Across Southern California, Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies made 2025 a year of progress, innovation and recognition for the water industry. By launching major infrastructure upgrades, earning top sustainability awards and connecting communities through education and advocacy, our agencies are working hard to provide safe, reliable water. We’re tapping into a celebration of agency highlights that shape a stronger water future for all.
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)
EMWD continues its federal advocacy for policies supporting local water agencies and communities. Their current focus is securing liability protections for “passive receivers” of PFAS – water agencies who do not create or control PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leans toward supporting the “polluter pays” principle which says the cost of preventing, controlling and cleaning PFAS is the responsibility of the polluter, not the “passive receiver.”
Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA)
IEUA hosted its first Open House and Career Fair, educating the community about its programs and services while networking with attendees to inspire careers in the water industry. Interactive demonstration booths about the wastewater treatment process, water collection operations, water maintenance tools, mock interviews and more, strengthened connections between industry professionals and the community.
Orange County Water District (OCWD)
Through its leadership in financial planning and responsible water resource management, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) awarded OCWD with the Sustainable Water Utility Management award. OCWD’s investments in its Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) and Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) underscore this recognition and broaden local water supplies.
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD)
Completing the Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Phase 1-B project bolsters the regional water supply by increasing local groundwater recharge capacity. This innovative solution to improve water reliability for Southern California is rooted in collaboration between SBVMWD, Wester Water, City of Riverside public utilities and San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District.
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)
SAWPA created a master plan addressing the infrastructure and management needs to control higher salinity discharge into the Inland Empire. The comprehensive plan provides key findings and recommendations supporting the use of efficient and progressive solutions sustaining the Inland Empire Brine Line conditions.
Western Water (WMWD)
Western Water’s “Water for Every Moment” campaign continues to boost customer trust, reinforcing the value of delivering water services. The campaign supported more than 70 public briefings about water rate proposals. The campaign gives community members an opportunity to learn more about the behind-the-scenes efforts it takes to ensure safe, reliable and high-quality service.
Together, we’ve accomplished a lot this past year. These highlights emphasize our ongoing efforts to deliver high quality tap water, secure our water supply and boost your understanding of our water services.
We look forward to what’s ahead for us and the water industry in 2026.
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