Where: Pauma Valley, California

Problem: Drinking water systems that serve disadvantaged communities (DACs) often lack both access to much needed infrastructure financing and the resources to adequately maintain existing system facilities.

Solution: Through the Rural Disadvantaged Community Project, RCAC provided technical assistance and access to financing to replace damaged and inadequate infrastructure.

The La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians is a designated Colonia located in the Pauma Valley, California. It has a population of 265. Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) partnered with the La Jolla Tribe through the San Diego Integrated Water Management Plan to address inadequate water supply and quality issues.

La Jolla Reservation residents receive water from two water supply systems, which both had deficiencies prior to partnering with RCAC. The existing pipes were old, brittle and had broken numerous times, causing a huge waste of water and unsanitary conditions. Low water flow and pressure could allow backflows from homes into the water system and cause cross contamination of the public water system. Low flows also affected fire suppression for both homes and wildfires.

RCAC was involved in administration, coordination and review of all related construction tasks. RCAC worked with the community to review progress and approve payment of project expenses. As a result of planning and engineering followed by pipe replacement and pressure valve equipment upgrades and repairs, this project increased water pressure to 47 tribal homes, increased fire protection and eliminated water loss.

Now with two above-ground water meters, this project also provides the La Jolla Water Department with the ability to efficiently monitor the system for leaks and report any difference between the amounts of water entering and exiting the new pipes.

As a result of RCAC’s work with the Tribe, La Jolla Reservation residents now have safe drinking water and sufficient water for fire suppression.

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