CALIMESA – For the first time in Calimesa’s history, imported water is flowing into a new groundwater recharge basin, marking a major milestone for regional water reliability. Completed just one year after breaking ground, the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project reflects an ambitious partnership among San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (San Bernardino Valley), South Mesa Water Company, and Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez.
On October 14, more than 90 water leaders, elected officials and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievement. With imported water already filling the basin behind them, attendees witnessed the results of a regional collaboration that will help protect water supplies for approximately 18,000 residents.
“People see water flowing into this basin today, but think about what it took to get here,” said San Bernardino Valley Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Heather Dyer. “Just a month ago, this water was in Lake Oroville. It traveled more than 500 miles through California’s water system to reach this community. And behind that journey are relatively small teams of dedicated people doing extraordinary work. I am so proud of what our agencies have accomplished and what it means for the families who will depend on this water.”…