Chino, CA – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) celebrated the opening of the Water Discovery Center (WDC), a new facility designed to support the Agency’s Water Discovery Education Program for K-12 students across IEUA’s service area.
IEUA’s Water Discovery Education Program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities focused on water resources, environmental stewardship, and sustainable water management. A key component of the program is the Discover the Environment and Water (DEW) field trip, which brings students to the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park for guided activities and tours designed to teach about water conservation, wetland ecosystems, and regional water challenges. Educational programming aligns with California State Curriculum Standards and supports Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
“For years, our Discover the Environment and Water Program has inspired tens of thousands of students through outdoor field trips and interactive learning experiences,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “But as we all know, weather doesn’t always cooperate. Too often, rain, extreme heat, or strong winds have forced cancellations, leaving students without access to these valuable learning moments. We are deeply grateful to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for their grant support that now expands meaningful, hands‑on learning opportunities for students across our service area for years to come.”
The opening event brought together IEUA Board members, customer and partner agencies, and community partners. The program included remarks from IEUA leadership and a planting ceremony led by the Board of Directors. IEUA External Affairs Intern Elizabeth Cazares-Chavez, who previously participated in the Water Discovery field trip program as a student, also shared her experience returning to IEUA years later as part of the Agency’s education team.
“Now being here as an intern eight years later on that same team, facilitating field trips, contributing to the design of this center, and beginning my professional career at IEUA, feels like a full circle moment,” stated External Affairs Intern Elizabeth Cazares. “I’ve experienced firsthand how water discovery can spark curiosity, build awareness, and open doors students may have never imagined for themselves.”
The WDC expands IEUA’s ability to provide year-round educational programming by offering a dedicated indoor learning space to support the DEW field trip program in an engaging environment where students can explore the science of water, environmental stewardship and sustainability. The classrooms are also equipped with smartboards, giving IEUA’s education team new tools to enhance interactive learning experiences.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to inspire the next generation of water stewards,” stated IEUA Board President Elie. “The Water Discovery Center represents an investment in our students, our communities, and the future of water in our region.”