MWA Breaks Ground on West Victorville Groundwater Banking Pilot Project by Mojave Water Agency Jun 10, 2026 Member Submitted News VICTORVILLE — Mojave Water Agency (MWA) today officially broke ground on the West Victorville Groundwater Banking Pilot Test Project, launching construction on one of the region’s most significant water infrastructure investments in recent memory. The ceremony, held near 11987 Duncan Road in Victorville, drew Agency leadership, elected officials, community stakeholders, and project partners to mark the beginning of a project designed to dramatically expand groundwater recharge capacity across the Alto Subarea of the Mojave Groundwater Basin. The 40-acre facility will be capable of adding an estimated 12,000 to 18,000 acre-feet per year of off-river recharge capacity. This is a transformational increase that will allow MWA to capture imported State Water Project supplies and store that water underground during periods of abundance, creating a strategic reserve for use during future droughts and dry cycles. Unlike conventional recharge projects, the West Victorville facility is expressly designed as a pilot groundwater banking operation. Data collected throughout its operation will inform MWA’s understanding of recharge rates, aquifer response, groundwater quality, and recovery potential — knowledge that will help shape future water banking efforts across the entire region. “This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring a reliable water future for the High Desert,” said Marina West, President of the Mojave Water Agency Board of Directors. “Groundwater banking allows us to make the most of available water supplies today while preparing responsibly for the challenges of tomorrow.” The project is supported by a $12.87 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources through the Urban and Multi-Benefit Drought Relief Program. Construction was awarded to Ames Construction, with a contract not to exceed approximately $17.9 million. All work is required to be completed by December 31, 2026. For Victorville, the project carries particular significance. As one of the High Desert’s fastest-growing communities, the city depends on a reliable water supply to support housing development, business investment, and continued economic expansion. By replenishing the underground aquifers that residents and businesses draw from every day, the West Victorville project helps ensure that Victorville’s water supply keeps pace with its growth, and its future. The groundbreaking reflects a strong regional partnership among Mojave Water Agency, the California Department of Water Resources, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, engineering professionals, contractors, and local elected officials, a coalition united around the shared goal of long-term water security for the communities of the Mojave Desert. Mojave Water Agency, established in 1960, plays a vital role in securing reliable water supplies for the High Desert region. As one of 29 State Water Project contractors, the Agency manages water resources across a 4,900-square-mile service area, promoting long-term sustainability and stewardship. For more information, visit www.mojavewater.org or follow us on social media @mojavewater. ###
