The Water Replenishment District (WRD) Board of Directors has approved a significant investment of $146 million for the expansion of the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Project. This decision, made on November 5, 2025, aims to enhance local water supply reliability amid challenges posed by climate change and potential future droughts.
With the unanimous approval, the project advances into its next phase, highlighting WRD’s commitment to sustainable water infrastructure in Southern Los Angeles County. The funding will facilitate the construction of four new groundwater extraction wells and the expansion of the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter Facility, crucial for increasing the locally available drinking water supply.
Joy Langford, WRD Board President, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This approval marks a turning point for the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project, moving us from planning to large-scale construction.” The Board’s decision also reflects the fiscal strength of WRD and the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
The approved agreement with McCarthy-Jacobs raises the total project value to $166.5 million. WRD Director Rob Katherman highlighted the project’s long-term benefits, noting, “It provides long-term rate stability for our residents and reduces our reliance on increasingly costly imported water.”
Project Goals and Benefits
The Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project is part of WRD’s Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program, which aims to address several critical water management issues. The project will:
– Clean up a 14-square-mile brackish groundwater plume caused by seawater intrusion.
– Create a new, sustainable local drinking water supply, thereby reducing the need for imported water.
– Allow for increased groundwater storage in the basin to support regional water reclamation initiatives.
– Enable groundwater pumpers to maximize their water pumping rights.
Stephan Tucker, WRD General Manager, described the project as a landmark achievement, stating, “It reflects our commitment to securing a sustainable, local water future and highlights our strong partnership with our stakeholders.” He underscored that collaboration is key to transforming regional water management.
When completed, the expanded facility will treat up to 7 million gallons per day of brackish groundwater, turning it into a safe and high-quality drinking water source for the City of Torrance.
Funding Sources and Timeline
Funding for the project comes from WRD’s Capital Improvement Program, along with state and federal grants, a low-interest state loan, and a bond issuance planned for 2027 under WRD’s Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program. Construction is scheduled to commence in November 2025, with an anticipated completion date in 2029.
The WRD serves as the regional groundwater management authority, dedicated to protecting and preserving groundwater quality and quantity in two of California’s most utilized urban basins. The agency’s service area encompasses over ten percent of the state’s population across 43 cities in Southern Los Angeles County.
The WRD is governed by an elected Board of Directors, including members Joy Langford, Rob Katherman, John D. S. Allen, Sergio Calderon, and Vera Robles-DeWitt. For more information on WRD’s Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program, visit www.wrd.org/brackish-groundwater-reclamation-program.
