This week, the House of Representatives passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resource Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which includes $100 million in total funding for Eastern Municipal Water District’s (EWMD) South Perris Desalination Program. This bicameral and bipartisan package will help support the proposed Stage II desalination program, which is expected to add up to 5.4 million gallons of potable water daily for EWMD customers.
Earlier this year, Reps. Ruiz and Takano secured an additional $50 million to be included in this bill – raising the total amount allocated to EMWD’s South Perris Desalination Program to $100 million.
“Expanding access to local water resources is essential for the well-being of the communities I serve,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “This essential funding allocated to Eastern Municipal Water District is a crucial step forward in the continued expansion of more sustainable water supplies that will be both more reliable and accessible for families and individuals in Hemet, San Jacinto, and the surrounding region.”
“Expanding our water infrastructure is important and necessary for the Inland Empire,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “With a growing population and climate change affecting our water supply, Eastern Municipal Water District needs this critical funding. I am proud to deliver these funds to keep Riverside County growing and safe.”
