CITY AWARDED $2 MILLION FOR WATER UTILITY PROGRAMS

Advanced Metering and Distribution System Leak Detection

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded the City of Oceanside $2 million for the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project and improvements to the distribution system leak detection program. The City received the award after applying for the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant.

This is the third funding award Oceanside received from the WaterSmart Water and Energy Efficiency Grant for the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project. The $2 million will be used to construct Phase III of the AMI Project, including upgrading approximately 11,519 existing meters to AMI-compatible smart meters. Phase III represents the final stage of the City’s AMI implementation effort, and at the conclusion the City’s AMI system will be 100% complete and fully functional on a citywide basis.

The AMI system will provide real-time information to customers about leaks, breaks and other unusual consumption patterns. The City was fortunate to receive U.S. Bureau of Reclamation funding for Phase I and Phase II both in the amount of $1.5 million, bringing the total funding awarded to the City of Oceanside from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the AMI project to $5.0 million.

The WaterSMART funding will also be used to implement distribution system leak detection and pipe improvements. The City will begin utilizing satellite technology to identify leaks in the potable water distribution system and then upgrading the existing leaky pipes. The City currently employs a leak detection protocol that is heavily reliant on visual observation and customer reporting. The total project water saving for the AMI and distribution system leak detection as funded through this award is estimated at 1,121 acre feet per year and will allow Oceanside to actively reduce water waste.
 
“The City of Oceanside is proud of our efforts to improve water efficiency by providing enhanced customer service, real-time water use data, and increases our ability to identify leaks in our distribution system,” said Cari Dale, Oceanside's Water Utilities Director. “Advanced metering, along with improved leak detection will continue Oceanside’s efforts to move to a proactive water use management program.”
 
The WaterSMART Program, administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, provides water and energy efficiency grants to water districts and communities to modernize water delivery infrastructure and increase hydropower generation. These grants are meant to enable communities to conserve and use water more efficiently, and contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States.
 
“One of my top priorities in Congress is bringing federal funding back to our community to support important infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for local residents,” said Congressman Mike Levin. “As we confront water supply challenges in our region, the City of Oceanside’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is critically important to bolster leak detection capabilities in its water distribution system and prevent water waste. I’m proud to join the City of Oceanside in announcing this important federal funding, and appreciate their continued partnership to advance local infrastructure projects.”
 
To learn more about the City and AMI activities, visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.