Perris, CA (March 4, 2024) — Eastern Municipal Water District and the City of Perris are advancing a consolidation effort in which the City’s water and sewer systems would be transferred to EMWD later this year.

EMWD’s Board of Directors and the Perris City Council have each approved a Memorandum of Understanding that charts the path forward for the consolidation effort. For the past few years, the City has been evaluating options to either transfer or continue operating the two City systems.  Given that the water and sewer systems continue to create an increase in maintenance costs and have been operating at a deficit, the City approached EMWD about the possibility of consolidation.

The City of Perris currently serves approximately 4,000 customers in two areas of the City – one in the downtown region and another in the northeastern portion of the City. The majority of the City’s residents are already served by EMWD.

Existing EMWD customers will see no financial or service level impacts associated with the consolidation effort.

“EMWD is honored to be entrusted to provide service to Perris residents who have previously been served by the City of Perris,” EMWD Board Director Jeff Armstrong said. “Our commitment is that they will receive the same high-quality levels of service that EMWD customers have received for generations.”

Once the consolidation process is completed in the next several months, the customers who have been served by the City will become EMWD customers.

EMWD has a longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality water services and performs more than 40,000 water quality tests each year to ensure it meets all state and federal drinking water standards. It has invested in a diverse water supply portfolio to provide reliable services, even during times of water supply challenges.

EMWD is also the regional wastewater agency. It currently provides treatment to wastewater collected in the City’s sewer system. Because EMWD is a public agency, the proposed consolidation plan will not need regulatory approval.

Once transitioned to service by EMWD, customers will receive bills that can be paid online, through pay-by-phone, at EMWD authorized payment centers, or at EMWD’s Perris headquarters.

In the future, customers will be upgraded to smart meter technology that provides access to real-time water use information, the ability to manage accounts through EMWD’s MyAcount portal, and much more.

Perris customers will also be eligible for participation in EMWD’s award-winning Landscapes for Living program, which provides rebates and resources to reduce outdoor water use, and its customer assistance programs for those in financial need to sustain water service.

“EMWD has been a leader in our community for nearly 75 years, and the City of Perris is confident in the quality of services that EMWD will deliver,” Perris Mayor Michael Vargas said. “This move is in the best interest of the residents served by the City and we look forward to the partnership with EMWD throughout this consolidation process.”