Orange county water district, located in southern california, will develop a water strategy for a potential seawater intrusion barrier near seal beach naval weapons station

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation awarded Orange County Water District $412,457 on December 23, 2025, under the WaterSMART Planning and Design Grant program (CFDA 15.507) to develop a comprehensive water strategy addressing seawater intrusion near Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Southern California.

Groundwater monitoring data and modeling indicate active seawater intrusion threatening nine drinking water wells that produce over 16,000 acre-feet per year. The District will conduct an injection water supply assessment, evaluate mitigation alternatives, analyze extraction and injection well locations, assess treatment and wastewater discharge options, and prepare cost estimates for design, construction, and operations. Project stakeholders committed to participation include the City of Seal Beach, City of Huntington Beach, local irrigation districts, and the Department of Defense.

Performance of performance is California, USA. The award obligates $412,457 with an ultimate completion date of March 31, 2027.

Groundwater monitoring data and modeling indicate that seawater intrusion is occurring and nine drinking water wells, producing over 16,000 acre-feet per year, would be impacted if seawater intrusion is left unmitigated. The district will conduct an injection water supply assessment, evaluate alternatives, analyze extraction and injection well locations, treatment and wastewater discharge options, and prepare cost estimates for design, construction, and operations. Project stakeholders that have committed to being involved in this planning effort include the city of seal beach, city of huntington beach, local irrigation districts, and the department of defense.