Fixing California’s Aging Water Distribution System is Critical to Protect the Inland Empire's Water Reliability.
The Problem: The water distribution system that delivers water to millions of Inland Empire homes and businesses is outdated and at risk of failing.
The Inland Empire relies heavily on California’s main water distribution system, which brings water long distances from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to our homes, farms and businesses. On average, about 28% of the water for more than 4 million Inland Empire residents flows through this main water distribution system.
- San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, serving 714,000 residents in southwestern San Bernardino County,expects to import more than 35% of water supplies through this system.
- Eastern Municipal Water District, serving 1,000,000 residents in western Riverside County, anticipates 33% of their future water supply will be delivered through this aging network.
- Over 30% of water supplies for the Mojave Water Agency’s 60,000 residents is expected to be delivered through this system.
- Close to 35% of the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency’s supply will be delivered through this network.
But this distribution system that delivers much needed water to the Inland Empire is outdated and at risk of collapse in the event of a major earthquake or flood. This water delivery system needs to be modernized to better prepare for climate change and the resulting extreme droughts, severe floods, and increasing salinity in the Delta caused by rising sea levels.
The Solution: Support Governor Newsom’s single pipeline conveyance through the Delta.
The project would fortify water supplies for the Inland Empire. It would:
Protect Water
Security
Protect water security for two-thirds of the state. Without action, water supplies through our main distribution infrastructure will continue to decrease.
Fix Aging
Infrastructure
Improve the reliability and security of our water system by fixing aging infrastructure using the most innovative technologies and engineering practices.
Protect From
Natural Disasters
Protect water supplies from earthquakes, floods and natural disasters by delivering them through a modern water pipeline, rather than solely through today’s deteriorating levee system.
Prepare For The Impacts
Of Climate Change
Prepare for the impacts of climate change by improving our ability to move and store water, recharge groundwater aquifers, and protect against salinity caused by sea-level rise.
Restore Habitats
and Natural Water Flows
Restore habitats and more natural water flows above ground in rivers and streams in order to reduce impacts on endangered fish and other wildlife.
Serve As A
Critical Component
Serve as a critical component of a comprehensive water portfolio.