Dreier Re-Introduces Inland Empire Water Recycling Initiative

February 16, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, re-introduced legislation yesterday that will provide federal support to two new water recycling projects in the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Water Recycling Initiative, H.R. 802, was introduced with bipartisan support.

“It’s imperative that we strike a balance in addressing our water needs while providing relief to customers stuck paying for expensive imported water,” Dreier said. “The Inland Empire is showing great vision and leadership to the rest of the state and country in making recycling a key component of managing the local water supply.”

H.R. 802 authorizes two new water recycling projects under the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI program. When combined, the two projects will produce 95,000 acre feet of new water annually, 90,000 from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and 5,000 from the Cucamonga Valley Water District. “The legislation is crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply in the Inland Empire and we thank Congressman Dreier for his continued efforts in seeing this legislation through,” stated CVWD Board President Hank Stoy. “Improving water resource management and promoting new water technology will enable California to eventually become a water self-sufficient state.”

The IEUA produces recycled water for a variety of non-potable purposes, such as landscape irrigation, agricultural irrigation, construction, and industrial cooling. By replacing these water-intensive applications with high-quality recycled water, fresh water can be conserved or used for drinking, thereby reducing the dependence on expensive imported water. Additionally, by recycling water which would otherwise be wasted and unavailable, IEUA provides that the water available goes through at least one more cycle of beneficial use before it is ultimately returned to the environment. The IEUA encompasses approximately 242 square miles and serves the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, and Rancho Cucamonga.

Dreier thanked his colleagues for their continued support of this bill, which was originally passed by the House in the 108th Congress on July 19, 2004. Congressmen Ken Calvert (R-Riverside), Gary Miller (R-Brea), Joe Baca (D-Rialto), and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-Pomona) are all original cosponsors of the bill. He also thanked Mr. Robert DeLoach, General Manager of the Cucamonga Valley Water District, and Mr. Rich Atwater, CEO and General Manager of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, for their continued commitment to serving the residents of the Inland Empire.