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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4 ■ SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY
2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT ■ 5
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