Eastern Municipal Water District outlines major infrastructure projects in Moreno Valley

The City Council of Moreno Valley convened on February 11, 2025, for a study session focused on updates from the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) and ongoing infrastructure projects within the city. The meeting began with a presentation by the EMWD General Manager, who highlighted the agency's 75th anniversary and its significant role as the sixth largest water retailer in California, serving a rapidly growing population of approximately one million residents across 682 square miles.

The presentation detailed EMWD's diverse water supply portfolio, which includes drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water services. The agency reported an ambitious capital improvement program with plans to invest $785 million in infrastructure over the next five years, supported by various local, regional, state, and federal funding sources.

Key projects discussed included the Paris North Groundwater Contamination Prevention Remediation Program, which aims to address contamination in the Paris North Basin with a budget of $62 million. Other ongoing projects include the Kitchen and Iris sewer replacement and the Cactus 2 feeder pipeline, both of which are designed to enhance the city's water and sewer infrastructure.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, particularly with many set to begin in 2025. They emphasized the importance of effective coordination to minimize disruptions to the community. EMWD representatives acknowledged these concerns and assured the council of their commitment to maintaining communication and collaboration with city staff to ensure timely project completion.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from EMWD to address community concerns proactively and to continue improving their infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population. The council looks forward to further updates as these projects progress.