California Water Collaborations: Building Drought Resilience Through Partnership

In the face of California's ongoing water challenges, an inspiring example of regional collaboration is taking shape in the Antelope Valley. The Westside Water Bank Pipeline project, spearheaded by the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency (AVEK) and the State Water Contractors lead by General Manager Jennifer Pierre , demonstrates how innovative partnerships can create lasting water security for communities across our state.

At its core, this project embodies the spirit of California's water community coming together to support both local needs and broader state resilience. The planned seven-mile, 48-inch pipeline will connect AVEK's Westside Water Bank—with its impressive 150,000 acre-feet storage capacity—to the Quartz Hill Water Treatment Plant, serving as a vital link between water storage and the communities that need it most.

What makes this project truly remarkable is its commitment to helping vulnerable communities beyond its immediate service area. Through an innovative agreement, AVEK will maintain 10,000 acre-feet of Table A water in the San Luis Reservoir, creating a reliable water supply for disadvantaged communities in the Central Valley, including Coalinga, Huron, Dos Palos, Santa Nella, Kettleman City, and Avenal.

This shovel-ready project showcases efficient planning and resource utilization. With environmental review, permitting, and right-of-way already completed using state grant funds, and design at 95% completion, the project stands ready to break ground. Once additional funding is secured, construction can begin within four months.

The Westside Water Bank Pipeline project teaches us valuable lessons about effective water management in California:

1. Regional solutions can have statewide benefits
2. Smart infrastructure investments can serve multiple communities
3. Preparation and planning enable rapid response to water challenges
4. Partnerships between agencies create more resilient water systems

As we continue to face climate uncertainties and increasing water demands, projects like this remind us that our greatest strength lies in working together. The State Water Contractors and AVEK are showing us that when we collaborate, we can build a more water-resilient future for all Californians.

This project represents a partnership between the State Water Contractors and the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency, demonstrating California's commitment to innovative water solutions.