Regional Recycled Water Program

Water recycling is a critical component of the water resources management strategy for the Chino Basin. The State of California has determined that the reuse of highly treated recycled water is the only new major source of water available to meet the Southern California’s growing water demand. Recycled water is a proven technology and implementing its use will provide a more dependable local supply of water, as well as, reduce the likelihood of water rationing during droughts. In addition, use of recycled water for groundwater recharge has been made an integral part of the Chino Basin Watermaster ”Peace Agreement” implementing the Chino Basin Optimum Basin Management Program and Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Urban Water Management Plan. The construction of recycled water projects across the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) service area is vital to the protection and enhancement of the safe yield and water quality of the Chino Groundwater Basin.

• Inland Empire Utilities Agency (Reports)
  • IEUA provides wholesale and sewer service to the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County (serving Chino, Ontario, Fontana, Chino Hills, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland).
  • Service area covers 242 square miles with current population estimated at 700,000.
  • Total water demands currently average 250,000 acre-feet per year (AFY).
  • Approximately 25% of water supply is purchased imported water (SWP), 65% from groundwater, 7% from local stream flow and the remaining 3% is from recycled water.
  • Current annual recycled water sales average 6,200 acre-feet (AF) to over 150 customers.
• Chino Groundwater Basin
  • The Chino Basin was adjudicated in 1978. The OBMP, developed over the past two years and approved June 29, 2000. Through it a comprehensive water resources strategy will be implemented to:
• Enhance the yield of the Basin and eventually “drought proof” the area,
• Clean up the groundwater of the lower Basin through construction and operation of desalters, and
• Develop recycled water use, which, together with other local supplies, will ensure independence from imported sources during future droughts - Recycled Water Groundwater Recharge Project
• Regional Need For Recycled Water
• Statewide water shortages will continue in California as result of Delta issues, Colorado River cutbacks and increased population.
• Wastewater reuse (recycling) is a critical element to solving California’s statewide water problems.
• The Governor’s Water Recycling Task Force and the CALFED By-Delta program recommend that urban water agencies expand recycled water use to reduce their reliance on imported water from the Delta and the Colorado River.
• By 2020, growth in IEUA’s service area will require an additional 100,000 AFY of expensive imported water supplies unless alternative local and regional water resources are developed.
• Proposed IEUA Regional Recycled Water Expansion Program
• Program will increase recycled water deliveries from IEUA’s four water recycling plants to 70,000 AFY.
• 40,000 AFY will replace potable demands for use in green belt irrigation and industrial use applications.
• 30,000 AFY will be used for groundwater replenishment consistent with the Regional Recharge Master Plant and Optimum Basin Management Program approved by the Chino Basin Watermaster and Superior Court.
• Regional system improvements include: transmission and distribution pipelines, system storage, pump stations, system telemetry, service connections, and supplemental ground water recharge facilities.
• Construction of proposed recycled water expansion facilities is phased.

• Proposed Regional Recycled Water Expansion Program Funding Sources
  • USBR P.L. 102-575 (Title 16) Project Funding Assistance (proposed)
  • Department of Water Resources Project Funding Assistance (Prop. 13) (committed)
  • California State Water Resources Control Board Project Funding Assistance (Prop. 50) (committed)
  • MWDSC Local Resources Program Funding Assistance ($154 per AF, 13,500 AFY maximum) (committed)
  • Regional Capital Fund (committed)
• Regional Recycled Water Program Benefits
  • Provides reliable “drought-proof” water supplies to meet future growth needs and reduce costly imported water use in Chino Basin
  • Is an essential element of the regional Chino Basin Optimum Basin Management Program, improving water quality and yield from the Chino Groundwater Basin
  • Enhances economic development opportunities in the Chino Basin and throughout Southern California.
  • Benefits all of California by reducing demand for imported water supplies, especially in dry years when conflicts within the State are the most intense.