Hydropower project comes online in San Bernardino

San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the completion of the Waterman Turnout Hydroelectric Station. The new project will generate hydropower while recharging flows from the State Water Project at the Waterman Spreading Basins.

“This hydroelectric project exemplifies our commitment to delivering cost-effective solutions that maximize the benefits of ratepayer investments,” said Paul Kielhold, San Bernardino Valley Board President.

Using a Pelton turbine, the facility harnesses the pressure from the State Water Project’s Devil Canyon Afterbay to produce mechanical energy, which powers an electrical generator. The facility is expected to generate up to 4,000 megawatt hours per year, resulting in $5.95 million in energy savings over 30 years. At optimal performance, the facility can provide up to 24,720 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy per day, enough energy to power the equivalent of 423 homes for a year.

“Energy sustainability is important for all Californians. This project harnesses the natural high-pressure flow, turning it into a renewable energy source,” said Miguel Guerrero, General Manager of SBMWD. “This will benefit facilities beyond the project site, ultimately offsetting costs for the communities we serve.”