DATE:
July 21, 2026
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Tina Souza, Senior Project Manager
Deanna Lestina, Project Manager
SUBJECT:
Recycled Water Master Plan – Water Recycling Funding Program Grant Application
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council and Board of Directors of the Hesperia Water District Adopt Joint Resolution No. 2026-34 and Hesperia Water District Resolution No. 2026-13 concurrently:
Approving submission of a grant application for a Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) planning grant from the State Water Resources Control Board for development of the Recycled Water Master Plan (RWMP); Accepting the WRFP grant, if awarded, in an amount not to exceed $150,000; and Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the grant application and, if awarded, the Financial Assistance Application (Agreement), along with all other grant-related documents, agreements, and amendments as necessary to implement and administer the grant.
BACKGROUND
The Hesperia Water District (District) relies solely on groundwater from the Mojave River Groundwater Basin and faces longterm water supply challenges due to climate change, reduced precipitation, and uncertainty surrounding imported water deliveries from the State Water Project.
The District currently receives recycled water from the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority’s Hesperia Subregional Water Recycling Facility, which has the capacity to produce one million gallons per day of tertiary treated water. Recycled water currently accounts for less than 1% of the District’s total supply.
To support and expand recycled water use, evaluate Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR), and reduce dependence on imported water, the District proposes to prepare a Recycled Water Master Plan (RWMP) consistent with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) guidelines.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The RWMP will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the District’s recycled water system by assessing the current system performance, wastewater and recycled water system constraints, and future capacity needs. In addition, the RWMP will identify opportunities to improve long‑term water supply reliability and recycled water expansion opportunities.
The RWMP will also analyze non‑potable recycled water markets, wastewater system optimization, treatment and regulatory trends, and future opportunities for IPR and Direct Potable Reuse.
The District’s previous RWMP was completed in 2008. Since that time, the City has experienced significant changes in development, population, usage, water demands, regulatory requirements, infrastructure conditions, and long-term planning priorities. Updating the RWMP will ensure future capital improvements and recycled water expansion strategies reflect current conditions and State requirements. Without an updated RWMP, the District’s ability to expand recycled water service, pursue future grant opportunities, and reduce reliance on imported water may be limited. Preparing the RWMP through the WRFP reduces local costs by providing a 50% funding match up to $150,000.
The project budget includes preparation of a recycled water market assessment, evaluation of wastewater and recycled water alternatives, recommended project improvements, planning-level cost estimates, and preparation of draft and final RWMP report.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Capital Improvement - Continually evaluate capital improvement priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the project is budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget under Fund 700. If awarded, grant funds will offset eligible project costs. The WRFP provides a 50% cost share by matching District expenditures dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000. Any project costs exceeding the grant amount will be the responsibility of the District.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
1. Fund the RWMP entirely with District funds.
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Joint Resolution No. 2026-34 and HWD 2026-13
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members, Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District Recycled Water Master Plan – Water Recycling Funding Program Grant Application July 21, 2026