Law looks to perk up quality of area water

Deirdre Newman

Water quality in Orange County could improve substantially if

President Bush signs a bill passed by the House of Representatives

Monday.

The bill, written by Congressman Gary Miller, who represents seven

cities in the county, would provide up to $20 million to the Orange

County Water District’s expansion of its natural wetlands treatment

of the Santa Ana River. This treatment enhances water quality by

purifying the water naturally.

The bill’s passage would be beneficial to both Costa Mesa and

Newport Beach since the purified water ultimately seeps into the

groundwater, which is used for drinking, water district spokeswoman

Rebecca Long said.

Newport Beach City Councilman Steve Bromberg applauded the House’s

passage of the bill.

“This is definitely a win-win for the people of Orange County and

definitely Newport Beach,” Bromberg said. “It’s nice to see in hard

times, and with the challenging decisions that the House has to make,

that we’re getting our share.”

Half of the Santa Ana River flows are treated by natural wetlands.

If the bill passes, it would help the district achieve its goal to

send 100% of the river flows through wetlands, Long said.

The wetlands behind the Prado Dam eliminate about 360 tons of

nitrates ever year, she added. The dam is on the Santa Ana River

about 31 miles upstream of the Pacific Ocean.

And with the cost of water rising, purifying it naturally helps

save money, Long said.

“To do it through wetlands takes about 50 cents a pound,” Long

said. “Through a factor, it would be $15 a pound.”

Costa Mesa City Councilman Allan Mansoor backed the bill and the

cash flow to the Orange County water source.

“It’s good to see Orange County getting some of our funds back,”

Mansoor said. “At least in California we’re a donor county, so it’s

nice to see some revenue coming back to us for a change.”

The bill will now go to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources

committee this fall.

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at deirdre.newman@latimes.com.