Why Now?​
The Chino Basin Program is needed now to address escalating regional water challenges, proactively plan for future regulatory requirements, and deliver long-term environmental, economic, and community benefits.​​​​​​​​​​​​
Climate Pressures & Water Demand
The region has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, accompanied by a substantial rise in urban water demand. Projections show that continued water demands could create severe water scarcity conditions by 2040 due to longer and more frequent droughts. As a State Water Project dependent agency, IEUA faces significant pressure during times of severe drought, when imported supplies are especially constrained. The CBP is designed to mitigate these risks by expanding local water supply capacity and reducing reliance on imported water.
Infrastructure & Water Quality
The CBP will construct a state-of-the-art Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) capable of producing 15,000 acre-feet per year of purified recycled water. This water will be stored in the Chino Basin using aquifer replenishment wells, helping to:
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Improve groundwater quality affected by salts, nitrates, and other contaminants.
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Enhance long-term sustainability of local water resources.
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Provide flexibility during extended droughts
Funding Momentum
The program is already underway with:
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$268 million in conditional funding from the California Water Commission under Proposition 1 Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP).
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$401,500 in grant funding awarded by the Metropolitan Water District for a demonstration facility.
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$2.8 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for planning and permitting.
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$10.8 million in conditional funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for construction costs.
These milestones reflect a window of opportunity to leverage funding momentum for full-scale implementation of crucial infrastructure improvements.
Regional & Statewide Benefits
The CBP is unique in that it benefits both Southern California communities and Northern California ecosystems. By reducing reliance on imported water, it allows more State Water Project supplies to remain in Northern California for environmental uses.
Community & Economic Impact
The program is expected to:
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Create hundreds of jobs and stimulate regional economic development.
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Enable long-term water rate stabilization through guaranteed local supply.
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Support small and minority-owned businesses through Progressive Design Build (PDB) opportunities.
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Chino Basin Program Public Meetings Conducted in 2025
