San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority REPORT ANNUAL 2024-2025
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
who we are The local agency responsible for overseeing the cleanup and restoration of the San Gabriel Groundwater Basin. what we do COORDINATE Groundwater Cleanup INFORM the Public ASSIST Cooperating Respondents PREVENT or Minimize Migration of Contamination PROTECT Groundwater Resources by Removing Contamination Quickly and Efficiently INTEGRATE Cleanup with Water Supply MINIMIZE Economic Impact to the Public FUND WQA Projects and Programs with Outside Funding Sources staff RANDY SCHOELLERMAN, P.E. Executive Director DAN COLBY Assistant Executive Director/ Senior Project Manager MARY SAENZ, CPA Director of Finance STEPHANIE A. MORENO, MPA Director of Communications/Board Relations MICHELLE SANCHEZ Senior Administrative Assistant/ Office Coordinator JACKIE MONTGOMERY Accounting Specialist PEARL ESCOBAR Project Resource Specialist RICHARD PADILLA Legal Counsel
T his fiscal year the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) faced some unexpected challenges, yet we also made significant agreements and advancements on the road to full restoration of the San Gabriel Groundwater Basin. In the ever-changing Southern California water cycle, it was a good water supply year. The Main San Gabriel Basin, the backbone of our local supply providing roughly 80% of the water demand each year, reached its highest level in five years. On the flipside, a perfect storm of dry air and wind led to the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. We are grateful for the heroic first responders and grieve with the countless victims in times of their profound losses. While the Altadena fires did not directly impact our Basin, the processing of the Altadena fire’s potentially hazardous waste by USEPA at Lario Park near the San Gabriel River heightened our concern about the possibility of future contamination. Significant upgrades moved forward this year for some of the 34 treatment plants in the Basin thanks to the dedication of our partner agencies, and our distribution of $5.5 million in federal funds from FY 2023.
Randy Schoellerman, P.E. Executive Director
That said, a successful Basin cleanup requires continuous funding. Unfortunately, the FY 2024 federal appropriations bill did not include money for the WQA-coordinated restoration. While we will continue to advocate for federal funds, we did, after years of negotiations, come to an agreement with the State Department of Toxic Substances Control for the continued operation and maintenance of the South El Monte Operable Unit (SEMOU) Intermediate Zone Remedy, so that the cost will not fall solely on Basin ratepayers. The agreement will provide $10M over the next five years to reimburse the city of Monterey Park, Golden State Water Company, and San Gabriel Valley Water Company for operating the extraction wells and treatment facilities that make the SEMOU cleanup possible. I would like to thank my hard-working staff for their dedication to this agency’s mission and goals. Additionally, a thanks to our Board of Directors for their continued advocacy and decision-making that helps to lessen the burden on ratepayers. Their efforts kept the assessment stable this fiscal year while disbursing millions in funds to advance the Basin restoration.
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Our History in San Gabriel Basin After severe groundwater contamination was detect- ed in the San Gabriel Basin and the EPA designated six Superfund sites in the area, a plan of action was needed. The WQA has coordinated the cleanup efforts since its creation more than 30 years ago. As a result, 2.1 million acre-feet of water has been treated, thus making the region less dependent upon imported water. WQA reaches a new agreement with California DTSC for SEMOU operation.
HIGHLIGHTS YEAR OF THE
CLEANUP BY THE NUMBERS
In fiscal year 2024/25, the WQA negotiated an important agreement for state funds, but was not allocated any federal funding. Despite the monetary challenges, technology upgrades were made and the assessment remained stable.
2,132,998 Acre-feet of groundwater treated in San Gabriel Basin as of June 30, 2025. 325,851 The amount of gallons in one acre-foot of water. 8,238 The number of times you could fill the Rose Bowl with the 1.9 million acre-feet of treated water. 223,012 The amount in pounds of contaminants removed as of June 30, 2024. 25 The number of elephants equal to the weight of the contaminants removed. 32 Years WQA has been coordinating the cleanup effort. 34 Active groundwater treatment facilities in the San Gabriel Basin. 7 New treatment plants under construction.
WQA Reaches Agreement with DTSC WQA staff successfully negotiated a new agreement this year with the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) for the continued operation and maintenance of the South El Monte Operable Unit (SEMOU) Intermediate Zone Remedy. The new agreement covers five years of remediation operations with a not to exceed amount of $10 million. The WQA Board approved the agreement on June 18, 2025. The remedy area is where the city of Monterey Park, the San Gabriel Valley Water Company and Golden State Water Company have existing production wells. Each of these entities will be reimbursed for operating their systems in a specified manner according to the Interim Record of Decision while simultaneously providing a water supply for the residents. Federal Funds Not Appropriated The WQA Board began this fiscal year by allocating $5.5 million in FY 2023/24 San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund monies to advance water treatment in the basin. These funds were awarded to clean drinking water projects to continue the necessary cleanup of both past and emerging contaminants in this vital groundwater basin. Unfortunately, the FY 2024/25 federal legislation did not allocate additional funds. The WQA Board and staff will persist in advocating for the annual Despite challenges, including a lack of federal funding and necessary technology upgrades, the WQA Board kept the user assessment at $12 per acre-foot. The assessment is charged to everyone with water rights in the San Gabriel Basin. Since its inception, the WQA has successfully negotiated for funds from responsible parties to pay for more than 70% of the cleanup. State and federal grants also lessen the burden on Basin ratepayers. State legislation passed in 2023 raised the assessment cap to $20/acre-foot effective in 2024. The WQA asked for the legislative change in recognition of new contaminants and rising costs on the horizon. Treatment Technology Upgraded Highlighting the success of public and private partnerships, the San Gabriel Valley Water Company completed construction on the second phase of the state-of-the-art ultraviolet light advanced oxidation process (UVAOP) treatment technology. The first phase was characterized as a demonstration project utilizing new and inventive technology which qualified for a Proposition 1 Grant from the State of California. Upon completion of Phase I and acceptance by the State Water Resource Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water as an acceptable form of treatment for 1,4-Dioxane and n-nitrosodimethylamine groundwater contamination, SGVWC in partnership with WQA and cooperating respondents embarked on Phase II. Phase II consisted of a second UVAOP reactor to accommodate the full treatment capacity of SGVWC’s Plant B6 treatment facility. SGVWC has received all necessary permits and put the new treatment technology into service. $10 million appropriation from the federal fund. Assessment Remains Stable
2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2018 2012 2009 2002 1999 1995 1994 1993 1983 1979
WQA Secures $5.5 million in federal funding for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund for Fiscal Year 2024/25. WQA Secures $10 million in federal funding for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund for fiscal year 2023/24. WQA Secures $10 million for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund and AB 2163 extends the WQA’s sunset date to July 1, 2050. WQA Secures $53 million in Proposition 68 funding. WQA Secures $2.2 million in Proposition 1 funding. WQA advocates for the passage of Proposition 68. WQA secures $10 million in state funding for four projects. WQA obtains additional $50 million for WQA Restoration Fund. H.R. 910, which established the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund to facilitate groundwater cleanup, became Public Law 106-554. The first 15-year BPOU project agreement is executed. WQA spearheads legislation for $75 million in federal funding. WQA’s first treatment facility is completed in Monrovia. WQA adopts a consensus approach to integrating
water supply and cleanup programs. WQA is established by the California State legislature.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) declares four Superfund sites in portions of the Main San Gabriel Basin. Groundwater contamination is first detected in the San Gabriel Groundwater Basin.
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OPERABLE UNITS
AREA THREE OPERABLE UNIT Investigation Persists The cities of South Pasadena and Alhambra continue operating their water treatment facilities, including South Pasadena’s new Graves facility. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), with a new project manager, is focused on gathering more data for the ATOU area; a formal feasibility study for active cleanup cannot be fully assessed until this additional characterization is complete. As of June 30, 2025, the ATOU facilities have treated more than 65,280 acre- feet of water and removed approximately 3,136 lbs. of groundwater contamination.
enhance remediation efforts. Additional extraction and monitoring wells are being installed under the oversight of the USEPA. Furthermore, USEPA and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, with input from the EMOU Stakeholders, continue to coordinate on source property identification, investigation, and remediation within the EMOU. The former Crown City Plating property, believed to be a significant source of groundwater contamination within the EMOU, is finally being addressed with the cooperation of a new property owner, the City of El Monte along with the State. The EMOU facilities have treated 88,399 acre-feet of water as of June 30, 2025, and removed approximately 3,127 lbs. of groundwater contamination. SOUTH EL MONTE OPERABLE UNIT Expanded Treatment and Funding Moving Forward WQA has made great progress on its Proposition 1 Implementation Grant to improve current water extraction efforts at its Whitmore Street Groundwater Remediation Facility treatment project. Permits have been secured and construction contractors have been selected. Additionally, the WQA was successful in reaching a landmark agreement with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) securing funding for multiple years for the operation of the SEMOU Intermediate Zone Remedy Projects ensuring that area ratepayers do not shoulder the burden of cleanup costs. As of June 30, 2025, the SEMOU treatment facilities have treated more than 283,102 acre-feet and removed approximately 33,073 lbs. of VOCs. WHITTIER NARROWS OPERABLE UNIT Additional Funding Secured DTSC is making progress on the necessary infrastructure to integrate the water from the Whittier Narrows Operable Unit (WNOU) Intermediate Zone Remedy back into the potable water supply. The SGVWC has finished construction of the required blend line, moving both DTSC and SGVWC closer to this goal. Once the SGVWC’s amended water supply permit is approved, the WNOU remedy will again serve as a safe and dependable source of drinking water. In addition, DTSC was successful in securing supplementary state funding to install an additional extraction well to enhance containment while ensuring added protection to downgradient drinking water supplies. The WNOU facilities have treated 98,461 acre-feet of water and removed approximately 3,536 lbs. of groundwater contamination as of June 30, 2025.
Advancements Forge Ahead
(SZS) Remedy on behalf of Northrop Grumman. The SZS will provide significant contaminant mass removal while preventing migration into less contaminated areas. As of June 30, 2024, the SZS Remedy has treated 89 acre- feet of water and removed approximately 39 lbs. of contamination. Other PVOU IZ facilities including San Gabriel Valley Water Company (SGVWC) Plant’s B7 and B11 have treated more than 99,624 acre-feet of water and removed approximately 5,431 lbs. of groundwater contamination as of June 30, 2025. Carrier Gaining Traction in Shallow Zone North Remedy Carrier Corporation is responsible for Shallow Zone North (SZN) Remedy and continues to move forward with design. Recent activities include the complete delineation of the SZN groundwater contamination, submission of the basis of design with modeling of the capture zone to proposed locations for additional extraction and injection wells. It is anticipated that Carrier will start the Remedial Design of the SZN Remedy in 2026. WQA will continue to help facilitate and coordinate with state and federal agencies to ensure shallow zone remediate stays on track.
The WQA coordinates groundwater cleanup across six operable units (OUs) in the San Gabriel Basin. These six areas are: Puente Valley Operable Unit (PVOU); Area Three Operable Unit (ATOU); Baldwin Park Operable Unit (BPOU); El Monte Operable Unit (EMOU); South El Monte Operable Unit (SEMOU); and Whittier Narrows Operable Unit (WNOU). With a year marked by a significant natural disaster, Basinwide cleanup activities continue to make advancements. PUENTE VALLEY OPERABLE UNIT Milestone of Progress With construction activities on the Intermediate Zone Remedy treatment plant concluded, startup and shakedown testing activities winddown. All components of the required amended water supply permit have been submitted for review to state regulators. In addition to operating the IZ Remedy, La Puente Valley County Water District began operation of the Shallow Zone South
Baldwin Park Operable Unit treatment facility
BALDWIN PARK OPERABLE UNIT Improvements Reap Rewards The five existing remedy treatment plants remain operational. The SGVWC completed construction of the second phase of a highly efficient, third-generation advanced oxidation treatment system at its Baldwin Park Plant B6. This state-of-the-art system uses ultraviolet (UV) light technology to destroy 1,4-Dioxane and NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) contaminants. Concurrently, the Valley County Water District initiated capital improvements at its Subarea 1 treatment facility aimed at restoring full treatment capacity. The costs for both of these projects were partially covered by federal funding secured by the WQA. The BPOU facilities have treated 1,161,869 acre-feet of water and removed approximately 135,826 lbs. of VOCs as of June 30, 2025. EL MONTE OPERABLE UNIT Progress Intensifies Due to varying groundwater levels, the parties responsible for containing the contamination in the shallow and deep zones of the EMOU are continuing to
Puente Valley Operable Unit treatment facility
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Keeping 34 treatment plants operational while also investigating new sites and addressing emerging contaminants requires a dedicated staff of experts in their field. The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority is sincerely grateful for the efforts of all the operators and staff members who ensure progress in the ongoing Basin cleanup. Thank you to all!
Federal Funds Not Allocated Congress did not allocate any funds to the federal San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund in FY 2024/25. The WQA disbursed the $5.5 million from the FY 2023/24 allocation through its Federal Funding Program Administration process, which solicits and ranks requests. That funding followed two consecutive years with $10 million federal allocations. The Restoration Fund, established in 2000 and amended in 2007, authorizes $125 million to WQA to facilitate groundwater cleanup. To date, $103 million has been appropriated. We are grateful to our federal legislators, including Representatives Judy Chu and Gil Cisneros, and Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, for their continued outstanding support. While 70% of our cleanup funds to date have come from the responsible parties, the state and federal funds are needed to supplement the cleanup costs and keep local rates low. Additionally, the Restoration Fund dollars are necessary for the cleanup of emerging contaminants of concern, orphan sites, and non-ROD (Record of Decision) projects where there is no responsible party (RP) identified or the RPs don’t have the resources to do the work.
The WQA was delighted to hand out the first of many state Prop. 68 reimbursements at the end of the fiscal year. The City of El Monte, whose treatment facilities serve designated disadvantaged communities, is the recipient of the first cost reimbursement. The WQA received $52.8 million from Prop. 68, a $4.1 billion bond passed in 2018, to help fund 21 of the 32 water treatment facilities over 7 1/2 years. The money goes to local cities and water producers helping to fund portions of the Basin cleanup.
70% of our cleanup funds to date have come from the responsible parties
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COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
Throughout the year, WQA staff and Directors participated in celebratory and educational events sponsored by regional water agencies. These events enhance our outreach with community members, legislators and water leaders, and provide us the opportunity to explain our role in ensuring a clean groundwater Basin. WQA Supports Water Agencies in the Basin
Making and Keeping Connections
The WQA is staying connected to the communities and people we serve. Our website features up-to-date information in an easy-to-navigate format with the added ability to subscribe for updates. We have added many informative videos to both our website, our special digital publications and our YouTube channel. We also have bolstered our social media presence across X, Facebook and Instagram. We are using these platforms to inform the public and highlight sponsored accomplishments. This community outreach is vital to our continued success as it aids efforts to secure more state and federal funding. WQA also informs the general public about the ongoing cleanup effort through a variety of means throughout the year: • Advertorials on WQA progress and happenings are distributed via special sections in area newspapers and online that reach more than 200,000 readers. • Spanish and Chinese advertorials are also run in various newspapers.
Women In Water – San Gabriel Valley Region
The WQA participated in two Women in Water events this year. The newly formed San Gabriel Valley chapter of Women in Water cosponsored an Association of California Water Agencies Region 8 event on Aug. 21, 2024 at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena. The keynote speaker was longtime water leader Patricia Mulroy, who offered many words of wisdom. WQA sponsored the next Women in Water event on June 26, 2025. The event was hosted by the Crescenta Valley Water District and held at Caltech with keynote speaker Jennifer Capitolo, Executive Director of the California Water Association.
WaterFest On May 3, 2025, the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water) held its annual WaterFest at Arcadia park. The WQA participated by having a booth at the event and handing out goodies to attendees. Upper Water has partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation for more than 13 years to provide this free event for all ages. San Gabriel Valley Water Supply Tour for Assemblymember Rubio The WQA sponsored and participated in this event for State Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio along with Upper Water, Three Valleys MWD and San Gabriel Valley MWD, on June 28, 2025. WQA Executive Director Randy Schoellerman along with David Van from San Gabriel Valley Water Company provided an overview of the Baldwin Park Operable Unit’s B6 treatment plant. The tour also included stops at Morris Dam, the Santa Fe Spreading grounds as well as Three Valleys’ and SGVMWD treatment facilities.
La Puente Valley County Water District 100th Anniversary Celebration On Oct. 18, 2024, the La Puente Valley County Water District celebrated their 100th anniversary. The WQA had a booth where staff handed out information and free goodies to attendees. We also had a groundwater model on display to show how contamination moves through the water underground.
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BOARD MEMBERS
Lynda Noriega Chairwoman
Robert Gonzales Vice Chairman
Bob Kuhn Treasurer
Valerie Muñoz Secretary
Robert DiPrimio Board Member
Ed Chavez Board Member
Mark Paulson Board Member
Randy Schoellerman Executive Director
1720 W. Cameron Ave., Suite 100 | West Covina, CA 91790 (626) 338-5555 | info@wqa.com | www.wqa.com
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