This basin will be the first of its kind for our shareholders. A spreading basin is a shallow basin that is used to store water. These basins are typically located above groundwater reservoirs, where the water can be naturally filtered as it soaks through the ground and replenishes our water supply.

The spreading basin will be built in Calimesa off of Fourth Street. The basin will have a direct connection to the State Water Project, giving the region access to additional water supplies from Northern California.

As a part of a $10.2 million grant that South Mesa received from the State Water Resources Control Board, which regulates water agencies in California, over 24,000 feet of mainline pipe will be replaced and upgraded along County Line Road. These larger, 16-inch pipes will have the capacity to handle water flows into and out of the basin.

The project is estimated to be completed in early 2026.

South Mesa Water Company stepped in to ensure that the community, which consists of mostly fixed-income residents, has access to clean, reliable water supply.

They additionally had inadequate fire flows, and now use South Mesa water to ensure they can support firefighting efforts in their area.

The consolidation began in spring of 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2025.