Western Water Receives Nearly $1 million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure by Western Water Jul 24, 2024 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) has been awarded a $960,000 grant to replace and upgrade backflow devices as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process. Western Water will use these federal funds further to maintain the safety and reliability of its water supply. Backflow devices safeguard water quality Backflow devices, used primarily by commercial customers, are essential to maintain water reliability and safeguard public health. They are installed on pipes to prevent water contamination by ensuring water flows only in one direction. State law requires Western Water commercial customers to replace single-check backflow devices with double-check backflow devices. The double-check devices create a physical barrier between each customer’s water system and Western’s water supply, preventing any potential backflow that could compromise water quality. “Replacing backflow devices is key to fortifying our water system and protecting the health of our community,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will provide much-needed support for this vital infrastructure upgrade program.” Western Water staff recognized that replacing the devices could be significant for some customers and sought grant funding to offset the costs. Western Water plans to complete the backflow device replacement project over the next two years. Eligible customers will be notified when further details become available. “We extend our gratitude to our congressional delegation for their support of this critical project,” Western Water Board President Mike Gardner said. “This grant will make a tangible difference in the lives of our customers and will help us protect public health while continuing to provide exceptional water service for generations to come.” The CDS program provides grant funding for projects nationwide that promote economic development, education, healthcare initiatives, or other worthy community investments. ###