

neighboring cities and water districts. A capital project is planned that will reroute sewer flows 

from the antiquated La Salina WWTP to SLRWRF. This additional secondary effluent treated at 

SLRWRF is the source water to be considered in several of the recycle/reuse alternatives 

evaluated in this study. SLRWRF is a conventional activated sludge treatment facility with a 

treatment capacity of 17.6 MGD. Average daily flows at SLRWRF are approximately 8.7 MGD. 

With the rerouting of wastewater from La Salina, SLRWRF will receive an additional 2.7 MGD of 

effluent. The AWPF can treat 4.5 MGD of FAT water. AWPF purifies recycled water using stateof-the-art technology that replicates and accelerates nature’s natural recycling process. The 

three purification steps are ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet light advanced 

oxidization. This study will investigate the feasibility of increasing AWPF capacity from 4.5 to 6.0 

MGD. The City has between 3.9 MGD and 6.9 MGD of secondary effluent available to produce 

FAT and/or tertiary recycled water at SLRWRF. The source water considered in the study’s 

seawater desalination alternative is the Pacific Ocean, while the source for capture and recharge 

of stormwater is from rainfall that is captured and redirected to the headworks of SLRWRF. 

Capacities and flows for desalination and stormwater reuse will be developed as part of the 

feasibility study analysis. Treatment technologies required for each alternative will also be 

evaluated. 

Subcriterion 1b-Evaluation of Project Alternatives 

1. Describe the objectives that all alternatives will be designed to meet. What other water supply 

alternatives and project alternatives will be investigated? 

The City first investigated possible indirect potable (IPR) reuse strategies in 2015. The City’s 

ultimate goal is to derive 50% of its water supply from local sources by 2030. This includes a 

combination of recycled wastewater, groundwater, stormwater, and desalinated water. With the 

first phase of PWO complete the City is now seeking to evaluate alternatives that will achieve its 

2030 goal. Similar to the objectives of the 2015 IPR evaluation, the proposed alternatives in this 

feasibility study will meet the following objectives: 

• Reduce dependence on imported water supplies 

• Improve water use efficiency 

• Maximize drought resilience 

• Diversify the City’s water supply portfolio 

• Improve water quality 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Water supply alternatives that will be explored in addition to IPR include DPR, FAT water blended 

with recycled water, ocean seawater desalination, and stormwater capture, treatment and reuse. 

2. Describe how the planning activities will develop project alternatives (water supply sources, 

reuse strategies, or treatment technologies) that have been or will be investigated. 

To expand use of local water resources, the City will evaluate options for water recycling and 

potable reuse that considers: current estimates of tertiary recycled water demand and seasonal 

patterns, updated costs information, an alternative with DPR, and possible expansion of the 

AWPF to inject additional FAT water into Mission Basin. Planning activities will also include cost 

and design assumptions to develop a full-scale seawater desalination project alternative at 

Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility (MBGPF), where groundwater is currently being 

desalted via RO and then treated additionally to remove iron and manganese. An option to treat 

and recharge stormwater will also be considered. Each alternatives evaluation will investigate 

treatment technology requirements . 

3. Provide a general description of the selected project, including project features, benefits, 

anticipated costs, and analyses conducted. 

The study will evaluate seven alternatives – five are associated with recycling/reuse, one with 

the reuse of stormwater, and one with desalination of ocean water. The unit cost of water will 

be calculated for each alternative. The report will discuss the alternatives development and 

evaluation results along with an economic analysis, research needs, environmental 

considerations, and legal requirements of the selected alternative. Anticipated project costs of 

the selected alternative will be developed as part of the feasibility study. 

Many of the specifics regarding features, benefits and anticipated costs for the desalination and 

stormwater alternatives are unknown and will be studied as part of this project. Should the City 

select one of the five recycle/reuse alternatives as the most viable alternative to pursue, the 

selected project will utilize supplemental secondary effluent from the SLRWRF as the source 

water for the production of FAT and recycled water. As mentioned, FAT water produced at the 

AWPF includes a multi-step treatment process consisting of ultrafiltration, RO and advanced 

oxidation to produce ultra-pure water for groundwater injection. If selected, a FAT water or 

recycled water alternative will produce benefits including development of a local water supply 

which will reduce dependence on the Colorado River and SWP systems, reduce ocean discharges, 

improve groundwater basin water quality and provide a cost-effective and reliable water supply. 

If selected, a stormwater reuse alternative would redirect captured stormwater to the 

headworks of SLRWRF it would undergo secondary treatment and treatment at the AWPF to 

create the same benefits as the recycle/reuse alternatives mentioned above. Stormwater reuse 

benefits also include reductions in runoff contaminants entering natural waterways. If a seawater 

desalination project were to be selected, features would include a pretreatment system, RO 

trains with high pressure pumps and energy recovery and RO flush pumps. Desalination project 

benefits include enhanced drought resiliency and reduced demand for imported water. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

4. Include a preliminary schedule showing major tasks, milestones, and dates for the planning, 

design, and construction activities related to the project. 

Major milestones and tasks required to implement a selected alternative are listed below with 

estimated preliminary dates. 

• Planning October 2023- October 2025 

• Permitting/Environmental November 2025-December 2027 

• Design January 2027-December 2028 

• Construction January 2029 - December 2030 

B. Evaluation Criterion 2 - Stretching Water Supplies 

1. Describe the potential for the project to reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new 

or expanded non-recycled water supplies. 

The feasibility study will investigate ways in which the City can maximize its ability to produce 

additional water supplies which preserves and stretches the water supplies in oversubscribed 

imported water systems of the SWP and CRA. Figure 2 illustrates the City of Oceanside’s current 

water supply portfolio and the enhanced portfolios after implementation of PWO Phase I and a 

potential Phase II. The project alternative that is selected will continue to improve regional water 

supply reliability by increasing FAT water production, desalination, and/or stormwater to 

postpone or alleviate the need for fresh water supplies that are met from additional imported 

water deliveries. The selected alternative will potentially reuse municipal wastewater, capture 

and reuse stormwater or desalinate oceanwater to generate local water sources. The 

alternative(s) selected will add to the diversification of the City’s water supply and could reduce 

reliance on imported water by up to 45%. This will allow for greater water reliability and flexibility 

for other state and federal imported water users who face pressing drought challenges. 

FIGURE 2 – OCEANSIDE WATER SUPPLY PORTFOLIOS 

2. Describe the potential for the project to alleviate pressure on existing water supplies and/or 

facilities. Please describe the existing water supplies, identify the supplies and/or facilities that 

will be impacted and explain how they will be impacted by the Project, including quantifications 

where applicable. 

The City’s current water supplies include raw and treated water purchased from SDCWA, 

desalinated local groundwater from the Mission Basin, and recycled water for non-potable uses. 

In 2020, Oceanside purchased 86% of its total water supplies from SDCWA. Raw water purchased 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

from SDCWA is treated at the City’s Robert A. Weese Water Filtration Plant. Local groundwater 

is pumped from the Mission Basin and treated at the MBGPF. Expanding the amount of local 

water production via one of the alternative projects will reduce demand for imported raw water, 

resulting in reduced processing at the filtration plant. Additionally, imported sources will become 

more readily available to users with a less diverse supply portfolio and heavier reliance on 

imported water from the SWP and CRA systems. Local groundwater is pumped from the Mission 

Basin and treated at the MBGPF. Although the total capacity of the MBGPF is 6.3 MGD, recent 

declines in groundwater levels are limiting supplies due to drought conditions. Increased use of 

groundwater by others that draw higher in the basin has also resulted in the City’s limited ability 

to realize the full capacity of the MBGPF. Pursuit of a FAT water alternative would enable the City 

to increase pure water that is injected into Mission Basin, thus replenishing the basin and 

reducing demand for naturally occurring groundwater. The product water created by a 

stormwater alternative may be injected or spread across basin to supplement groundwater. 

The facilities that will be impacted include enhancements to the AWPF and MBGPF. It is 

anticipated that the largest FAT water alternative project would inject approximately 6,720 AFY 

of purified water into Mission Basin by 2030 for eventual extraction and potable water treatment. 

Further, it would postpone the need for any sort of upsizing of the ocean outfall. As mentioned, 

pursuit of this alternative would utilize the effluent that is rerouted from an antiquated WWTP 

to SLRWPF. Further, it would postpone the need for any sort of upsizing of the ocean outfall. 

3. Describe the potential for the project to make water available to address a specific concern. 

Explain the specific concern and its severity. Also explain the role of the project being investigated 

in addressing that concern and the extent to which the project will address it. Specific concerns 

may include, but are not limited to: • Water supply shortages • Water supply reliability • 

Groundwater depletion • Water quality issues • Natural disasters that may impact water supply 

infrastructure • Heightened competition for water supplies • Availability of alternative supplies • 

Increasing cost of water supplies 

Water supply shortages 

Many communities in Southern California are already experiencing water supply cutbacks from 

MWD, the region’s water wholesaler. While not certain at this time, restrictions on imported 

water supplies are possible by summer 2023 should drought conditions continue. The project 

will directly address water supply shortages because a new local supply will be locally controlled, 

drought resilient and immune to water supply shortages. 

Water supply reliability 

Most of Oceanside’s water is imported, making the City reliant on a water supply that is 

vulnerable to natural disasters and recurring drought. Reliability has been a major concern as 

snow deficits and high evaporative demands have contributed to three, straight years of below 

average runoff that feed reservoirs and support the western U.S. Alternatives being studied in 

this effort include PWO, which will use state-of-the-art water purification steps to recycle up to 

6.0 MGD for potable reuse. Desalination and stormwater will also be considered. All alternatives 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

being considered will offer relief from imported water insecurities by creating a local, dependable 

water source for Oceanside. 

Water quality issues 

The feasibility study alternatives will provide water quality benefits by addressing various water 

quality issues detailed below: 

• Reduce TDS/salinity concentration: project alternatives will include the blending of FAT 

water with recycled water to reduce TDS and salinity, thereby increasing the desirability 

and overall use of the product. 

• Improve groundwater quality: injection of highly purified FAT water into the Mission Basin 

will address declining water quality in the basin. 

• Prevent saltwater intrusion : the Mission Basin suffers from increased TDS from seawater 

intrusion; the introduction of FAT injection water will address the water quality concerns 

associated with sweater intrusion. 

• Eliminate/improve stormwater runoff: Rerouting stormwater capture for reuse could 

improve stormwater runoff quality, which are typically high in metals, bacteria, and 

sediment, by sending it to the AWPF for treatment prior to groundwater recharge. 

Natural disasters that may impact water supply infrastructure 

A high reliance on imported water leaves the City vulnerable to the threat of climate change and 

natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfire, and reoccurring drought. Implementation of an 

alternative evaluated in this feasibility study will address several natural disasters that threaten 

the City’s water supply infrastructure. Risks from natural disaster are described below: 

Earthquakes: SWP aqueducts are transected by the San Andreas fault whereby the risk of a 

major earthquake could severely damage imported water infrastructure and result in a cutoff 

of water supply to Southern Californians for an extended period. This project addresses 

potential earthquake impacts to infrastructure by making the City less reliant on supplies 

originating from the SWP. Local water developed by one of the alternatives is more likely to 

remain available to Oceanside residents/customers despite a significant seismic event. 

Wildfires: Wildfires can degrade water quality for months after a fire is extinguished. The 

selected project will directly address this specific concern by relying less on drinking water 

reservoirs that reside in wildfire-prone areas. The project will provide Oceanside 

residents/customers with water supplies if a disruption of services occurs from the inability 

to treat reservoir water supplies impaired by wildfire debris. 

Drought: The most current and salient natural disaster that threatens water resources in the 

west is prolonged drought. A selected project will produce drought-resilient water supplies 

allowing the City to continually produce water in times of drought and water shortages. 

Heightened competition for water supplies 

Intensified competition for imported water supplies pose a threat to the City’s ability to access 

to the commodity, which currently fulfills a majority of its demand. The SWP delivers potable 

water to 29 public agencies and local water districts (SWP water contractors) that support 27 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

million Californians and 750,000 acres of agricultural lands. The Colorado River and its tributaries 

provide water to nearly 40 million people spanning seven states and 22 federally recognized 

tribes, not to mention the millions of acres of land that support vital ecosystems. Diverting water 

from the Colorado River and Bay Delta affects the ecosystems upon which fish and wildlife 

depend. This project will directly address the issue of heightened competition for water supplies 

by keeping imported supplies in the system for more at-risk users, and improving flow conditions 

in rivers in which the SWP and CRA systems draw from. 

Increasing cost of water supplies 

Most of the City’s water is imported and originates from hundreds of miles away. This imported 

water is subject to rising conveyance costs that are out of the City’s control. This project considers 

alternatives (reuse, desalination) that are economically competitive and more sustainable than 

imported water. 

4. Describe the potential for the project to help create additional flexibility to address drought. 

Will water made available by the project being investigated continue to be available during 

periods of drought? To what extent is the water made available by the project being investigated 

more drought resistant than alternative water supply options? Explain. 

The alternatives considered in this feasibility study are all “drought-resilient” which maximizes 

the City’s ability to address drought challenges. All of the proposed alternatives will create 

flexibility to address drought by reducing dependence on imported water supplies that are 

afflicted by ongoing dry and hot conditions. If drought conditions persist, the availability of 

recycled water and seawater desalination will be maintained in times of drought because 

wastewater effluent flows and ocean water are unaffected by drought impacts. As for 

stormwater capture and reuse, availability may be reduced in periods of reduced local 

precipitation. 

C. Evaluation Criterion 3 - Environment and Water Quality 

1. Describe the potential for the project to improve the quality of surface water or groundwater. 

Depending on the alternative that is selected, the project will potentially expand the amount of 

water FAT water that is injected into Mission Basin. Mission Basin has TDS levels ranging between 

500 milligrams/Liter (mg/L) and 2,000 mg/L. FAT water is expected to have a TDS concentration 

of 50 to 100 mg/L. The anticipated effects on groundwater quality with respect to salinity from 

increased injection of FAT water would be a decrease in TDS concentrations. FAT water is 

expected to have a TDS concentration of 50 to 100 mg/L. Over time, the injection of FAT water 

will lower TDS concentrations and improve overall groundwater quality. An alternative that 

injects FAT water to the basin will improve water quality beyond Title 22 California Code of 

Regulations which establishes guidelines for how treated and tertiary recycled water is 

discharged and used. 

2. Describe the potential for the project to improve effluent quality beyond levels necessary to 

meet State or Federal discharge requirements. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

OBJECTIVES FOR THE MISSION GROUNDWATER 

Oceanside’s shoreline falls within SWRCB’s 2014/2016 303(d) list of impaired water bodies, 

requiring total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for indicator bacteria. SLRWRF and La Salina WWTP 

both discharge treated effluent through the Oceanside Ocean Outfall, located on the City’s coast. 

Reducing the amount of treated effluent discharged through the outfall will reduce pollutant 

loading in the Pacific Ocean and help meet established TMDLs. Should one of the alternatives 

that increases FAT water production be selected, then the project will reduce the amount of 

effluent discharged to the Oceanside Ocean Outfall. Ammonia, nitrogen, and constituents of 

emerging concern will also be reduced. FAT water exceeds the requirements set forth by Title 22 

California Code of Regulations, which include total nitrogen limit, TOC limit, primary and 

secondary MCLs, lead and copper action levels, and DDW Notification Levels (NLs). Additionally, 

FAT water must also meet SDRWQB’s Basin Plan Water Quality Objectives for the Mission 

Groundwater Basin and pathogenic microorganism control requirements of Title 22, as shown in 

Table 6. 

TABLE 6 – BASIN PLAN WATER QUALITY 

3. Describe the potential for the project to 

improve flow conditions in a natural stream 

channel. 

While the actual ratio of imported water 

drawn from the Colorado River and SWP 

changes depending on a variety of factors, 

recent statistics show that in the last five 

years only 9% of SCDWA’s imported water 

supply came from the SWP, with the 

remaining from the Colorado River. The 

selected project will increase production of a 

dependable, locally produced water supply 

which will decrease demand for imported 

water drawn from the Colorado River and 

SWP. This in turn improves flow conditions 

in the natural stream channels of the Colorado River, as well as the Feather River (main tributary 

to SWP) and the Sacramento Bay-Delta (a critical estuarine ecosystem of the SWP). 

4. Describe the potential for the project to restore or enhance habitat for non-listed fish and 

wildlife species. 

Colorado River Habitat - By decreasing the importation of water from the Colorado River, the 

selected alternative will contribute to increased flows within these systems which could enhance 

the habitat for non-listed fish and wildlife species. The Lower Colorado River supports several 

hundred species of wildlife. Water, in sufficient quantity and quality is fundamental to the health 

of the Colorado River and to the local survival of 17 non-listed species. Water is diverted from 

the Colorado River primarily at Lake Havasu and transported to Southern California via the CRA. 

The 2004 Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Plan estimates that flow reductions 

could reach 1,574,000 AFY by 2051, resulting in lower water levels and higher concentrations of 

contaminants from agricultural runoff. By decreasing reliance on imported water supplies, the 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

City could increase the quality and quantity of water maintained in the Colorado River and Lake 

Mead, thereby supporting the health of the river, and restoring and enhancing habitat for all 

those species that are dependent upon it. 

Bay-Delta Habitat - The Sacramento Bay-Delta encompasses 1,600 square miles and provides 

habitat for more than 500 species of fish and wildlife. The 2013 Bay Delta Conservation Plan 

identified over 30 non-listed species potentially impacted by withdrawals from that system 

through the SWP (DWR, 2013). Impacts from withdrawals occur due to the change of river flow 

by pumping, capture within pumping equipment, and increased saltwater intrusion due to 

pumping. A decrease in water imported through the SWP could help to alleviate these pressures 

on the Delta ecosystem and could help restore habitat for non-listed species. The recent 

California drought resulted in reduced flows from little to no precipitation and reduced snowpack 

melt. Low flows and high temperature from the drought reduced water quality and impaired 

habitat for native fish. Lower flows, longer water residence times, and higher temperature from 

the drought led to the expansion of invasive aquatic species.

2 By reducing reliance on imported 

water, the habitat of non-listed species may be less negatively impacted by altered climate 

patterns. Non-listed species could benefit greatly from reduced pumping of imported water from 

their habitat, as many species rely on these habitats for ecologic function at various life stages 

and require constant freshwater flows. 

5. Describe the potential for the project to provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened 

or endangered species. 

As described above, it is anticipated that the proposed project will produce local water supplies 

that will directly offset demand for imported water from the Colorado River and SWP. Bolstering 

of local water supply sources will allow reduce diversions from the Colorado River and the Delta 

(a critical ecosystem of the SWP), leaving additional water in these water courses that can 

support native habitat, fish, and wildlife. In this way, all of the proposed alternatives would 

provide indirect riparian and ecosystem benefits in these imported water systems, contributing 

to protection of habitat for native species. The Lower Colorado River is home to six federally listed 

endangered or threatened species. Decreasing the importation of water from the Colorado River 

could improve both the quality and quantity of water there, which improves the habitat for both 

aquatic and riparian species including species that are federally listed. In the Delta system, 

increased outflow through the San Francisco Bay could help reduce salinity and improve habitat 

for fish and other species, which contains more than 35 endangered species (Center for Biological 

Diversity, 2019). In addition to the number of non-listed species mentioned above, there are 21 

federally listed threatened and endangered species in the Delta that will benefit from the 

reduction in imported water for the City of Oceanside. These species include Delta smelt, Chinook 

salmon, Least Bell’s vireo, and Conservancy fairy shrimp. With more water in the Colorado and 

Delta, these species may become more resilient to changes in the ecosystem. Tidal marsh 

microhabitat within the Delta supports diverse species of mammals, birds, and plants while 

2 John Durand et al. July 30, 2018. Lessons from California’s 2012-2016 Drought. 

https://ascelibrary.org/doi/full/10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000984# 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

riparian woodlands sustained by Delta flows provide breeding habitat for several federally listed 

birds. Reducing demands for imported water will increase the flows available to support these 

habitats and species. 

D. Evaluation Criterion 4 - Department of the Interior Priorities 

Without repeating benefits already described in previous criteria, describe in detail how the 

proposed project supports a priority(ies) below. 

Climate Change: 

1. Please provide specific details and examples on how the project will address the impacts of 

climate change and help combat the climate crisis. 

Climate change is impacting California’s water resources, as evidenced by changes in snowpack, 

sea level, and river flows. Climate models indicate that we are likely to see larger and intense 

storms, higher temperatures and extended dry periods. Storms will not bring more water 

overall, leading to more frequent or severe droughts. Warmer temperatures will lead to 

decreased snowpack and cause snow to melt faster and earlier, making it more difficult to store 

and use as supply during the warm months of the year and growing season. At the same time, 

higher temperatures are expected to increase demand for water. The alternatives studied will 

each directly mitigate climate change impacts by producing a sustainable and reliable water 

supply to help combat climate change risks faced by City. Finally, energy use and related carbon 

emissions will be reduced when the amount of imported water that is conveyed to Oceanside 

from Colorado and northern California is reduced, thus furthering this project’s contribution to 

combating the climate crisis. 

2. Does this proposed project strengthen water supply sustainability to increase resilience to 

climate change? 

All alternatives reviewed in this study will strengthen water supply sustainability to increase 

resilience to climate changes. As discussed above, this project will produce a new, local, 

drought-proof water supply that will reduce dependency on water from distant watersheds 

that are already experiencing stress from the impacts of climate change. 

3. Does the proposed project contribute to climate change resiliency in other ways not described 

above? 

Depending upon the alternative selected, construction of this project will support the 

retirement/decommissioning of aging and unstable wastewater infrastructure that is located 

on the coast which has been identified as vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding. 

Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities: 

Will the proposed project serve or benefit a disadvantaged or historically underserved 

community? Benefits can include, but are not limited to, public health and safety by addressing 

water quality, new water supplies, or economic growth opportunities. 

The City serves a population of 177,000. Approximately 32% of the City’s service area is 

categorized as a disadvantaged community (DAC). DACs are areas with a Median Household 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Income (MHI) of less than 80% of the statewide MHI of $84,092. Of Oceanside’s DACs, 50% are 

considered severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs), defined as having an MHI less than 

60% of the statewide MHI. Figure 3 is a map of Oceanside’s DACs and SDACs. The benefits of 

the project will serve DACs by reducing the City’s overall dependence on imported water. The 

selected alternative will be a cost-effective alternative for all City customers, including those 

residing in DACs and SDACS. The selected project will mitigate the impact of rising imported 

water costs. Avoidance of water rate increases may benefit rate payers located within DACs 

and SDAC more than other rate payers as higher utility rates place a disproportionate burden 

on ratepayers in these communities. The proposed project’s water quality benefits to 

DACs/SDACs may include improving the quality of discharge into the Pacific Ocean. It may also 

include improvements to groundwater basin water quality with the increased injection of FAT 

water to Mission Basin. Additionally, improved water quality at public beaches from reduced 

discharges to the ocean will benefit the public health and safety of all patrons, including 

disadvantaged and underserved communities in the City and throughout the region. 

Please describe in detail how the community is disadvantaged based on a combination of 

variables that may include the following: Low income, high and/or persistent poverty, High 

unemployment and underemployment; Racial and ethnic residential segregation, particularly 

where the segregation stems from discrimination by government entities; Linguistic isolation; 

High housing cost burden and substandard housing; Distressed neighborhoods; High 

transportation cost burden and/or low transportation access; Disproportionate environmental 

stressor burden and high cumulative impacts; Limited water and sanitation access and 

affordability; Disproportionate impacts from climate change; High energy cost burden and low 

energy access; Jobs lost through energy transition; Access to healthcare 

Many factors, including socioeconomic factors, rates of high unemployment and high housing 

costs/substandard housing help define DACs. According DWR’s mapping tool, in late 2022, 

Oceanside had a DAC population of 56,239, or 32% of its total population. Of the DAC group, 

50% are considered a SDAC based on California’s MHI of $84,092. Income level is the variable 

that designates a community group as disadvantaged. Unemployment can also be considered 

a variable contributing to a DAC or SDAC designation. Oceanside’s DACs/SDACs face high 

housing cost burdens and are negatively impacted by California’s high housing crisis. The 

median housing price in January 2023 in Oceanside was $760,000, whereas the median housing 

price in California was $751,000 and the national median housing price was $385,000. These 

burdensome housing costs have the potential to inequitably pre-dispose certain community 

groups to substandard housing, another variable that can contribute to DAC/SDAC designations 

and distressed neighborhoods. The City experiences higher rates of unemployment compared 

to regional. The City of Oceanside unemployment rate according to the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics was 3.0% as of December 2022. Comparatively, the San Diego County rate of 

unemployment was 2.7% as reported by the Employment Development Department of 

California (2023). 

If the proposed project is providing benefits to an underserved community, provide sufficient 

information to demonstrate that the community meets the underserved definition in E.O. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

13985, which includes populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic 

communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects 

of economic, social, and civic life. 

As shown in Figure 3, the City’s service area includes DACs and SDACs, some considered to be 

underserved community as established in Executive Order 139853. Many of these communities 

share the common characteristic of being majority Hispanic/Latino, Black and Asian 

households. These underserved areas of Oceanside are communities concentrated near the 

State Route 76-highway corridor which reveal the potential for environmental inequity. In 

2010, the Health Effect Institute concluded that health effects from highway traffic pollution 

can cause early onset of childhood asthma, impaired lung function and premature death from 

cardiovascular disease. The area most affected, they concluded, was roughly the band within 

0.2 to 0.3 miles (300 to 500 meters) of the highway. DAC and SDACs therefore have an increased 

environmental burden if they live closer to major highways. Due to historic and systemic 

inequities, these communities also face greater economic and social challenges. The project 

activities are not anticipated to have a disproportionately adverse effect on low income or 

minority populations. The project components will directly increase the amount of locally 

controlled water supplies, providing benefits to all the City’s customers within its service area. 

In addition to providing financial relief by exploring long-term cost-effective water portfolio 

solutions through this feasibility study, the City intends to offset future infrastructure costs by 

pursing federal grants for the entire service area, which will equally benefit DACs. 

The City will provide ongoing communications to members of the community, providing 

ongoing updates on project development; some members of the community may be 

considered underrepresented. The City provides supplemental resources and classes at 

convenient resource centers in underserved areas of the community where updated 

information can be retrieved. Programs and information are available in multiple languages, 

including Spanish. 

Tribal Benefits: 

Does the proposed project directly serve and/or benefit a Tribe? Will the project improve water 

management for an Indian Tribe? 

The project will reduce demands for imported water. This will make imported water more 

available to meet delivery obligations of a portion of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights 

Settlement Act of 1988, as amended by Congress, for local water and supplemental water 

deliveries to Tribes upstream from Oceanside's project area. 

3 President Joe Biden. January 20, 2021. Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 

Communities Through the Federal Government. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidentialactions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-throughthe-federal-government/ 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

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Does the proposed project support Tribal resilience to climate change and drought impacts or 

provide other Tribal benefits such as improved public health and safety by addressing water 

quality, new water supplies, or economic growth opportunities? 

San Diego County is home to the largest number of federally recognized Native American tribes 

in a single county in the United States. The Tribes are entitled to 16,000-acre feet (AF) of 

Colorado River water each year - enough water to supply roughly 128,000 people. Completion 

FIGURES 3. OCEANSIDE’S DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES (DAC) MAP 

Disadvantaged 

Community 

a 

of the proposed project will provide water stability for the City and reduce pressure placed on 

Colorado River supplies that support the region. This in effect frees up Colorado River supplies 

for communities that have a greater need for imported water resources such as San Diego’s 

Tribal communities. While the project does not directly support Tribal resilience to climate 

change, it does alleviate the drought impacts, which will have a positive impact on economic 

vitality, by which Tribes might benefit along with the whole region. 

E. Evaluation Criterion 5 - Watershed Perspective and Stakeholder Involvement 

A watershed perspective generally means an approach to planning directed at meeting the needs 

of geographically dispersed localities across a region or a watershed that will take advantage of 

economies of scale and foster opportunities for partnerships. This approach accounts for 

interconnectedness of water and land resources, encourages active participation of all interested 

groups, and uses the full spectrum of technical disciplines in activities and decision making. 

1. Will the proposed project implement a regional or state water plan or an integrated resource 

management plan? 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

The project components support several local and regional integrated resources management 

plans and planning efforts, as summarized below. 

2022 California’s Water Supply Strategy – Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future 

The proposed project aligns with the State’s newly adopted water supply strategy as outlined in 

this document. Specifically, the project would contribute to the strategy’s goal to “recycle and 

reuse at least 800,000 AFY by 2030, enabling better and safer use of wastewater currently 

discharged to the ocean.” Additionally, the strategy aims to “make new water available for use 

by capturing stormwater and desalinating ocean water and salty water in groundwater basins, 

diversifying supplies and making the most of high flows during storm events.” 

2020 San Diego County Water Authority Urban Water Management Plan 

The City is a member agency of the SDCWA. The Project supports the SDCWA’s water-use 

efficiency goals and projections to provide a diversified water portfolio on a local level. The 

potable water supply yield from this project is included in SDCWA UWMP projections. Without 

the implementation of a project that increases development of local supply, SDCWA runs the risk 

of reaching projected dry year supply shortages at an earlier date depending on the level of 

severity of future droughts. This project creates a drought-proof supply and avoids exacerbating 

shortage scenarios currently forecasted for multi-year dry year yields. 

City of Oceanside 2020 Urban Water Management Plan 

The project is an essential component of the City’s water supply portfolio diversification strategy. 

The City included the proposed project in its 2020 UWMP water supply projections. To realize 

these water supply projections the City must pursue a local water supply project . 

2019 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan 

The City is actively involved in the San Diego IRWM Program, having served as a member of its 

32-member advisory council and on various workgroups. The IRWM Plan has several 

objectives that the project addresses including: 

• Develop and maintain a diverse mix of water resources, encouraging their efficient use and 

development of local water supplies. 

• Construct, operate, and maintain a reliable water management infrastructure system. 

• Enhance the natural hydrologic process to reduce the effects of hydromodification and 

encourage integrated flood management. 

• Protect, restore, and maintain habitat and open space. The Project diversifies Oceanside’s 

supply portfolio and creates a sustainable and reliable water source alternative. 

2018 San Diego Basin Study 

The San Diego Basin Study is a partnership between Reclamation and the City of San Diego to 

assess the region’s water supply and demand. The study aimed to determine the potential effects 

from climate change impacts within the San Diego IRWM region and analyzed the region’s 

existing infrastructure to develop adaptation strategies. The Basin Study noted the project 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

enhances conservation, increases water supplies, optimizes existing facilities, improves 

watershed health and ecosystem restoration, and meets the goal to develop local sources to ease 

the burden on imported water sources. 

2013 California Water Plan (CWP) Update 

The 2013 CWP Update has 17 objectives and over 300 related actions to help conserve and plan 

for California’s water future. The Project addresses the following objectives: 

• Use and reuse water more efficiently 

• Expand conjunctive management of multiple supplies 

• Protect and restore surface water and groundwater quality 

• Manage the Delta to achieve the coequal goals for California 

• Reduce the carbon footprint of water systems and water uses 

These objectives are satisfied by the Project’s goals and will assist in preparing California for 

a more sustainable future for water resources. 

2. Will the proposed project help meet the water supply needs of a large geographic area, 

region, or watershed? Explain. 

This project will help meet the water supply needs of the City’s entire service area which is 42 

square miles and provides water to 177,000 residents and 86,000 people that work within the 

City limits.. This project will improve regional water supply reliability by increasing local water 

supply production and reducing the need for the region’s imported water supplies. 

3. Will the proposed project promote collaborative partnerships to address water-related 

issues? Explain. Describe stakeholder involvement in the project planning process. 

As a member of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition (NSDWRC), the City is working 

increase the use of recycled water across the region. Since 2010 the NSDWRC has focused on 

expanding use of both potable and non-potable recycled water within the region to develop 

locally controlled, drought-proof, and reliable water supplies. This feasibility study directly 

supports NSDWRC’s mission of increasing the use of recycled water to become more water 

independent from imported water supplies. PWO is the result of collaborative efforts between 

several local, state, and federal agencies that are seeking to expand potable reuse in the region, 

including the NSDWRC, US EPA, San Diego RWQCB, DDW, and the SWRCB Division of Financial 

Assistance. Additionally, the City is working closely with the SDCWA on water supply planning 

to ensure adequate deliveries for its customers and to secure a diverse set of water sources. 

4. Will the proposed project include public outreach and opportunities for the public to learn 

about the project? 

The City will communicate with community members through a variety of channels, hold 

workshops and provide informational materials to share information about the feasibility study. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

III. Project Budget 

A. Funding Plan 

The total feasibility study estimated cost is $403,875. The City is requesting $201,000 from USBR 

from Funding Opportunity No. R23AS00076. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 

October 31, 2025, which corresponds with the required completion date specified in the NOFO. 

The remaining costs or “non-federal cost share" will be $202,758 which will be covered by the 

City. The non-federal cost share is 50.22% of the total project cost share. The City has not applied 

for other funding programs to date but anticipates pursuing State funding through the SWRCB’s 

Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) sometime during the spring of 2023. Any SWRCB grant 

funding awarded for the feasibility study will be classified as “non-federal entities” share. 

B. Budget Proposal 

If awarded, the City will provide all non-federal funding in the amount of $202,785 for the 

feasibility study through the City’s Water Enterprise Fund. This stable funding source supports 

the City’s water capital program which is supported mainly by water ratepayers. Below is a 

breakdown of the proposed funding sources: 

TABLE 7. SUMMARY OF NON-FEDERAL AND FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES 

Funding sources Percent of Total Study 

Cost Amount 

Non-Federal Entities 

City of Oceanside -Water Enterprise Fund 50.22% $202,785 

Non-Federal Entities Subtotal $202,785 

Federal Entities 

Other Federal Entities 0.00% $0 

Request Reclamation Funding 49.78% $201,000 

Federal Entities Subtotal $201,000 

TOTAL STUDY COST 100.00% $403,785 

Table 8 provides total project cost by the source categories specified by USBR. 

TABLE 8 TOTAL PROJECT COST TABLE 

Source Amount 

Cost to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $201,000 

Costs to be paid by the applicant $202,785 

Value of third-party contributions $0 

TOTAL STUDY COST $403,785 

C. Budget Narrative 

The feasibility study scope of work will be carried out by a consultant procured by the City. All 

budgeted costs will support the work of the selected consultant and will comply with the cost 

principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E. All feasibility study costs will be allowable, allocable, and 

reasonable per sections § 200.403, § 200.404 and § 200.405 of Subpart E. The table below is an 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

estimated project budget that corresponds to Section B of the SF-424A form prepared for this 

grant application. 

SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES 

Computation Quantity Type Total Cost 

Object Class Category* $/Unit Quantity 

a. Personnel -

b. Fringe Benefits -

c. Travel -

d. Equipment -

e. Supplies -

f. Contractual 

Consultant Costs 

Principal In Charge $345 29 hours $10,005 

Project Manager/Tech Mgr. $315 438 hours $137,970 

Project Engineer $265 536 hours $142,040 

Staff Engineer $225 486 hours $109,350 

Administrative Support $130 34 hours $4,420 

g. Construction 

h. Other Direct Costs 

i Total Direct Costs (sum 6a-6h) $403,785 

j. Indirect Costs 

k. TOTALS (sum 6i and 6j) $403,785 

Personnel 

Funds for salaries and wages are not requested. 

Fringe Benefits 

Funds for fringe benefits are not requested. 

Travel 

Funds for travel are not requested. 

Equipment 

Funds for equipment are not requested. 

Supplies 

Funds for supplies are not requested. 

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Contractual 

The requested budget is comprised of costs in the contractual budget category which include the 

following feasibility study tasks that will be carried out by a consultant: 

(1) Alternatives Development and Evaluation 

(2) Prepare Feasibility Study Report 

(3) Project Management. 

A consultant will prepare the feasibility study report per WTR 11-01 requirements, develop 

design criteria and sizing for cost estimates for each alternative and prioritize project alternatives. 

After selection of the proposed/recommended alternative, the following additional sections will 

be completed: 

• Economic Analysis 

• Environmental Consideration and Potential Effects 

• Legal and Institutional Requirements 

• Financial Capability of Sponsor 

• Research Needs 

The scope of services covers the full investigation of the seven alternatives. The rates and scope 

in the fee estimate provided are considered fair and reasonable. 

Construction 

Funds for construction are not requested. 

Other Direct Costs 

There are no direct costs included in the budget. 

Indirect Costs 

There are no indirect costs included in the budget. 

D. Letters of Funding Commitment 

No letters of funding commitment required for this project. 

IV. Required Permits or Approvals 

No permits or approvals are necessary for the development of the feasibility study. Should a 

desalination or stormwater project alternative be selected, the feasibility study will include 

discussion of required permits and approvals. 

V. Official Resolution 

An official resolution will be provided to USBR within 60 days of the application due date, per 

NOFO stipulations. 

- 23 -
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

VI. Letters of Support 

Letters of support can be found in Attachment 1 . 

VII. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement 

This study does not and will not duplicate any proposal or project that has been submitted for 

funding consideration to any other funding source—be it federal or non-federal. 

The City has expressed interest in the SWRCB’s Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) 

Planning Grant Opportunity. The WRFP funds projects that promote the beneficial use of treated 

municipal wastewater (recycled water). The City anticipates seeking funding from WRFP in the 

spring of 2023. Award announcements are made by SWRCB on a rolling basis. This funding is from 

a non-Federal source and would contribute to the non-federal source costs covered by USBR’s 

WaterSMART Water Recycling and Desalination Funding Opportunity No. R23AS00076. As such, 

duplication of funding support or effort will not occur. 

VIII. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement 

A uniform auditing statement is provided as Attachment 2. 

IX. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement 

The City has reviewed section D.2.2.6 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement of the NOFO No. 

R23AS00076. The City does not foresee any actual or potential conflict of interest at the time of 

the feasibility study grant application submission. Oceanside will submit a conflict of interest 

disclosure or certification statement prior to issuance of an award per the requirements of the 

NOFO. 

- 24 -
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RosetteGarcia,President

February24,2023

TheHonorableM.CamilleCalimlimTouton

Commissioner

U.S.BureauofReclamation

1849CStreetNW

WashingtonDC20240-0001

RE:USDOIUSBRNOFO#R23AS00076

DearCommissionerTouton:

OnbehalfoftheLeagueofWomenVotersofNorthCountySanDiego,Iam writingto

expresssupportfortheCityofOceanside’sgrantapplicationtothereferencednoticeof

fundingopportunity.TheCityofOceansideisproposingtheWaterReuse,Recyclingand

SeawaterDesalinationFeasibilityStudytobuildontheachievementsofPureWater

Oceanside(PWO),thefirstpotablereuseprojecttooperateinSanDiegoCounty.

PWOpurifiesrecycledwatertocreateanew,localsourceofhigh-qualitydrinkingwater

thatisclean,safe,drought-proofandenvironmentallysound.InDecember2021,PWO

beganPhaseI,producingadvancedtreatedwatertoprovideanew,drought-resilient

sourceofwatersupplythathelpsOceansidemoveclosertoachievingthegoalofreducing

relianceonimportedwatersuppliesfrom theColoradoRiverandCaliforniaStateWater

Project.PWOPhase1willreduceOceanside’simportedwaterdemandby21%.

TheCityisrequestinggrantfundingfrom theUSBRtocompleteanadditionalstudy,the

WaterReuse,RecyclingandSeawaterDesalinationFeasibilityStudy,toidentifyand

evaluatealternativesthatwillallowOceansidetoincreasewaterrecyclingproduction

capabilitiesbeyondPhase1andhelptheCityachievethegoalofprovidingmorethan32%

oftheCity’swatersupply,thusreducingrelianceonimportedwaterfrom federalandstate

watersystems,protectingtheregionagainstdrought,andimprovingwaterqualityinthe

MissionBasin.ThisimportantstudyalsosupportsExecutiveOrder14008:Tacklingthe

ClimateCrisisatHomeandAbroadprioritiesbysafeguardingwatersinthe

above-mentionedimportedwatersystemsfrom climatevulnerabilities.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersofNorthCountySanDiegorecognizesthevaluablerolethat

thisstudyplaysincreatingasustainablefutureforourcommunity.Pleaseacceptour

recommendationforfullandfairconsideration,aspermittedunderlaw,oftheCityof

Oceanside’sWaterSMART:WaterRecyclingandDesalinationPlanningfundingapplication

forthisfeasibilitystudy.

Sincerely,

P.O.Box131272•Carlsbad,CA92013-1272•760-736-1608•www.lwvncsd.org

TheLeagueofWomenVotersNorthCountySanDiegoisa501(c)(3)non-profitorganization.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Name: 

City of Oceanside 

Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study 

Grant Application 

Due February 28, 2023; 4:00 MST 

Prepared For: 

Prepared by: 

U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation 

WaterSMART Grants: 

Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Funding Opportunity Number: 

R23AS00076 

Project Manager: 

Mabel Uyeda 

Principal Water Engineer 

City of Oceanside 

300 N. Coast Hwy 

Oceanside, CA 92054 

Phone: 760-435-5819 

Email: muyeda@oceansideca.org 
 

 

 

 

CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION

Budget Narrative 

The feasibility study scope of work will be carried out by a consultant procured by the City. All 

budgeted costs will support the work of the selected consultant and will comply with the cost 

principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E. All feasibility study costs will be allowable, allocable, and

reasonable per sections § 200.403, § 200.404 and § 200.405 of Subpart E. The table below is an

estimated project budget that corresponds to Section B of the SF-424A form prepared for this 

grant application. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES 

Computation Quantity Type Total Cost 

Object Class Category* $/Unit Quantity 

a. Personnel -

b. Fringe Benefits -

c. Travel -

d. Equipment -

e. Supplies -

f. Contractual

Consultant Costs

Principal In Charge $345 29 hours $10,005

Project Manager/Tech Mgr. $315 438 hours $137,970

Project Engineer $265 536 hours $142,040

Staff Engineer $225 486 hours $109,350

Administrative Support $130 34 hours $4,420

g. Construction

h. Other Direct Costs

i Total Direct Costs (sum 6a-6h) $403,785

j. Indirect Costs

k. TOTALS (sum 6i and 6j) $403,785 

Personnel 

Funds for salaries and wages are not requested.

Fringe Benefits 

Funds for fringe benefits are not requested.

Travel 

Funds for travel are not requested.

Equipment 

Funds for equipment are not requested.

Supplies 

Funds for supplies are not requested. 
CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION

Contractual 

The requested budget is comprised of costs in the contractual budget category which include the

following feasibility study tasks that will be carried out by a consultant:

(1) Alternatives Development and Evaluation

(2) Prepare Feasibility Study Report

(3) Project Management.

A consultant will prepare the feasibility study report per WTR 11-01 requirements, develop

design criteria and sizing for cost estimatesfor each alternative and prioritize project alternatives. 

After selection of the proposed/recommended alternative, the following additional sections will

be completed:

• Economic Analysis

• Environmental Consideration and Potential Effects

• Legal and Institutional Requirements

• Financial Capability of Sponsor

• Research Needs

The scope of services covers the full investigation of the seven alternatives. The rates and scope 

in the fee estimate provided are considered fair and reasonable.

Construction 

Funds for construction are not requested.

Other Direct Costs 

There are no direct costs included in the budget. 

Indirect Costs 

There are no indirect costs included in the budget. 
CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Attachment 1 

Letters of Support 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioner

February 24, 2023

The Honorable M. Camille Calimlim Touton

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

1849 C Street NW

Washington DC 20240-0001

Dear Commissioner Touton:

Board of Directors

On behalf of Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water), a water, wastewater, John V. Rossi

President and recycled water provider in southwest Riverside County, we would like to express 

Brian J. Brady support for the City of Oceanside’s grant application to the U.S. Department of the

Senior Vice President Interior (DOI) Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) WaterSMART: Water Recycling and

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady Desalination Planning Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) #R23AS00076. The City

J. D. Harkey is proposing the Water Reuse, Recycling, and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study

John E. Hoagland to advance the achievements of Pure Water Oceanside (PWO), which is the first

William E. Plummer potable reuse project to operate in San Diego County. PWO purifies recycled water 

to create a new, local source of high-quality drinking water that is clean, safe, Bill Wilson

drought-proof, and environmentally sound. Officers

Robert S. Grantham

General Manager In December 2021, PWO began producing advanced treated water as part of Phase

1. This new, drought-resilient source of watersupply helps Oceanside move closer to Jake Wiley, P.E.

Assistant General Manager achieving the goal of reducing reliance on imported watersuppliesfrom the Colorado

Engineering and Operations River and California State Water Project. PWO Phase 1 will reduce Oceanside’s

Kathleen M. Naylor imported water demand by 21 percent. Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer

Kelli E. Garcia

District Secretary The City requests grant funding from the USBR to complete an additional study, the

James B. Gilpin Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study, to identify and

Best Best & Krieger LLP evaluate alternatives allowing Oceanside to maximize water recycling production General Counsel

capabilities beyond Phase 1. The feasibility study will help the City accomplish the

overall PWO goal of producing enough potable reuse water to provide more than 32

percent of the City’s water supply. If funded, the City will be able to move forward

on its efforts to reduce reliance on imported water from federal and state water

systems, protect the region against drought, and improve water quality in the

Mission Basin. This important study also supports Executive Order 14008: Tackling 

the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad priorities by safeguarding watersin the abovementioned imported water systems from climate vulnerabilities. 

R a n c h o C a l i f o r n i a W a t e r D i s t r i c t

42135 Winchester Road • Temecula, California 92590-4800 • (951) 296-6900 • FAX (951) 296-6860 • www.ranchowater.com
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Honorable M. Camille Calimlim Touton

February 23, 2023

Page 2 of 2

Rancho Water recognizes the valuable role that this future facility will play in creating a

sustainable future for Southern California. As a neighboring water provider to the north of the

City of Oceanside, we recognize that as a region, we must collectively move forward with an “all

of the above” approach to reduce reliance on imported water supplies and provide water

resiliency in the face of climate change and changing precipitation patterns. Rancho Water is 

pleased to support this important effort and request the acceptance of our recommendation for

full and fair consideration, as permitted under law, of the City of Oceanside’s WaterSMART:

Water Recycling and Desalination Planning funding application for this feasibility study.

Sincerely,

RANCHO CALIFORNIA WATER DISTRICT

Robert S. Grantham

General Manager

R a n c h o C a l i f o r n i a W a t e r D i s t r i c t

42135 Winchester Road • Temecula, California 92590-4800 • (951) 296-6900 • FAX (951) 296-6860 • www.ranchowater.com
 

 

 

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION of SANITATION AGENCIES 

925 L Street, Suite 200 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • TEL: (916) 446-0388 • www.CASAweb.org 

February 27, 2023 

The Honorable M. Camille Calimlim Touton 

Commissioner 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington DC 20240-0001 

Dear Commissioner Touton: 

The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) is pleased to submit this letter of support for 

the City of Oceanside’s grant application to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of 

Reclamation’s (USBR) WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO) #R23AS00076. The City is proposing the Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater 

Desalination Feasibility Study to advance the achievements of Pure Water Oceanside (PWO) – the first 

potable reuse project to operate in San Diego County. PWO purifies recycled water to create a new, local 

source of high-quality drinking water that is clean, safe, drought-proof and environmentally sound. 

CASA is an association of local California wastewater agencies, known as Water Resource Recovery 

Facilities (WRRFs), engaged in advancing the recycling of wastewater into usable water, as well as the 

generation and beneficial use of renewable energy, biosolids, fuel, and other valuable resources. 

Through these efforts we help create a clean and sustainable environment for future generations. 

In December 2021, PWO began producing advanced treated water as part of Phase 1. This new, drought 

resilient source of water supply helps Oceanside move closer to achieving the goal of reducing reliance on 

imported water supplies from the Colorado River and California State Water Project. PWO Phase 1 will 

reduce Oceanside’s imported water demand by 21%. 

The City is requesting grant funding from the USBR to complete an additional study, the Water Reuse, 

Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study, to identify and evaluate alternatives that will 

allow Oceanside to maximize water recycling production capabilities beyond Phase 1. The feasibility 

study will help the City accomplish the overall PWO goal of producing enough potable reuse water to 

provide more than 32% of the City’s water supply. If funded, the City will be able to move forward on 

their efforts to reduce reliance on imported water from federal and state water systems, protect the region 

against drought, and improve water quality in the Mission Basin. This important study also supports 

Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad priorities by safeguarding 

waters in the above-mentioned imported water systems from climate vulnerabilities. 

CASA recognizes the valuable role that this study plays in creating a sustainable future and supports this 

project as a means of increasing resiliency and addressing the persistent water shortage in California and 

throughout the west. This project illustrates the proactive position the City is taking to find pragmatic 

solutions to an ongoing crisis. 

Please accept our recommendation for full and fair consideration, as permitted under law, of the City of 

Oceanside’s WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning funding application for this 

feasibility study. 
The Honorable M. Camille Calimilim Touton 

Feb. 27, 2023 

Page 2 of 2 

Sincerely, 

Adam D. Link 

Executive Director 

alink@casawb.org 

916-446-0388 

cc: Greg Kester, Director of Renewable Resource Programs 

Justin Gamble, City of Oceanside 
 

 

 

 

San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 

February 27, 2023 

The Honorable M. Camille Calimlim Touton 

Commissioner 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington DC 20240-0001 

Subject: Letter of Support for Pure Water Oceanside Application for 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Notice of 

Funding Opportunity #R23AS00076 

Commissioner Touton: 

The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (San Diego 

Water Board), is writing to express support for the City of Oceanside’s (City) grant 

application to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Reclamation’s 

(USBR) WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO) #R23AS00076. The City is proposing the Water Reuse, Recycling 

and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study to advance the achievements of Pure 

Water Oceanside (PWO) – the first potable reuse project to operate in San Diego 

County. PWO purifies recycled water to create a new, local source of high-quality 

drinking water that is clean, safe, drought-proof and environmentally sound. 

The San Diego Water Board issued Order No. R9-2021-0100, Waste Discharge and 

Water Reclamation Requirements for the City of Oceanside, Advanced Water 

Purification Facility, Indirect Potable Reuse for Groundwater Recharge, San Diego 

County (Order) to the City in December 2021. The Order establishes waste discharge 

and water recycling requirements that allow the City to inject 3.0 million gallons per day 

of advanced treated recycled water into the groundwater of the Mission Groundwater 

Basin for indirect potable reuse. The Order is the first permit issued by the San Diego 

Water Board for an indirect potable reuse via groundwater recharge project and allowed 

PWO to begin producing advanced treated recycled water. This new, drought resilient 

source of water supply helps the City move closer to achieving the goal of reducing 

reliance on imported water supplies from the Colorado River and California State Water 

Project. 

The City is requesting grant funding from the USBR to complete an additional study, the 

Water Reuse, Recycling and Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study, to identify and 

evaluate alternatives that will allow Oceanside to maximize water recycling production 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Touton - 2 - February 27, 2023 

capabilities beyond Phase 1 of PWO. The feasibility study will help the City accomplish 

the overall PWO goal of producing enough potable reuse water to provide more than 

32% of the City’s potable water supply. If funded, the City will be able to move forward 

on their efforts to reduce reliance on imported water from federal and state water 

systems, protect the region against drought, and improve water quality in the Mission 

Groundwater Basin. This important study also supports President Biden’s Executive 

Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad by safeguarding waters 

in the above-mentioned imported water systems from climate vulnerabilities. 

The San Diego Water Board recognizes the valuable role that this study plays in 

creating a sustainable future. The San Diego Water Board supports the project because 

our Practical Vision1 prioritizes strategies to help achieve a resilient local water supply. 

The San Diego Water Board recognizes and appreciates the valuable role the City’s 

PWO project plays in helping increase the resiliency and dependability of water supplies 

in northern San Diego County. 

In conclusion, the San Diego Water Board supports the City’s project and asks for full 

and fair consideration, as permitted under law, of the City’s application for DOI 

WaterSMART NOFO funding. If you have any questions, please contact me at (619) 

516-1990. 

Respectfully, 

David W. Gibson 

Executive Officer 

DWG:bn:bb 

1 San Diego Water Board Practical Vision: 

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sandiego/water_issues/programs/practical_vision/ 
CITY OF OCEANSIDE - USBR TITLE XVI WATER REUSE. RECYCLING AND SEAWATER 

DESALINATION FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT APPLICATION 

Attachment 2 

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement