Media Corner

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2010

Central Basin Partners With WRD To Secure Replenishment Water For Basin

Commerce CA - The Central Basin Municipal Water District has partnered with the Water Replenishment District of Southern California to make more than 20,000 acre- feet of water available for replenishment of the Central Groundwater Basin.

The partnership comes at a crucial time as groundwater levels across Southern California continue to drop due to prolonged drought and the continued unavailability of replenishment water by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

"This is a win-win for both agencies and the communities we serve," said Central Basin Board President Ed Vasquez. "WRD has not been able to purchase replenishment water for three years now. With our water sales down, we were able to offer them our surplus supplies for the preservation of our basin."

"This is an excellent example of good partners working together to overcome regional supply challenges," continued President Vasquez.

Through the agreement, which was finalized in May 2010, the Water Replenishment District purchased 20,295 acre-feet of Tier 1 untreated water from Central Basin for replenishment of the Central Groundwater Basin. The Basin provides water for more than 25 cities and more than 2 million people across Southern California.

"Given the uncertainty of our state's water resources," said President Vasquez, "It is our intention to continue to make surplus Tier 1 water available to WRD whenever possible.

"The Water Replenishment District values its partnership with agencies like Central Basin. This water will have a measurable, positive effect on our Basin," said WRD Board President Sergio Calderon.

"At this point, it is uncertain whether replenishment water will be made available by MWD in the future, so it is critical that we continue to look to our industry partners to preserve and protect our groundwater supplies," concluded President Calderon.