Rancho Water Awarded Grant to Boost Conservation and Emergency Readiness by Rancho Water Aug 5, 2025 Member Submitted News Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) has been awarded a $92,000 grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) through the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Conservation Field Services Program. The funding will support Rancho Water’s Optimizing Hydrant Efficiency for Water Conservation and Safety project, an initiative focused on reducing water loss and improving emergency readiness across the District’s service area. The project will involve the installation of 40 high-performance stainless-steel hydrant check valves at high-risk locations, providing critical security during wildfire conditions. A hydrant check valve is a specialized device installed at the base of a fire hydrant that prevents water from flowing backward into the water system if a hydrant is damaged or improperly closed. By allowing water to flow in only one direction, these valves maintain system pressure, reduce the risk of contamination, and prevent water loss due to breaks, vehicle collisions, or other hydrant impacts, which can damage hydrant readiness. These check valves are especially critical during wildfire conditions when system performance is vital. The upgrades are expected to prevent up to four million gallons of water loss each year, while also supporting operational efficiency, system reliability, and rapid response to hydrant damage. “We are proud to be selected for this federal funding opportunity and look forward to implementing these upgrades that benefit both our infrastructure and our customers,” said Jason Martin, Rancho Water General Manager. “This project demonstrates our commitment to responsible water management, community safety, and innovation in how we deliver reliable service.” The project is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025. Over the coming months, Rancho Water will work closely with the USBR to finalize the financial assistance agreement before initiating full-scale planning and implementation. The Water Conservation Field Services Program, administered by the USBR, supports projects that increase water use efficiency, reduce water system losses, and strengthen infrastructure resiliency. The program emphasizes regional and local solutions that protect water supplies and bolster community emergency readiness. For more information about Rancho Water’s projects and initiatives, visit RanchoWater.com.
