IEUA Remains Committed to Advancing Local Supply Reliability Program
Press release from the Inland Empire Utility Agency:
On Behalf of General Manager, Shivaji Deshmukh:
Recently, a court ruling was issued related to the Chino Basin Program’s (CBP) Environmental Impact Report (EIR). IEUA is pleased that the major technical aspects of the program were upheld and is appreciative of the court denying several claims raised by the city of Ontario. The court did also require that a few areas of the CBP EIR be further examined and/or refined. In response to the ruling, on September 17, 2025, the IEUA Board of Directors authorized the Agency to file an appeal as we further evaluate the court’s analysis of the EIR.
While the matter now shifts to the Court of Appeal for review, it is noteworthy that the trial court’s ruling affirmed the report’s findings on the key technical program elements, including the CBP’s effects on local water supplies and Santa Ana River flows. This ruling reinforces that the CBP is a beneficial program for our community and has a positive impact on local supply reliability.
IEUA will continue to make the CBP a priority as it is our responsibility to ensure safe and adequate water supplies to support the continued economic growth of our region. The benefits of CBP are far-reaching, helping ensure that property owners, as well as hospitals, schools, public safety facilities, and our community will have the water needed for their health, safety, and operations for generations to come.
I find it important to correct the inaccurate statements that have been shared by the city of Ontario regarding key aspects of the program. The city’s press commentary claiming that the CBP poses a risk to local water supplies is a misrepresentation unsupported by the court’s ruling. In fact, the trial court’s ruling states the opposite and affirms the CBP’s analysis on local water supply. First, the CBP develops a new local water supply by maximizing recycled water. Currently, our region has recycled water supplies that are sent down the Santa Ana River because they are unable to be treated and used due to existing infrastructure and regulatory limitations. The CBP is a series of critical infrastructure projects designed to maximize water supply reliability while ensuring full compliance with recycled water and wastewater permit requirements. Additionally, the CBP does not export water supplies to northern California, and there will be no decrease in overall water supplies to the region. In fact, the CBP creates opportunities to continue to increase local supply development and storage in the long-term which will benefit all residents and businesses in our community.
IEUA remains steadfast in our commitment to making sound and prudent investments that serve the long-term interests of our region and ratepayers. Our commitment to responsible water management and regulatory compliance remains unwavering as we continue to pursue this vital program for our communities and the region.
For additional information on the Chino Basin Program, visit chinobasinprogram.org.
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