California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
The State Water Resources Control Board recently awarded Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) $10 million in grant funding from the Proposition I Storm Water Grant Program for a storm water facilities improvement project. The project is a joint effort between IEUA and the Chino Basin Watermaster (Watermaster) to divert and recharge storm water, recycled water and dry-weather runoff.
The project, is identified as part of the Recharge Master Plan Update Amendment, which was adopted by the IEUA and the Watermaster in 2013. It includes construction at three IEUA stormwater management facilities at the Wineville, Jurupa and RP3 basins.
“This project will provide multiple benefits, including an increase in surface water and recycled water runoff capture, an increase in recharge at the basin sites and a reduction in energy demand through a decrease in imported water demand, leading to a reduction of water rates for the region’s residents,” said IEUA Board member and Watermaster Board Chairman Steven J. Elie. “The multi-benefit stormwater project will contribute to sustained, long term water benefits for the entire region, and represents remarkable cooperation among all the cities and water districts in the region, who have committed to match the grant for the project.”
IEUA’s district includes 875,000 people through its member agencies in the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario and Upland as well as the Cucamonga Valley Water and Monte Vista Water districts and the Fontana Water Company.
Improvements to be attained through the project include drought resiliency, increasing recharge and providing long term water storage. These basin improvement projects will allow IEUA to capture, recharge and convey approximately 3,166 acre feet per year of stormwater and 2,905 acre feet per year of recycled water. One acre foot is enough to supply water for two average sized families of four for one year.
The state’s Proposition 1 Storm Water Grant Program supports multi-benefit stormwater management projects that improve regional water self-reliance, security, and adapt to the effects on water supply resulting from climate change. This includes measures that provide incentives for water agencies throughout each watershed to collaborate in managing the region’s water resources and setting regional priorities for water infrastructure.
