GRANT FUNDING SECURED FOR A STANNOUS CHLORIDE PILOT PROGRAM IN COACHELLA

This program will test the efficacy of lowering levels of Chromium-6 in the City’s drinking water 

COACHELLA, Calif. (July 25, 2023) – The City of Coachella has obtained joint grant funding from the offices of Senator Steve Padilla and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia in the amount of $500,000 which will fund the development of a Stannous Chloride Pilot Program to test the efficacy of stannous chloride in the City’s drinking water. With the State Water Resources Control Board (“Water Board”) expected to issue a new chromium-6 drinking water standard later this year, a pilot study demonstrating the efficacy of stannous chloride is the City’s most cost effective option in complying with the forthcoming choromium-6 standard.

“We are grateful to have this critical support for our community. This latest half a million dollar state investment will support vital water quality improvements that are necessary to improve the quality of life for our residents,” shared City of Coachella Mayor Pro Tem Neftali Galarza.

The expectation is that this Pilot Program will supply additional information potentially needed by the State Water Board regarding alternate chromium-6 treatment technologies like stannous chloride. Prior testing has revealed that stannous chloride, an approved drinking water additive used to protect water pipes from corrosion, could safely and cost effectively lower levels of chromium-6 in its water system.

“Smart investments in drinking water for historically underserved communities and in innovation should always be a priority for the state. I am proud we were able to get this done,” stated Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego).

ABOUT THE CITY OF COACHELLA

The City of Coachella was incorporated in 1946 and is a 29-square mile municipality of approximately

41,941 residents located in eastern Riverside County, in a region collectively known as the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Coachella is about 97 miles north of the U.S. -Mexico border and about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. For more information, please visit the City’s website at Coachella.org.

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