EMWD Awarded for Excellence in Recycled Water Outreach and Education by Eastern Municipal Water District Oct 1, 2024 Member Submitted News PERRIS — Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has been recognized for outstanding community outreach and education by the California chapter of the WateReuse Association at its annual conference. The Award of Excellence was the second of the year for EMWD, which received a similar honor at the national WateReuse symposium in March. As a national leader in recycled water, EMWD has proactively engaged its customers to gain public acceptance for using recycled water to irrigate agriculture, schools, parks, streetscapes, golf courses, and for environmental purposes. EMWD’s holistic outreach approach to support its recycled water projects and programs includes: Making recycled water a component of EMWD’s award-winning classroom education program to foster acceptance at an early age. Educating legislators and regulatory agencies to help advance policy decisions and grant funding opportunities that support EMWD’s efforts. Community engagement through non-regulatory signage that highlights customer investments in recycled water for public benefit, including at area farms and parks. EMWD has a strategic priority of using 100 percent of its recycled water for beneficial reuse in years with normal or below average rainfall. EMWD defines beneficial reuse as using the recycled water within its service areas to offset potable water demands. Recycled water accounts for more than one-third of EMWD’s overall water supply portfolio and reduces reliance on drinking water supplies, including imported water. “We want to thank WateReuse California for this honor recognizing the work our organization has accomplished in this field,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “Our customers have embraced the benefits of recycled water, in large part because of the work we have done in educating our community about this valuable water supply source.” # # # Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 601-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.
