The Water Bond, officially known as Proposition 3, the Water Supply and Water Quality Act of 2018, will authorize $8.877 billion in general obligation bonds to support water and environmental projects.

EMWD would have a variety of projects that could be eligible for competitive grant funding as described within the bond language, including those for water recycling, water use efficiency, and groundwater programs.

“EMWD has been highly successful in securing grant funding from previous bond measures and will continue to aggressively pursue funding on behalf of our customers,” EMWD President David Slawson said. “We encourage our customers to do their research and be educated voters when they cast their vote on November 6.”

EMWD has secured more than $145 million in grants and low-interest loans through funding available from Proposition 1, the Water Bond of 2014. That funding was dedicated toward projects such as the Quail Valley sewer system; expansion of recycled water infrastructure; the expansion of the Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility; its proposed Perris II Desalination Facility; and the consolidation of a failing, private water system in Menifee.

Proposition 3 is consistent with the legislative policy principles adopted by EMWD’s Board of Directors, and includes the following funding opportunities:

• $800 million of dedicated funding for statewide water recycling projects and desalination activities;
• $685 million for groundwater sustainability and storage;
• $550 million for stormwater capture and use and management;
• $2.355 billion for watershed improvement for water supply and water quality; and,
• $750 million for safe drinking water and wastewater treatment for low-income communities.

Proposition 3 was authored by Dr. Jerry Meral, the former Deputy Director of the California Department of Water Resources and Deputy Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Meral spoke to EMWD’s Board about the benefits the Bond would provide local agencies.

“We thank EMWD for its support of Proposition 3,” Meral said. “EMWD has been a leading agency in both water management and in using external funding from previous bond measures to benefit its service area.

“I have little doubt that Proposition 3 will further benefit projects in EMWD’s service area and greatly benefit similar programs throughout our state so that California may be more sustainable with its water supplies.”

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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to approximately 816,000 people living and working within a 555-square mile service area in western Riverside County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency and its mission is “To deliver value to our 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.