INLAND EMPIRE, CA –Three Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) water recycling facilities received 2025 Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for outstanding regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 1 (RP-1), Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 5 (RP-5), and Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) were recognized for excellence in wastewater treatment as measured by compliance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits during the 2025 calendar year.
“As our region grows, so does our responsibility,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards recognize the people behind that work and the high standards they bring to protecting public health and the environment.”
For over 50 years, NACWA has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. Presented during NACWA’s 2026 Utility Leadership Conference in July, the awards recognize compliance during the 2025 calendar year. The three facilities received the following honors:
Gold Peak Performance Award – Presented to Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 1 (RP-1) and Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 5 (RP-5) for 100 percent compliance with their NPDES permits.
RP-1, located in Ontario and in operation since 1948, is IEUA’s largest wastewater treatment facility and can treat up to 44 million gallons of wastewater per day. The facility serves the cities of Chino, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland, while producing recycled water that supports groundwater recharge and regional water reliability.
Located in Chino and operational since 2004, RP-5 can treat up to 16.3 million gallons of wastewater per day and serves Chino, Chino Hills, and Ontario. The facility is currently undergoing expansion that will increase its treatment capacity to 22.5 million gallons per day while continuing to produce high-quality recycled water using advanced membrane bioreactor technology.
Silver Peak Performance Award – Presented to Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) for five or fewer violations of its NPDES permit in one year.
Located in Chino and operational since 1992, CCWRF has the capacity to treat up to 12 million gallons of wastewater per day and serves Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, and Upland.
“I would like to thank NACWA for this recognition and congratulate the dedicated professionals across the country who make achievements like these possible. Together, we share the responsibility to invest in resilient infrastructure that protects our water resources and supports the long-term resilience of the communities we serve,” continued Elie.