Dr. Ruiz Brings Federal Dollars to Banning for Clean, Sustainable Water

Banning, CA – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) secured federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation to modernize water infrastructure and improve access to clean water for Banning residents. The award benefits the City of Banning's Pressure Zone Separation and Water Loss Reduction Project, which will help save more than 100 acre-feet of water per year and decrease water losses by 47 percent.

"This is another great outcome for our district," said Dr. Ruiz. "I am glad to have helped Banning receive the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects grant to help improve water conservation, update critical infrastructure, and ensure the sustainability of our resources. This funding will save water and save residents money."

"Improving water efficiency and modernizing existing water infrastructure is a major priority for the City of Banning," said Mayor Daniela Andrade. "The City of Banning is pleased to have been selected by the Bureau of Reclamation for the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Grant. This grant will allow this critical project to move forward during times of economic uncertainty. We look forward to this project's completion and the benefits it will provide to maintaining our natural resources and better serving our ratepayers."

Rep. Ruiz's Congressional District, CA-36, received a total of $150,000 in this round of WaterSmart grant funding. The Desert Water Agency also received a federal WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects grant of $75,000 for their Grass Removal Incentive Program Reclamation to address aquifer overdraft and increase the resilience of water supply.

Background:

After Congressman Ruiz advocated for the funding in a February 2020 letter to Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman, the Bureau selected the City's project for the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Project grant. The $75,000 award will cover nearly 40 percent of the project's total cost.

The Pressure Zone Separation and Water Loss Reduction Project is supported by the City's 2018 Integrated Master Plan. The project will install much-needed upgrades to the City's water management infrastructure, improving water conservation to ensure a clean and sustainable water supply.

You can read Dr. Ruiz's letter to Commissioner Burman here.