LAKE ELSINORE, CA. — Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) celebrated a momentous occasion yesterday with the groundbreaking ceremony that signals the start of a transformative $250 million expansion of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility (RWRF). This expansion project represents a significant commitment to meet the growing demand for water and wastewater resources in Riverside County’s fastest-growing region.
“The expansion of the Elsinore Regional Water Reclamation Facility is a critical step towards securing our state’s water future,” said Joe Karkoski, Deputy Director of the State Water Board’s Division of Financial Assistance. “Reducing water use and recycling wherever is possible is paramount as California moves into a hotter and drier climate.”
The RWRF, currently equipped to process 8 million gallons per day, is poised to be significantly augmented by an additional 4 million gallons per day (mgd) in capacity to serve the evolving needs of the community. The project’s financing has been expertly structured to minimize the financial burden on EVMWD’s customers, with a combination of low-interest loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and grants from the Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI. EVMWD has partnered with Shimmick Construction Company, along with key partners.
Jack Simes, Southern California Area Manager at the Bureau of Reclamation, added his support saying, “The Bureau of Reclamation is proud to be a funding partner through the WaterSMART title XVI program for Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s Regional Recycling Facility Expansion project. The project will provide the district with more water reliability in the future and help them meet projected demands.”
This groundbreaking expansion project boasts several key highlights:
- Enhanced reliability: Innovative design principles ensure the long-term planned reliability of the facility.
- Compact Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): A state-of-the-art Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) maximizes treatment within space constraints and accommodates future reuse plans.
- Environmental Compliance: Stringent permit requirements for Lake Elsinore discharge are ensured through a new Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system.
- Resilience Investments: EVMWD’s expansion project prepares for future potable reuse options and bolsters long-term resiliency.
“This RWRF expansion exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering resilient water resources to our community,” said Andy Morris, President of the Board of EVMWD. “As we embark on this ambitious project, we are proactively ensuring a sustainable future for our region’s residents and businesses. This expansion not only addresses our immediate requirements but also strengthens our resilience of a changing climate.”
EVMWD currently discharges over 5.5 million gallons of highly treated recycled water to Lake Elsinore every day, helping maintain the health of the lake. “Our commitment to stringent environmental compliance, particularly concerning Lake Elsinore discharges, will continue to be a priority,” said Greg Thomas, General Manager of EVMWD. “Without this water, Lake Elsinore could not be the vibrant recreational and economic boom for the area. We are proud to be leaders in this effort and partners with our surrounding community.”
The RWRF Expansion Project encompasses critical components like odor control mechanisms, added UV light disinfection, efficient biosolids handling, influent pump station expansion, fine bar screens, and headworks expansion. The project is slated for completion in 2027.
For more information, visit evmwd.com.
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI Program. California’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund is capitalized through a variety of funding sources, including grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state bond proceeds. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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EVMWD provides service to more than 159,000 water and wastewater customers in a 97-square-mile area in Western Riverside County. The EVMWD team delivers total water management that powers the health and vibrancy of its communities so life can flourish.
