INLAND EMPIRE, CA – On July 9, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) was announced as one of seven Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan/MWD) member agencies authorized to receive grant funding through MWD’s Future Supply Action Funding Program.
“As a region characterized by cyclical drought and extreme climate, initiatives such as the Future Supply Action Funding Program are critical to securing a reliable water future,” stated IEUA Board President Marco Tule. “IEUA prides itself on its diverse water supply portfolio, and this funding will be utilized to further invest in innovative, essential projects and studies that will enhance public health and the environment.”
Metropolitan’s Future Supply Actions Funding Program promotes technical advancements to better prepare the region to adapt to future water supply uncertainties. Since inception, a total of $6.5 million has been awarded to Metropolitan member agencies, helping to fund more than two dozen technical studies and pilot tests exploring innovative approaches to local water supply development across Southern California. Grant proposals were evaluated by both internal and external industry experts considering criteria such as regional benefit, schedule, and cost.
Upon panel review, IEUA was selected to receive two awards under this program. The first award is $401,500 for the design and construction of the Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility. The Demonstration Facility will advance research and innovation related to advanced water treatment technologies and will guide the design and operation of a full-scale Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF). The full-scale AWPF is a key component of the Chino Basin Program, which is a series of innovative projects that will enhance regional resiliency.
IEUA was also selected for funding in the amount of $298,500 for the Identifying and Removing PFAS Used in Well Drilling Pilot Study. This study is a partnership between IEUA, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, Western Municipal Water District, and Jurupa Community Services Water District, all of whom will be financially contributing. The project seeks to demonstrate to the water supply industry that improved well construction and related processes can reduce or eliminate certain PFAS contamination in groundwater wells.
“The region’s water outlook hinges upon smart, regionally planned, and well-informed decision making,” continued Tule. “I am proud of the innovation and dedication of Agency staff to shape a better water future and grateful for MWD’s partnership on these important projects that support the continued development of local supplies.”
For more information on MWD’s Future Supply Actions Funding Program, click here.