Boards’ renewed project commitment advances long-term regional water security
Press release from San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District became the first two agencies in California to approve next steps for the investment in the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP), further solidifying their dedication to advancing water security for local communities.
At a joint workshop February 13, 2024, the agencies approved motions to formally support the next phase of the DCP through letters from the Board of Directors of each agency.
“This is how government works best, by working together,” said SGPWA Board President Mickey Valdivia. “Without the Delta Conveyance Project, we risk not having enough water to serve the families and businesses in our communities. Now is the time to act. Delaying today would delay the future.”
As State Water Contractors, SGPWA and San Bernardino Valley purchase supplemental water supplies from the State Water Project (SWP) to replenish local groundwater and store water for later use by area residents. The SWP is a complex water storage and delivery system that provides water to 27 million Californians and is a major driver of the California economy. The SWP is considered one of the most affordable and cost-effective sources of water in California.
The DCP in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta would transport SWP water under the Delta increasing efficiency of delivery while also mitigating risks to the supply such as salt water intrusion and levee failure and reducing some impacts to the native fisheries of the region. The project would also modernize aging SWP infrastructure, protecting the system from climate change and earthquakes and improving water reliability. Construction of this generational infrastructure investment is expected to be complete in 2044.
“Water resiliency is key for the success of California’s dynamic and interconnected economy,” said San Bernardino Valley Board President, Paul Kielhold. “San Bernardino Valley is grateful for the opportunity, with SGPWA, to lead the way in
protecting this critical water infrastructure that will safeguard our statewide system against water shortages emergencies and drought.”
The agencies were joined at the meeting by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, who emphasized the importance of supporting the backbone of the SWP’s infrastructure via the Delta Conveyance Project.
“Almost three-quarters of Californians depend on the State Water Project for their water supply, and we need to make sure this infrastructure can withstand the effects of weather whiplash, natural disasters and climate change,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “I’m deeply appreciative of the actions of these water agencies, who are leading the way to ensure we have a water system that will help our communities prosper into the future.”
The historical move is reminiscent of former SGPWA Board President W.E. “Ted” Silverwood, the namesake of Silverwood Lake. Silverwood helped lead a group of local citizens in the area to collaborate with the goal of forming a regional water supplier, now SGPWA, to bring additional water to the area.
“Millions of Californians benefit from the innovation and courage that led to construction of the State Water Project. Now it is our turn to invest in water supply reliability for future generations,” added San Bernardino Valley Board President, Paul Kielhold.
Up to $410 million is needed for the next phase of the project. SGPWA could invest up to $8.2 million and San Bernardino Valley up to $11.5 million as two of the twenty-nine State Water Contractor (SWC) agencies. Additional support would come from other SWC and Public Water Agencies that will benefit from the DCP.
For more information on how SGPWA and San Bernardino Valley are investing in supply reliability, visit www.sgpwa.com and www.sbvmwd.com. For more information on the Delta Conveyance Project, go to https://water.ca.gov/deltaconveyance.
About San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency: Formed in 1961, SGPWA is a State Water Contractor that serves a 225-square-mile area of western Riverside County. The service area includes the cities of Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning, and the communities of Cherry Valley, Cabazon, and the Banning Bench. In addition to importing State Water Project (SWP) water from Northern California to augment local groundwater sources, the Agency builds local system infrastructure, participates in water transfers, partners in statewide water projects and collaborates on regional water reliability and conservation efforts.
About San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District: San Bernardino Valley is a regional water agency with a service area that covers around 353 square miles in southwestern San Bernardino County and a population of approximately 714,000. With a dedicated team of experts and partnerships across the region, San Bernardino Valley is committed to building a resilient and sustainable water future for the community.
