IEUA is committed to the responsible use and protection of the environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
These practices include:
- Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws at each Agency facility.
- Good Neighbor Policy: To control odors at all Agency facilities for the purpose of improving the environment and being a good neighbor to the local community.
- Response and Complaint Mitigation: Investigate any environmental issue or complaint received at any Agency facility and respond appropriately and promptly.
- Environmental Responsibility: Strive to implement actions that enhance or promote environmental sustainability and preservation of the region’s heritage.
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) has achieved a Gold rated Sustainable Water Management (SWM) Profile by the Water Foundation. The SWM Profile assesses a water supply agency, the areas it relies on for water supply and areas where it supplies water. IEUA earned a truly exceptional Gold rating because it provides leadership and support for the planning, implementation and collaboration needed for sustainable water supply management for its member agencies, regional partners and the people who share dependence on common water supplies. These efforts, especially in recycled water, groundwater cleanup and recharge and water efficiency, have accomplished more stable and sufficient local water supplies and improved water quality.
LEED™ Headquarters: The Agency’s Board of Directors approved the use of LEED™ design criteria for the Agency headquarters located in the city of Chino. Using tilt-up construction, the Agency was the first and largest public building to receive the Platinum rating in 2003 for the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™).The Headquarters showcases how an integrated, sustainable-designed building can create a better environment, conserve energy, improve productivity and contribute to the restoration of native landscapes.
Learn more about the LEED™ Headquarters Platinum Points
The Park consists of 22 acres that are landscaped with a wide variety of climate appropriate trees and grass and features a state-of-the-art irrigation management system. Key components of the park are the community education elements about the value of conservation and the importance of wetlands in the structure of our environment which will weave throughout the site. The park serves as a demonstration site for the community on how to improve water supply, stormwater treatment, and water use efficiency. Additional park features include wetlands and riparian habitat, trails, sampling stations, picnic areas, visitor’s center, parking, bridges, and an amphitheater.
Learn more about the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park
IEUA developed a partnership with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts to create the Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority (IERCA). The IERCA determined that recycling biosolids into a high quality compost product, in a fully enclosed, local facility was the best approach to overcoming the challenges of biosolids management. The Inland Empire Regional Composting Facility (IERCF) located in Rancho Cucamonga, is the nation’s largest fully enclosed composting facility. In operation since 2007, the IERCF is an excellent example of IEUA’s ability to provide a regional sustainable solution to biosolids management.
Learn more on the IERCA website.
IEUA seeks to support maximizing the beneficial reuse of recycled water to enhance reliability and to reduce dependence on imported water. IEUA began selling recycled water in the 1970s as a low cost alternative to potable water for large irrigation customers. Over the past 10 years, IEUA and its local water providers have invested in an aggressive program to expand delivery of high quality recycled water to its service area as a reliable irrigation and industrial water source that has improved the sustainability of the region’s water supply.
For information visit our webpage on Recycled Water.
IEUA seeks to promote water-use efficiency through public education to enhance water supplies within the region and exceed state goals for reduction in per capita water use within the Agency’s service area. Smart water planning starts with water conservation. Every gallon of water saved within the Chino Basin translates into reduced demand for expensive imported water supplies. By being more efficient, our community will increase the reliability of our existing water supplies and reduce the cost of imported water purchases. IEUA’s goal is to save over 100,000 acre-feet of water over through conservation activities by 2040- that’s about 40% reduction in demand. In order to help the community reach their water savings goal, IEUA offers a variety of rebates available to both residential and commercial customers.
To learn more visit our webpage on how to Save Your Water.
The Inland Empire Garden Friendly (IEGF) Program is a regional program sponsored by IEUA and various other entities. More than 60 percent of residential water usage in the Inland Empire is used on outdoor irrigation. Planting climate appropriate species can help lower water usage.
Many climate appropriate plants also save time, as they require less maintenance than other species that require higher amounts of water to thrive. The IEGF Program focuses on the importance of climate appropriate plants and education. Offering a variety of plant sales throughout the Inland Empire and educational workshops, the community can take part in water saving efforts.
Learn more on the Inland Empire Garden Friendly website.
The No Drugs Down the Drain program is a public outreach program to alert California residents living in specific regions about the problems associated with flushing unused, unwanted, and expired medications down the toilet or drain and to provide them with other, safe and proper disposal choices. Please remember that it is never acceptable for anyone to flush medications down the drain.
For more information visit the No Drugs Down the Drain website or visit IEUA’s webpage on Pretreatment and Source Control.