Pass Area Dives into Unprecedented Water Alliance by San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency Aug 25, 2025 Member Submitted News BEAUMONT – In a historic move to secure reliable water supplies for the Pass area, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) on June 16, 2025. The expansive MOU enables SGPWA and Metropolitan to share technical expertise, conduct feasibility studies for high-impact projects and programs, model potential infrastructure, implement water exchange programs and pilot projects, and coordinate water management facility development. “This groundbreaking partnership opens the door to powerful storage and exchange projects that will protect our shared water future,” said SGPWA Board President Mickey Valdivia. “We are proud to join forces with MWD to lead the way toward long-term water sustainability for everyone.” The MOU explores resilient infrastructure development and diversified supply sources. SGPWA is working with Metropolitan to expand its water portfolio to maintain stable water rates. “We are excited to work with SGPWA to leverage combined resources, expertise and infrastructure,” said Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “Together, we will forge powerful, cost-effective solutions to the San Gorgonio Pass region’s water needs while supporting our mission to ensure water reliability for Southern California.” The MOU advances specific goals within SGPWA’s Strategic Plan, including aligning with the current and future water landscape; supporting the region’s long-term needs by diversifying the local supply portfolio; advancing water sustainability; and ensuring a reliable delivery system that advances efficiency and resiliency. Outside of the MOU, SGPWA and Metropolitan have both made investments in the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) planning process to modernize and increase the long-term reliability of the State Water Project (SWP). The agencies will use information gathered during this process to make a future decision on whether to fund the project’s construction. President Valdivia and Director Larry Smith recently visited the State Capitol to advocate for the DCP budget trailer bill. As a significant investor in the Sites Reservoir Project, SGPWA shared its first-hand experience in permit streamlining and acceleration. Metropolitan is a regional water wholesaler and the largest supplier of treated water in the United States. It serves 26 member agencies that deliver supplies directly or indirectly to 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. Metropolitan owns and operates the Colorado River Aqueduct system and is the largest single contractor of the SWP. Learn more about SGPWA’s sustainability efforts at sgpwa.com. ### About San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency Formed in 1961, SGPWA is a State Water Contractor that serves a 225-square-mile area of western Riverside County. The service area includes the cities of Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning, and the communities of Cherry Valley, Cabazon, and the Banning Bench. In addition to importing State Water Project (SWP) water from Northern California to augment local groundwater sources, the Agency builds local system infrastructure, participates in water transfers, partners in statewide water projects and collaborates on regional water reliability and conservation efforts.
