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Harvest Water program reports construction progress, pipeline mileage and funding increases; delivery now targeted for 2027
Summary
District managers told the board the Harvest Water capital program has completed about two-thirds of the pipeline mileage, is tracking under the capital projection, and expects construction into 2027; staff also reported recent grant funding increases and ongoing outreach to growers.
Sacramento Area Sewer District staff reported substantial progress on the Harvest Water capital program at the June 11 meeting, saying contractors had completed roughly 67% of the pipeline mileage and that construction work is scheduled to continue into 2027 when recycled-water deliveries are expected to begin.
Capital program manager Mike Crooks told the board the program comprises six projects implemented through eight construction contracts, including a pumping station at the tertiary treatment facility, roughly 41 miles of pipeline, and about 120 on-farm service connections. "We began construction early last year in February, and right now, our program schedule has construction going into 2027, which is when we'll begin delivery of recycled water," Crooks said.
Crooks said crews have shifted from pipe installation into pavement restoration in many places and highlighted upcoming road reopenings, including Franklin Boulevard and a section of Lambert Road. He noted ongoing road closures in parts of the south county and described coordination with local jurisdictions such as the City of Galt.
On costs, Crooks said the capital program is tracking below its projected budget despite frequent change orders tied primarily to road conditions and unforeseen utility conflicts. "We are spending money but in a responsible way," he said.
Administrative program manager Joe Phil Borja said grant reimbursements and funding work are under way. Staff have submitted invoices totaling close to $40 million and anticipate another $50 million of invoices for the next quarter. Borja reported state-level actions that benefit the project: the California Water Commission increased the program’s WSIP funding by $73 million (the board previously reported that increase on March 19), and the State Water Resources Control Board proposed raising a separate grant cap from $3 million to $15 million, which staff said would add roughly $12 million if finalized. Borja said the proposed augmentation is subject to the State Water Board’s August 5 vote and to ongoing federal funding discussions.
Outreach and farm connections: Crooks and Borja said the program is preparing to issue a notice to proceed for the first-phase on‑farm connection contract this month and will advertise the second phase in late October. Staff said about 52 growers had signed recycled-water service agreements by the end of Q1 2025, representing about 63% of the summer irrigation demand goal. The program continues targeted outreach to remaining growers and is developing pilot ecological management agreements and native-plant procurement for the eco‑plan portion of the project.
Board members asked about community impacts and road reopenings; staff responded with specifics about sections reopening and ongoing coordination with stakeholders. The quarterly report was received and filed by the board.
Sources: Presentation and remarks by Mike Crooks (Capital Program Manager) and Joe Phil Borja (Administrative Program Manager) during the June 11 board meeting.
