State-funded stormwater project will help protect Lake Tahoe clarity

South Lake Tahoe - Expanding regional efforts to protect Lake Tahoe's famed water clarity, the city of South Lake Tahoe today celebrated the completion of the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project, which will reduce flood risk and increase recreational opportunities across a new greenbelt area spanning 320 acres.

The city received a $7 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board's Stormwater Grant Program.

The city estimates that the project will prevent nearly 34,000 pounds of tiny particles from roads, stormwater runoff and erosion from reaching the lake each year. In doing so, the project will contribute to California and Nevada's cornerstone anti-pollution efforts aimed at restoring the lake's water clarity to depths of 100 feet, which has kept almost 740,000 pounds of sediment out of the lake last year.

"We are grateful for South Lake Tahoe's strong partnership with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board to protect the lake's health and dazzling blue waters," said Dan Newton, deputy director for the State Water Board's Division of Financial Assistance. "The State Water Board is proud to support projects like these that reinforce regional water quality efforts, and bring flood control and recreational benefits for residents."

Located near the U.S. Highway 50 and state Route 89 "Y" intersection in South Lake Tahoe, the $10 million project uses nature-based solutions to treat and spread runoff from roadways, commercial areas, and nearby neighborhoods into a greenbelt area. In addition to reducing the flow of pollutants into the lake and improving flood control, the project creates walking and biking paths and gathering spaces in one of the city's most densely populated areas.

Since 2019, the board has provided more than $329 million to stormwater projects that can capture more than 48,000 acre-feet per year, or enough water to supply 100,000 households.

The board's stormwater funding draws on multiple sources, including: Proposition 4 (Border Water Quality Infrastructure Grant), the Clean Water Grant State Revolving Fund, Proposition 1, Proposition 50 (Clean Beaches Program), Proposition 84, federalTa stormwater programs and the Wastewater Grant Program.

More information about the board's financial assistance programs and success stories can be found on its website.