IWVGA Sets Record Straight on Pipeline Costs and Basin Sustainability
Press release from the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority
More than 25 million Californians, well over two-thirds of the state’s population, rely on water that travels hundreds of miles through water systems such as the State Water Project, the Central Valley Project and the Colorado River Aqueduct to reach their homes and businesses. This “imported water” also serves the agricultural economy.
The reason for water systems is simple: according to the California Department of Water Resources, while 75% of California’s rain and snow falls in the north, 80% of the water demand is in the south.
The water source of the City of Ridgecrest and surrounding region is the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Basin, a basin that has no natural runoff for replenishment. After decades of groundwater overdraft, the basin is at risk of running out of water.
“You can argue about how much groundwater is left. You can conserve as much as you can. You can recycle water wherever possible. But you simply cannot abandon future generations by sticking your head in the ground to the realities of where we live and the fact we have only one natural water source,” said Scott Hayman, chair of Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.
While there is water in the basin now and will be in the near future, the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, after looking into multiple alternative water projects, determined that an imported water solution is critical to securing long-term water reliability for residents and businesses in Ridgecrest as well as the U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The Indian Wells Valley Pipeline Project will connect the Indian Wells Valley to the California State Water Project in order to ensure sustainable water for the region. The pipeline project provides the mechanism to meet a state mandate that the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Basin be sustainably managed by 2040.
The Indian Wells Valley Pipeline Project has support at county, state and federal levels, and has received substantial funding from the federal government for construction, which will be utilized and expended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, according to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, there is a path forward to achieving full funding of construction.
“We understand that critics of the pipeline solution wish there was another way to keep the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Water Basin viable forever,” said Hayman, “but the reality is that water districts and providers around the state recognize the need to have multiple sources of water to maintain a healthy, sustainable and growing community.”
According to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, the Indian Wells Valley Water District has mischaracterized the scope and cost of the project.
The water district cites an inflated and inaccurate estimate of “at least $357 million” that, among other mistakes, double-counts operation and maintenance costs. In contrast, the preliminary engineering analysis obtained from the IWVGA places the total project cost at just over $200 million, which reflects design-level plans, environmental compliance requirements, and right-of-way acquisition.
“We recognize the need for a pipeline comes at a cost but the misinformation being circulated does a disservice to our residents, businesses, our military partners, and our shared future,” said Hayman. “The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority has only an independent, impartial role in this matter. We are a state-directed agency with no interests in the region other than to ensure there is a sustainable source of water for future generations.”
Federal and State Support
The importance of the project has been recognized at the highest levels. In January 2025, Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act, which includes an initial $50 million in federal funding for the Indian Wells Valley Pipeline Project with remainder funding being provided in subsequent years.
For its part, IWVGA has been working on project planning and environmental permitting and has completed some 60% of the necessary engineering and design plans as of late 2025. It also has identified 90% of the required right-of-way for construction in Kern County to be acquired without cost to residents.
The agency is actively working with the Bureau of Land Management and other regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with CEQA and NEPA. A certified Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Report are scheduled to be completed in 2026.
A Responsible and Transparent Path Forward
Contrary to claims made by the water district, Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority has taken a methodical approach to project planning. The agency’s cost estimates are based on detailed engineering reports, environmental assessments, and real-time market data. IWVGA is also pursuing a mix of permanent and long-term water purchase agreements compatible with State Water Project delivery requirements, in partnership with the Antelope Valley–East Kern Water Agency.
“We have to live with the fact groundwater sustainability has not been managed for decades. But now we can have the common sense to do what virtually every other desert community has already done,” said Hayman. “The simple truth is we need an imported water option.”
About the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority: The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) is the groundwater sustainability agency for the critically overdrafted Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin. The basin spans portions of Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino Counties. It is home to the City of Ridgecrest and the U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a critical low-flight, weapons development, and testing facility. The groundwater basin serves approximately 38,000 residents. IWVGA is a joint powers authority that includes representatives from Kern County, the City of Ridgecrest, Inyo County, San Bernardino County, and the Indian Wells Valley Water District. Two federal agencies, the
United States Navy and the Bureau of Land Management, are also represented as ex-officio members of the IWVGA Board.
Contact Information.
Robert Chevez, Westbound Communications
rchevez@westboundcommunications.com
909-714-0172
