To assist local agencies in obtaining financing for their water management programs, California voters passed three bond laws, between 1984 and 1988, that authorized DWR to provide low#interest loans to fund project feasibility studies or construction activities. The Clean Water Bond Law of 1984 (Proposition 25) authorized $10.5 million for water conservation projects; the Water Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986 (Proposition 44) authorized $75 million for water conservation and ground water recharge projects; and the Water Conservation Bond Law of 1988 (Proposition 82) authorized $60 million for water conservation, ground water recharge, and new local water supply improvements. Although most funds for Propositions 25 and 44 have been obligated for projects throughout the State, funds are still available under Proposition 82.
Water conservation projects with loan applications certified or on file with the DWR could save an estimated 68,000 af per year. Typical water conservation projects often involve concrete lining of irrigation canals or replacing leaking water mains.
Ground water recharge projects with applications certified or on file with DWR could recharge an estimated 266,000 af per year. A Proposition 82 ground water recharge project by the Mojave Water Agency will oversize the first reach of the Morongo Basin Pipeline and use the extra capacity to provide water for recharging the aquifer beneath the Mojave River, thereby reducing the overdraft condition in the basin.
Local water supply projects with loan applications technically certified or on file with the DWR will provide 18,900 af per year. One Proposition 82 local water supply project would desalinate brackish ground water in the City of Oceanside and blend it with existing imported supplies.