Torrance Desalter Expansion Targets Up to 2.3B Gallons
Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion will produce up to 2.3 billion gallons of drinking water annually for South Bay residents.
The Water Replenishment District of Southern California and the City of Torrance have broken ground on an expansion expected to produce up to 7,100 acre-feet, or 2.3 billion gallons, of drinking water a year. The Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project will expand the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter and is expected to be commissioned in 2029. WRD has secured more than $82 million in grants and low-interest loans for the project, WRD's largest capital project to date. The facility is owned by WRD and operated by the City of Torrance, with the expansion intended to nearly double its capacity for South Bay communities.
Brackish Water Supply Expansion
The project is part of WRD’s Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program, which aims to reduce Southern Los Angeles County’s reliance on imported water by converting the 14-square-mile brackish groundwater plume into a reliable drinking water source and creating additional groundwater storage capacity. The project also increases options for sustainable groundwater replenishment within the West Coast Basin.
Rob Katherman, Director at Water Replenishment District of Southern California, said:
“Since 2001, the Torrance Groundwater Desalter has proven that brackish groundwater can be transformed into potable water for Torrance residents. Today, we celebrate the next phase of our Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program and reclaim additional portions of the 14-square-mile plume that remains in the basin.”
The projected annual output would contribute a significant portion of municipal water supply for South Bay residents.
George Chen, Mayor at City of Torrance, said:
“With this expansion, the facility will nearly double its capacity while helping address longstanding groundwater challenges in the South Bay. Today, we break ground, but more importantly, we invest in a stronger and more secure future for the South Bay.”
More Than $82 Million Secured
Funding secured by WRD includes support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water State Revolving Fund, administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board; the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act WaterSMART Desalination Projects; the California Department of Water Resources Prop 1 Water Desalination Grant; and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Business for Water Stewardship Program.
Stephan Tucker, General Manager at Water Replenishment District of Southern California, said:
“The Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project is one of the most significant water infrastructure investments currently underway in Southern Los Angeles County and is WRD's largest capital project to date. We are grateful for the support of our state and federal funding partners who recognize the importance of local water supply development, climate resilience, and long-term water security.”
Construction Underway
Construction is already underway on the project. McCarthy and Jacobs are supporting the City of Torrance as progressive design-build partners.
Sergio Calderon, Board President at Water Replenishment District of Southern California, shared:
“Today's milestone advances our broader WIN 4 ALL initiative to strengthen regional water reliability through locally sustainable water supplies while creating additional groundwater storage capacity for future generations.”
The groundbreaking brought together elected officials, community leaders, and funding partners to mark the next phase of the effort to convert brackish groundwater into a reliable local drinking water supply for the South Bay.
