Alameda County Water District Decommissions Water Treatment Plant in Fremont

Announcement submitted by Alameda County Water District:

During its August 13 board meeting, the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) Board of Directors acted unanimously to decommission its Mission San Jose Water Treatment Plant (MSJWTP) located off Vargas Road in Fremont.

The decision follows comprehensive staff studies that conclude the district will reliably meet projected water demands without the plant, and will avoid costly improvements to the facility.

District staff will soon begin the decommissioning process that will result in an estimated one-time savings of $4 million and ongoing annual savings due to the elimination of operating expenses.

“The Mission San Jose Water Treatment Plant has served us well for nearly 40 years. It’s reliably provided high quality water to our customers and was crucial for the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City to thrive,” said Martin Koller, board president. “We must evolve, increase efficiencies and make sound financial decisions. This plant was our most expensive treatment facility to operate - our investments in our other facilities will save our customers money in the future,” added Koller.

ACWD customers have made significant reductions in water use during this drought and long-term savings are expected. Behavior changes and the installation of water-efficient hardware, devices and landscapes will result in ongoing water savings, which were factored in the decommissioning decision-making process.

District customers have reduced overall water use by 36 percent in June 2015 compared to June 2013.

“We applaud our customers’ efforts,” said Judy Huang, board vice-president. “Their commitment to conservation has reduced our need to treat additional water,” stated Huang. She went on to express support of the decommissioning, “Decommissioning this facility is a responsible water supply and financial decision,” added Huang.

Each of the board members expressed support at the August 13 meeting and all acknowledged that customers’ conservation played a key role in the decision to decommission the plant for at least 10-years.

ACWD operates three additional water treatment plants including a desalination facility in Newark. The diverse supply allows the district to optimize other supply sources and production facilities, as will be the case when MSJWTP is taken offline.

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