Four water agencies today announced the launch of a new regional partnership to increase awareness of and advocate for solutions to regional water quality and supply challenges. The Inland Empire Clean Water Partnership (IE CWP) is launching as many municipalities face challenges surrounding dry-weather conditions and we approach another hot summer in Southern California.

The water agencies included in the partnership are Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District. These water providers collectively serve water users throughout Riverside and San Bernardino including wholesale water providers, and residential, businesses and agricultural customers.

“Our region has been statewide leaders in preparing to meet current and future customer needs through proactive customer investments and a comprehensive approach to addressing both water quality and supply challenges,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “This partnership will allow us to continue to do that through collaborative voice that will allow us to develop long-term solutions for the benefits of the millions of residents in our region who depend on our agencies.”

The IE CWP was formed because of the shared challenges and the agencies’ commitment to solutions that collectively benefit all water users and the region. The first items of interest to the collaboration are constituents of emerging concern and prolonged dry climate impacts on water supply, but the shared approach will prepare water agencies and users to tackle future issues that may arise.

Our voices, speaking collectively, will help to align strategy, to share and implement best practices, and to better serve our Inland Empire water customers.