For farmers in southern Sacramento County, groundwater is essential to their livelihoods. But as groundwater levels decline, finding sustainable ways to support agriculture while protecting local water resources has become increasingly important.
A recent article in Comstock’s Magazine, titled “Can a $597 Million Water Project Refill the Aquifer Beneath Sacramento County’s Farms?”, explores how the Sacramento Area Sewer District‘s (SacSewer) Harvest Water Program is addressing this issue through one of California’s largest agricultural water recycling initiatives.
Reducing Groundwater Demand Through Water Reuse
The $597 million Harvest Water Program will deliver up to 50,000 acre-feet, or approximately 16 billion gallons, of recycled water annually to more than 16,000 acres of farmland and habitat in southern Sacramento County.
Rather than relying solely on groundwater wells, growers participating will use high-quality recycled water from SacSewer’s EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility for irrigation. By reducing groundwater pumping, the program is projected to raise local groundwater levels by approximately 35 feet and increase groundwater storage by 370,000 acre-feet over 15 years.
The program will also support more than 5,000 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat, demonstrating how water reuse can benefit both agriculture and the environment.
Making Recycled Water Work for Local Farmers
As highlighted in Comstock’s Magazine, the program’s success depends on making recycled water practical and affordable for growers.
Local rancher Walter Hardesty, who serves on the program’s steering committee, expects to reduce his groundwater pumping by roughly half once deliveries begin. Through a digital water ordering system, growers will be able to schedule deliveries from their phones, with automated valves controlling water flow to their properties.
The article also explores how SacSewer has addressed growers’ concerns about water quality and pricing through facility tours, community engagement, and a rate structure designed to make recycled water comparable in cost to groundwater pumping.
Carollo’s Role in Advancing Harvest Water
As part of a joint venture team selected in 2020, Carollo Engineers is helping SacSewer oversee the design and construction of Harvest Water’s infrastructure, including a high-capacity pump station, approximately 42 miles of pipelines, and nearly 100 agricultural connection assemblies.
Carollo has also supported the program’s community engagement efforts. Senior Vice President Scott Parker, who operates a farm-to-table beef business, has worked closely with local growers to build understanding of the program and encourage participation.
These efforts reflect the importance of combining technical expertise with community collaboration to bring large-scale water reuse projects to life.
Securing Sacramento County’s Agricultural Future
With recycled water deliveries expected to begin in 2027, Harvest Water represents a significant step toward protecting groundwater supplies while supporting the region’s agricultural economy and ecosystems.
To learn more about the program, its anticipated benefits, and the farmers preparing to use recycled water, read the full article in Comstock’s Magazine.
