Reps. Takano and Ruiz Secure an Additional $50 Million for Desalination Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39) and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) secured an additional $50 million for Eastern Municipal Water District for desalination projects in Southern California.

The additional funds were included in the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) that passed the House yesterday. Following final passage and signage of WRDA, a total of $100 million will be allocated to Eastern Municipal Water District to boost their South Perris Desalination Program.

The proposed Stage II of this desalination program is expected to add up to 5.4 million gallons of potable water per day for customers.

"EMWD sincerely thanks its congressional delegation for securing this very important provision in the House's WRDA 2024 measure." EMWD Board Vice President Stephen J. Corona said. "The language they championed in this bill will expand a critical project which has created a new and sustainable local water supply for Western Riverside County. Thisis major win for water ratepayers in EMWD's service area that spans four congressional districts. We are extremely grateful for the steadfast and bipartisan support of the South Perris Groundwater Desalination program over the years - the success of this undertaking would not have been possible without these efforts."

"Californians understand how precious water is. I am proud to authorize an additional $50 million to Eastern Municipal Water District to complete their desalination projects," said Congressman Takano."This funding will greatly reduce the strain of water demand in a way which is greener and cleaner than before. I am proud that nearly 12,000 households across the Inland Empire will benefit from the increased supply this treatment center will produce."

"Creating and expanding access to local water resources is critical for the families and individuals I serve," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. "This additional $50 million to Eastern Municipal Water District represents a significant investment in new, sustainable local water supplies that will be cleaner and more accessible than ever before."

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