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.

About 100 people gathered in Calimesa that Friday afternoon to hear from speakers David Dutchover from South Mesa Water Company, Mickey Valdivia from San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, Lance Eckhart from San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, Lisa Yamashita-Lopez from CalMutuals, Heather Dyer from San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez and State Water Resources Control Board Member Nichole Morgan.

We are grateful to the State Water Board for granting us the funds to provide clean water to the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park and look forward to doing our part in building a regional recharge basin alongside San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency and San Bernardino Municipal Water District. The grant is being used to replace 24,000 feet of pipeline along County Line Road, drill a new well in Calimesa and to take over service to the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park which struggles with nitrate contamination in their water.

Please enjoy photos from the event here.

The $10.2 million grant will support critical infrastructure improvements in our service area, including replacing 26,000 feet of pipeline and supporting our consolidation efforts with the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park. These infrastructure projects will conjunctively contribute to regional collaboration efforts between South Mesa Water Company, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency and San Bernardino Municipal Water District. All of these expand on our ability to provide clean, reliable water at an affordable price to our shareholders.

The groundbreaking event is scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will take place next to the Fourth Street Community Park in Calimesa. The parking area for the event is located at 960 4th Street, Calimesa, CA 92320. We will place signs to guide all attendees to an adjacent lot where we will set up a tent to host the special event.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served during the reception.

Click here to RSVP

Thank you for your continued support of our water system’s efforts.