IEUA recognized for excellence in water recycling

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) has been recognized for excellence in water recycling by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Two of IEUA’s facilities—Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) and Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 5. (RP-5)— received the prestigious Platinum Peak Performance Award, and one facility, Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 1 (RP-1), received the Gold distinction.

IEUA was recognized at an awards ceremony held last month, during NACWA’s Utility Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, to acknowledge and honor the Platinum Peak Performance honorees. NACWA’s Platinum Peak Performance Award is the top recognition given by the organization and is awarded to facilities that have consistently achieved the highest levels of compliance based on permit requirements.

“It is an honor to receive the Peak Performance Award from NACWA for multiple Agency facilities,” said Marco Tule, IEUA Board President. “This recognition is a testament to the diligent efforts of our team who holds a strong commitment to providing our community with high quality water recycling facilities that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and environmental protection while continuing to set new benchmarks in water recycling.”

CCWRF, operational since 1992 and located in the city of Chino, has the capacity to treat up to 11.4 million gallons of wastewater per day and serves the areas of Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, and Upland.  CCWRF uses an innovative biological activated sludge treatment process, establishing high levels of treatment with a small carbon footprint similar to other Agency facilities.

RP-5, operational since 2004 and also located in the city of Chino, has the capacity to treat up to 16.3 million gallons of wastewater per day and provides recycled water for irrigation and industrial use. Serving the communities of Chino, Chino Hills, and Ontario, RP-5 is currently undergoing major reconstruction, while continuing its regular operations.  RP-5’s ultimate buildout will increase treatment capacity to 22.5 million gallons per day and utilize membrane bioreactors to produce high-quality recycled water that will continue to meet California’s regulatory requirements for agriculture and industrial use.

“IEUA has set an example of excellence in the wastewater industry,” continued Tule. “CCWRF and RP-5 have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, ensuring permit compliance, maintaining high effluent quality, and optimizing operations. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has resulted in 100% compliance over the past five years.”

RP-1, located in the city of Ontario and in operation since 1948, has undergone several expansions and stands out with its impressive capacity to treat up to 44 million gallons of wastewater per day. As IEUA’s largest facility, RP-1 serves Chino, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and receives solids from RP-4 located in Rancho Cucamonga. The high-quality recycled water produced at RP-1 supplies water to IEUA’s Groundwater Replenishment system helping sustain our local Chino Basin groundwater supplies. RP-1 has achieved at least 85% compliance with permit limits over the course of a calendar year, earning the Gold Peak Performance distinction from NACWA.