Wildermuth Environmental, Inc., a renowned water resources consulting firm, announced that the firm has been chosen by the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District and the city of Beaumont to conduct four key water resources projects to improve groundwater quality and increase water availability in the Beaumont area. The District Board of Directors and the City Council unanimously approved Wildermuth Environmental for the project and have formed a project committee within the San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority to oversee the project.
The first of four projects includes exploratory drilling and testing of underutilized groundwater sources in the South Beaumont and San Timoteo Basins. The purpose of this project is to research groundwater resources and determine the probability of a sustainable water resource in the region to support community growth and development.
The second project includes assessments of the ground water quality impact from on-site waste disposal systems in Cherry Valley. The study will determine if on-site waste disposal systems are currently contributing to elevated nitrate levels in groundwater, and will assess the magnitude of future waste loading if Cherry Valley were allowed to increase the number of on-site waste disposal systems from about 2,500 to 8,500, and will determine the attendant nitrate impacts in groundwater.
A third project includes the development of a salt mitigation fee to be assessed against future development. Because elevated salt levels in the area's groundwater are expected to occur over time due to increased development and the use of State Project and recycled water, the fee will result in available funding when treatment is required.
The fourth project will include acquiring permits to use recycled water for irrigation, which will improve local water availability by making potable water currently used in golf courses available as quality drinking water.
"The Beaumont Basin serves the water needs of between 125,000 and 130,000 people, which makes this an important issue for the communities we serve," said Chuck Butcher, general manager, Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District. "Wildermuth Environmental was chosen for this project largely because of the company's extensive experience with similar projects and its familiarity with the San Gorgonio Pass region. We are confident that the results of the project will enable the Water District to make crucial decisions and plans for sustained water resources to complement our growing region."
Wildermuth Environmental plays a key role in the development and implementation of solutions for complex water issues affecting government agencies and private companies in California. The company is known for accurately identifying water resource issues, and, through the application of science and mediation, developing solutions that place equal value on fusing the needs of clients, preserving environmental integrity and supporting surrounding communities.
Source: Wildermuth Environmental, Inc.
