New partnership formed to address Inland Empire water challenges by Western Municipal Water District Jul 28, 2021 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – Four water agencies today announced the launch of a new regional partnership to increase awareness of and advocate for solutions to regional water quality and supply challenges. The Inland Empire Clean Water Partnership is launching as many municipalities face challenges surrounding dry-weather conditions and we approach another hot summer in Southern California. The water agencies included in the partnership are Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District. These water providers collectively serve water users throughout Riverside and San Bernardino including wholesale water providers, and residential, businesses and agricultural customers. “Through the Inland Empire Clean Water Partnership, we are bringing a unified voice to regional water solutions,” said Western’s Board President Brenda Dennstedt. “Thanks to sound planning, proactive investments and customers’ continued efforts to use water wisely, our region is well positioned to meet customers’ water demands for this year.” The Inland Empire Clean Water Partnership (IECWP) was formed because of the shared challenges and the agencies’ commitment to solutions that collectively benefit all water users and the region. The first items of interest to the collaboration are water quality and prolonged dry climate impacts on water supply, but the shared approach will prepare water agencies and users to tackle future issues that may arise. “While your providers are planning and preparing every day to secure safe, high-quality water supplies and ensure drought resiliency for the region, we must continue to plan for drought and extreme weather patterns by modernizing existing infrastructure, expanding water efficiency efforts, and investing in new, innovative and sustainable projects,” said Dennstedt. Our voices, speaking collectively, will help to align strategy, to share and implement best practices, and to better serve our Inland Empire water customers. ###