Press Room
Regional San’s monumental wastewater treatment plant expansion project delivered ON schedule and UNDER budget
The EchoWater Project, one of the largest public works projects in the Sacramento region’s history, takes wastewater treatment to a whole new level
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – The Sacramento region can expect to see big changes related to how wastewater is treated and reused with the completion of Regional San’s $1.7 billion, decade-long expansion. Named the EchoWater Project, the immense upgrade was completed in spring 2023—on schedule and under budget.
Regional San Featured in Treatment Plant Operator Magazine
Treatment Plant Operator magazine recently featured Regional San’s treatment plant operators and the critical role they play in protecting public health and the environment.
The article focuses on the critical role of Regional San operators during the decade-long EchoWater Program.
View the article here!
Regional San & Sacramento Splash introduce Project AWE, a hands-on educational experience for students
Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) in partnership with Sacramento Splash (Splash) has opened the doors of the historic Nicolaus Dairy to students throughout the Sacramento region. Following extensive renovations to much of the property, the Nicolaus Dairy is now home to Project AWE, the Sacramento region’s latest immersive educational experience offering hands-on field trip experiences in the areas of Agriculture, Water, Energy, and the Environment (AWE).
Regional San Recognized Again as a Utility of the Future Today
Sacramento, Calif.—For a third time, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) has been recognized as a Utility of the Future Today. Along with 34 other forward-thinking utilities worldwide, Regional San was acknowledged as a utility that is recovering resources from wastewater, engaging communities, forming unique partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation.
Regional San Offers Alternative Water Supply Amidst California Drought
Residential and commercial customers can now take advantage of a free and sustainable water supply for non-potable uses
Sacramento, Calif.— With nearly 60 percent of California experiencing “extreme drought” conditions, recycled water is quickly being recognized as a drought-resistant water supply for non-potable purposes. Here in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) provides customers access to high-quality recycled water as an alternative.
What Happens After You Flush?
Join Regional San Staff for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
Sacramento, Calif. — Regional San is excited to announce that we will once again be hosting FREE public tours at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant after a two-year break due to COVID-19. Tours are offered on specific Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between June and October 2022.
Regional San Awarded Funding for Project
Harvest Water to Receive Additional WSIP Funding
Sacramento, Calif. — The California Water Commission recently announced that Regional San will receive about $4.3 million in additional Proposition 1 grant funding from California’s Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). These funds will help finance Regional San’s Harvest Water Program. This additional funding adds to the previous $287.5 million in WSIP funding, for an overall total award of about $292 million.
New General Manager Appointed
Seasoned professional Christoph Dobson selected to lead the region’s largest wastewater utilities
Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) and Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) are pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Dobson to General Manager (District Engineer), effective September 13. Dobson replaces Prabhakar Somavarapu, who recently retired after 25 years of public service.
Regional San Project to Receive Grant Funding
Harvest Water is one of the Largest Water Recycling Projects in California
Sacramento, Calif. – The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) recently announced that Regional San will receive $1.7 million to help fund Regional San’s Harvest Water Program. This additional funding adds to the previous $4.2 million received from USBR and $287.5 million in Proposition 1 funding. Harvest Water was established to meet Regional San’s goal of increasing the use of recycled water by providing tertiary-treated wastewater for farmers —demonstrating Regional San’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
New Regional San Upgrade Virtually Eliminates Ammonia in Sacramento Region’s Wastewater
Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) has completed a significant upgrade to its wastewater treatment facility that serves the Sacramento region. The new Biological Nutrient Removal project (BNR) is now operational, virtually eliminating ammonia from the region’s treated wastewater.
Regional San Recognized by National Association of Clean Water Agencies for Continued Operational Excellence
Sacramento, Calif.—The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) was recognized this week by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) with a Peak Performance Award. These awards are presented to water utilities that have achieved excellence in operational performance and permit compliance. Regional San received a Gold Award, which is presented to facilities with no permit violations for the entire calendar year. This is Regional San’s second consecutive year receiving a Gold award.
Critical Recycled Water Project Now Complete in Sacramento
About one million gallons of recycled water is being delivered every day
Sacramento, Calif.—The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) has completed a project that provides one million gallons of recycled water per day to the Sacramento Power Authority Cogeneration Plant located in south Sacramento.
Regional San’s Landmark Recycled Water Program Gets New Name
Sacramento, Calif.—Regional San’s landmark recycled water program—previously known as the South County Ag Program—has been rebranded. Now known as Harvest Water, the program will be one of the largest water recycling projects in California and will deliver up to 50,000-acre feet per year of tertiary-treated recycled water to an estimated 16,000 acres of farm and habitat lands in southern Sacramento County.
Ag Alert: Water Recycling Project Promises Supply for Farms
Ag Alert, the Weekly Newspaper for California Agriculture, published the following article about Harvest Water (formerly known as South County Ag):
Water Recycling Project Promises Supply for Farms – Ag Alert, June 24, 2020
Regional San Recognized as a Utility of the Future Today
Sacramento, Calif.—The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) has been recognized as a Utility of the Future Today. Along with 42 other forward-thinking utilities worldwide, Regional San was acknowledged as a utility that is recovering resources from wastewater, engaging communities, forming unique partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation.
Sacramento Region Gets Significant Boost to Increase Recycled Water Use
Sacramento, Calif. — Efforts to increase recycled water use in the Sacramento region got a significant boost last week. The State Water Board approved the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District’s (Regional San’s) wastewater change petition, giving Regional San the right to deliver its highly treated recycled water to agricultural and habitat conservation lands in southern Sacramento County. Using recycled water for these purposes is a safe alternative that helps the region responsibly manage its limited water resources.
California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week—October 6–14
Recognizing the Critical Role of California’s Water and Wastewater Industry
Sacramento, Calif. — All life depends on water for survival. But while more than two-thirds of the earth is covered with water, preparing it for human use—and then cleaning it once used—takes a lot of work.
During California’s second annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week (October 6–14), water professionals are being recognized and celebrated for their pivotal role in protecting public health and the environment.
Regional San to Receive $280.5 Million in Prop. 1 Funds to Expand Water Recycling in the Sacramento Region
Sacramento, Calif.— The California Water Commission (Commission) recently announced that Regional San will receive $280.5 million—the maximum requested funding amount—in Proposition 1 grant funding to help make the South County Ag Program a reality for the Sacramento region.
Successful Startup of Solar Energy Installation at Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
New 4.2-megawatt solar array provides clean, sustainable energy source for Regional San’s treatment plant operations
Elk Grove, CA – Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) recently accepted a 21-acre solar energy project built on the grounds of the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (SRWTP) in Elk Grove. The array is one of the largest in the Sacramento region.
The 4.2-megawatt solar array is a clean and sustainable energy source that will help power SRWTP’s energy-intensive operations. The solar project increases and diversifies Regional San’s green energy portfolio while reducing energy costs.
Regional San’s South County Ag Program on CBS13
Posted May 31, 2018
Regional San’s landmark water recycling effort, the South County Ag Program, was in the news again, this time on CBS13.
This report focuses on the Program’s aim to deliver highly treated wastewater to farmers as a drought-proof water resource. The Program will also help recharge groundwater in the south county, restore precious wildlife habitat, and even benefit the health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
For more information about the South County Ag Program, visit www.regionalsan.com/SoCoAg.