Press Release: Federal Funding Boosts Two IEUA Projects Protecting Public Health and Strengthening Water Supplies

INLAND EMPIRE, CA – On January 23, 2026, President Trump signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. The three-bill package includes funding for two Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) Community Projects: Cybersecurity Program Improvement ($1.18 million), advanced by Senator Adam Schiff and Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility ($1.092 million), advanced by Congresswoman Norma Torres.

“Approval of these projects signals great progress for our region,” stated IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “The partial federal funding of these key projects will assist and further IEUA’s long-standing commitment to maintaining and enhancing resilience, sustainability, and regional collaboration.  We are extremely pleased to have had bipartisan support for these investments which will strengthen our infrastructure, protect critical systems, and advance innovative water solutions that directly benefit our constituents.”

The Cybersecurity Program Improvement Project will improve IEUA’s Cybersecurity Program by enhancing cyber–incident response and recovery capabilities; vulnerability remediation management; third-party risk management; and other information security program components. These program improvements are essential to protect IEUA’s operations, respond to and recover from cyberattack incidents quickly, and support IEUA’s mission to protect water reliability and the communities it serves.

The Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility will serve as a regional center for innovation, education, and research in advanced water treatment and purification. Its flexible design allows for the testing of emerging technologies. When built, this facility will optimize processes for cost-effective, full-scale advanced treatment operations. Its mission includes fostering a positive public perception of potable water reuse by offering hands-on educational opportunities, tours, workshops, and workforce development initiatives for community members, educators, students, policymakers, and industry partners. The Demonstration Facility’s research and operational insights will directly benefit our region and act as a resource to any agency interested in adopting advanced water purification practices.

“These investments by our federal partners will better position us to prepare for future challenges while we continue to deliver safe, reliable services,” Elie added. “We greatly appreciate the support from both Senator Schiff and Congresswoman Torres.  These funds will help ensure our region remains a leader in innovation and resource stewardship for both current and future generations.”

For additional information on the Chino Basin Program, visit chinobasinprogram.org.

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The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) is an innovative, forward-thinking Agency serving over 950,000 residents across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. The Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through its significant investments in developing a diversified water supply portfolio, developing reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner. IEUA’s mission ensures long-term success for the region and its customer agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario, San Antonio Water Company, Upland, and West Valley Water District.