In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant advancements in a water management project aimed at enhancing the City of Escalon's potable water supply. The project is driven by California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, which mandates municipalities to reduce reliance on wells for drinking water.
The proposed plan involves connecting to the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) at Woodward Reservoir, facilitating the construction of a 500,000-gallon underground tank at a local park. This tank will mix water sourced from both wells and surface water, creating a sustainable potable water supply for the city.
During the meeting, officials confirmed that while the design is not yet finalized, the project is sufficiently advanced to proceed with environmental studies. The council unanimously approved a motion to certify the initial study and mitigation measures for the connection to the Nick De Groot water treatment plant, marking a crucial step forward in the city's efforts to secure a reliable water source. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote, signaling strong support for the initiative.