Ash and charred debris from wildfires can take a toll on local watersheds. A recent fire in the Mill Creek spreading grounds scorched trees, but left other sections untouched. 

Nature removes nitrates and sediment caused from fire through plant absorption and filtration as water seeps underground, but the impacts on wetland habitat can still be devastating.

Engineering design is nearing completion for Phase 1B of theEnhanced Recharge Project led by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District in partnership with SBVWCD, Western Municipal Water District, and the City of Riverside Public Utilities. Phase 1A included the construction of a sedimentation basin and a new pipeline connection to convey water to other basins for recharge and/or delivery to water treatment plants. Phase 1B will include construction of new canals, percolation basins and a mechanical trash rack, which will more than double the amount of water that can be recharged to serve more than 1 million people in the region.
Read More

Construction for the Plunge Creek Conservation Project was completed this month, setting the stage for nature to do its work bringing much-needed water to reestablish viable habitat for endangered, threatened and native species. District staff is working with a project biologist to monitor the San Bernardino kangaroo rat and other species to ensure that things go smoothly in the months ahead. Read More

Construction on the Plunge Creek Habitat Conservation Plan began this month, following the recent Safe Harbor Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. All other permits and contracting have been completed, along with survey, mobilization and pre-project biological work. Read More