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Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Hi-Desert Water District begins construction on Phase Two of sewer system


	Podcast:		Desert Oracle Radio
	Episode:		Hi-Desert Water District begins construction on Phase Two of sewer system
	Category:		Society & Culture
	Duration:		00:00:00
	Publish Date:		2025-08-06 14:30:05
	Description:		Yucca Valley took another major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future today with the groundbreaking of Phase Two of its wastewater system. The $103 million phase will expand sewer connections across the community, ultimately removing thousands of septic tanks that have long jeopardized the region’s only source of drinking water. Laurel Firestone of the State Water Resources Control Board says the state has invested heavily in the project. For this phase of the project, we provided a $103 million grant. Since 2016, we’ve contributed a total of $248 million through a mix of state and federal funding. The project started after a U.S. Geological Survey study revealed that septic systems were a major source of nitrate contamination in the groundwater basin. The Regional Water Quality Control Board responded by banning new and failing septic tanks and called for a long-term solution. Rather than imposing fines, Firestone explained, we wanted to support the community in finding a solution, building a wastewater system that recharges groundwater with clean water rather than contributing to contamination. This is even more important now as we face climate change and want to avoid relying on imported water. Federal dollars have been critical to getting the project this far, though future funding is uncertain: “We know federal funding is at risk,” says Firestone. “But we can’t allow that to stop communities from getting the basic infrastructure they need.” State lawmakers also joined the ceremony. Dejanae McNair, representing newly assigned Senator Rosalicia Ochoa-Boak, presented the Hi-Desert Water District with a certificate recognizing the community’s persistence in advancing the project. McNair says their office has been working closely with the Water District to understand funding needs and support its success. “We’ve been talking to the Water District since early March about this project and others, looking at grant funding and how our office can step in. We’re here today to honor them with a certificate and witness this monumental occasion because it’s been so hard fought.” Environmental safeguards have been part of the planning process. McNair says the project is moving forward in coordination with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to comply with the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. With Phase One completed and Phase Two now in progress, officials say Yucca Valley is on track to protect public health, secure its water supply, and support the desert environment and its iconic Joshua trees for future generations. Construction will be implemented in phases to minimize disruption. Traffic control and detour signs will be set up, and residents will get project updates through door hangers and the district’s website. The HDWD asked residents to stay alert and cautious around the construction. Board president Scott McCone described the project as a “community-wide achievement.” This has required years of dedicated effort from local staff, state agencies, and federal representatives,” McCone said. “We’re proud to take this next step toward ensuring our water remains safe for future generations. Updates and maps for the project are available at the Hi-Desert Water District’s website.
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