Industry-Leading Procurement Efforts Create Value for EMWD Customers

Perris, CA (September 10, 2025) – Every day, the Purchasing and Contracts Department at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has one priority: Find the best value possible.

From delving deep into their list of suppliers to negotiating the best possible price for materials, goods, and services, the department helps California’s sixth-largest retail water agency minimize costs while providing exceptional value to its ratepayers. 

Their work has led to EMWD being recognized with the National Procurement Institute’s Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award for the 12^th consecutive year. The award is presented to government agencies that showcase excellence in embracing innovation, professionalism, productivity, electronic procurement, and leadership in acquiring quality goods and services at the best value.

EMWD is one of 23 special districts nationwide to receive the award.

“Our goal is to always provide our ratepayers with the best possible value,” EMWD Board President Stephen Corona said. “Because of the work of our Purchasing and Contracts Department, we are able to provide our customers with highly reliable services at an exceptional value.”

EMWD’s objective is not just to find the lowest price, but to focus on the best short and long-term value for its ratepayers. On any given day, EMWD staff may work with a variety of suppliers to seek bids, determine the quality of proposed services, and negotiate price points that are fair to all involved.

In the past 13 months – ending in mid-July 2025 – those efforts have resulted in $2.2 million in cost savings or costs avoided. 

In recent years, EMWD has modernized its online procurement efforts to streamline processes and sustain transparency. It hosts an annual event to educate vendors on how to do business with EMWD, recognizes suppliers at board meetings when larger contracts are awarded, and routinely engages with providers to help them understand and meet EMWD’s needs.

EMWD Director of Purchasing and Contracts Jeff Wasserman said a recent conversation with a chemical supplier highlighted the importance of relationships. 

“They said that no other agency does this type of outreach with them and walks them through all of the projects we are working on,” Wasserman said. “We try and view things through the lens of ‘Are we getting the best value?’ I’m definitely proud of our team for being recognized and always acting in the best interest of the district and our ratepayers.” 

 

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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 682-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.