This month, we’d like to introduce you to the five partner agencies that work together to provide water to the Santa Ana River Watershed, which flows through San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange County. Allow us to tell you a story…
The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) was formed in 1968 as a joint power authority. What exactly does this mean? Think of SAWPA as the Avengers of tap water. The five member agencies of Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Orange County Water District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District joined together to address the water resource needs of the Santa Ana River Watershed.
They work to ensure there is a reliable water supply of the highest water quality, all while protecting the environment. Through this union, SAWPA can focus on the long-term sustainability of the watershed, securing a healthy and reliable water resource for the region. Let’s take a closer look at each crucial partner and what they do to serve and provide for our region.
Eastern Municipal Water District
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 601-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is: “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.”
Western Municipal Water District
Western serves roughly 23,000 retail and eight wholesale customers with water from the Colorado River, State Water Project and local groundwater. As a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Western provides supplemental water to the cities of Corona, Norco, and Riverside and the water agencies of Box Springs Mutual, Eagle Valley Mutual, Elsinore Valley, Lee Lake and Rancho California. Their mission is: “To provide water supply, wastewater disposal, and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive, and financially responsible manner.”
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) seeks to fulfill its responsibility as a “Steward of the Region” committed to sustainably enhancing the quality of life in the Inland Empire by ensuring that a clean, plentiful water supply is available now and in the future. IEUA sells water to the following cities: Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario and Upland. It also provides water to the Cucamonga Valley Water District, the Fontana Water Company, and the Monte Vista Water District.
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
SBVWD sells water to the cities of Colton, Fontana, Loma Linda, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. They have specific responsibilities for monitoring groundwater supplies in the San Bernardino and Colton-Rialto basins and maintaining flows at the Riverside Narrows on the Santa Ana River. It fulfills these responsibilities in a variety of ways, including importing water through the State Water Project for direct delivery and groundwater recharge and by coordinating water deliveries to 15 retail agencies throughout its 350-square-mile service area.
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is a groundwater wholesale agency responsible for managing and protecting the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The basin is a vital local resource that provides 85% of the drinking water supply to 19 cities and retail water districts, who serve a collective 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. Formed in 1933, the District has implemented cutting-edge programs and projects to maximize local water resources, enhance water reliability, ensure high-quality water, prevent seawater intrusion, and protect Orange County’s rights to Santa Ana River water.
Closing
All five of these member agencies work to support SAWPA’s mission to ensure that their customers have accurate and engaging information about where their water comes from, how it’s tested, and the safety of their tap water. They think on your behalf to ensure there is water now and for the future. To learn more about your water agency, visit their website by clicking on one of the agency names listed above.
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