Local Agencies Exceed Regional Annual Water Savings Goal by San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Oct 25, 2023 Member Submitted News SAN BERNARDINO – Ensuring a long-term reliable water supply in the State of California depends on a combination of securing new water supplies and making sure our existing resources are used efficiently. Considering each community is unique in their water uses and effective conservation tools, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (San Bernardino Valley) established a groundbreaking Demand Management Incentive Program aimed to work with retail water agencies to promote reducing regional water use while also recognizing that different incentives and tactics may work for one retail water provider but not another. With goals of maximizing water conservation success and preserving retail agencies’ flexibility to implement their unique program the new incentive program was able to reach new levels of saving water for the future. “With the overwhelming success of the Demand Management Incentive Program, we are demonstrating that collaboration and proactive water conservation can drive measurable and meaningful results,” said Paul Kielhold, Board President at San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. “Our community rose to the challenge resulting is our ability to distribute $800,000 in incentives across the San Bernardino Valley.” By effectively reducing the demand on local water supplies, the program aids in preserving existing resources and ensuring a sustainable water future for the region. The Board of Directors approved a regional goal to save up to 5,000 acre-feet of water through the Demand Management Incentive Program, demonstrating San Bernardino Valley’s commitment to encouraging proactive water conservation efforts. For perspective, last year’s regional water savings of 5,000 acre-feet would fill 5,000 Olympic sized swimming pools with water. The program’s unique design allows for one financial incentive to be provided to retail water agencies, based on total water saved compared to a 2020 baseline year. This block-style financial support from San Bernardino Valley maintains the autonomy and flexibility of each retailer to offer rebates or water efficiency incentives that are best suited to their customers. This approach empowers each agency to administer effective water conservation initiatives tailored to the specific water-saving potential of customers within their service area. The Demand Management Incentive Program exceeded expectations in its first year, with over 7,500 acre-feet of water savings, through the participation of six local retail water agencies including: City of Colton: 2,208 acre-feet, $173,173.37 City of San Bernardino: 1,911 acre-feet, $267,360.07 City of Redlands: 1,183 acre-feet, $164,935.49 City of Rialto: 759 acre-feet, $80,499.69 West Valley Water District: 1,176 acre-feet, $149,066.09 Yucaipa Valley Water District: 335 acre-feet, $59,939.94 The success of the Demand Management Incentive Program highlights the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the wholesale water agency San Bernardino Valley, local retail water agencies, and the community. By working together, this region has shown their dedication to preserving precious water resources and building a resilient water supply for the future. “Every drop of water that we keep in the ground now is saved for a future dry year when other supplies are not available,” said Heather Dyer, CEO/General Manager at San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. “As the regional water agency entrusted to protect our local groundwater levels and ensure water retailers have enough supplies to serve their respective communities, the Demand Management Incentive Program is a key pillar of our region’s long-term water sustainability plan.” San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District encourages all retail water agencies within its service area to participate in the Demand Management Incentive Program. Rather than administering specific conservation programs, the Demand Management Incentive program provides participating water retailers with a rebate of $179 per acre-foot of water saved compared to 2020. Resulting water savings provided water retailers between $59,000- $280,000, based on their actual water saved in a year, which helps to fund future conservation efforts. Given the program success, the San Bernardino Valley Board challenged the region to continue achieving water savings by tripling the goal from 5,000 to 15,000 acre-feet this year. The collective efforts of all stakeholders will play a significant role in preserving the water supply and securing a sustainable future for our communities. Residents looking to help the initiative are encouraged to work directly with their water retailer for specific programs in their area. About San Bernardino Valley San Bernardino Valley is a regional water agency with a service area that covers around 353 square miles in southwestern San Bernardino County and a population of approximately 714,000. With a dedicated team of experts and partnerships across the region, San Bernardino Valley is committed to building a resilient and sustainable water future for the community. Learn more at www.sbvmwd.com.
