VIPs hail activation of three new groundwater wells in Antelope.  Toasting the project are Congressman Ami Bera (left), Regional Water Authority CEO Jim Peifer, Senator Roger Niello, Sacramento Suburban Water District General Manager Dan York and Supervisor Rich Desmond.

ANTELOPE, CA (MPG) – Glasses of chilled groundwater and a ribbon-cutting recently marked the activation of three new groundwater wells in Antelope.

The installations improve water reliability for Sacramento Suburban Water District’s northern service communities. These include Antelope, McClellan, North Highlands, Foothill Farms and parts of Carmichael and Citrus Heights.

The cost of the triple-well project – and an additional fourth installation nearby - was supported by ratepayers and a grant of $18.84 million from the California Department of Water Resources. Total project cost was more than $38 million. The new units replace aging area infrastructure.

Cheers. Quaffed from champagne glasses, freshly pumped ground water toasts celebrate three new wells Antelope wells

Adjacent facilities allow water storage. This provision, explained Sacramento Suburban Water District representative Greg Bundesen, will help maintain supply when American River supplies are curbed by drought or by flow requirements for fish spawning.

“This storage will hopefully keep water more affordable,” Bundesen told ribbon-cutting attendees. “These wells allow us to serve 33,500 homes. Their construction reflects careful planning, investment and partnerships. Water infrastructure might not be visible, but it’s essential.”

Located on Antelope North Road, the wells can supply up to 7500 gallons of water per minute. During future deluges, the facility can return surface water to replenish natural underground reservoirs (aquifers). Like water from the American River, groundwater is treated to meet state and Federal drinking standards. County Supervisor Rich Desmond sipped his sample and noted “Not only do the new SSWD wells ensure safe and reliable water, it also tastes great.”

New Antelope installations will boost Suburban Water District supply. Congressman Ami Bera (left) celebrates with Senator Roger Niello, SSWD General Manager Dan York, Regional Water Authority Executive Director Jim Peifer, SSWD Director Robert Wichert and Supervisor Rich Desmond.

Congressman Ami Bera underscored the challenges of water supply. “It’s such a precious commodity,” he said. “For a long time, we took its abundance for granted. Over the last few decades, we’ve learned we can’t count on that.”

“In Northern California, we have the second-highest flood risk in the country,” continued Bera. “We’re also living through drought years. With the growth of our area and all the new homes, this kind of groundwater project – and the ability to store water – is super important.”

Learn about groundwater storage at www.sacwaterbank.com.