East Valley Water District (EVWD) is continuing forward on the path to construct a water recycling facility that will provide up to 10 million gallons per day of recycled water for groundwater recharge. Two recent studies completed reflect major benefits resulting from the project along with significant community support. The economic analysis conducted by Dr. John Husing and a community survey by Probolsky Research were presented to the Governing Board at the March 11, 2015 regular board meeting.
“These findings give EVWD important insight into the broad-reaching benefits and impacts this project could have on the region,” said Chairman James Morales, Jr.
The economic study, conducted by Dr. John Husing, a renowned Inland Empire economist, indicates that the Recycled Water Project would have several important economic impacts for the region. It would create over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs, primarily within the construction industry at a time when the Inland Empire’s economy is emerging from the Great Recession.
Husing also reports that the Recycled Water Project would address the water supply needs of planned development projects that will infuse billions of dollars into the local economy, resulting in over $1 million in sales tax revenue for the City of Highland alone.
The second study, a community survey of 400 District customers conducted by Probolsky Research, shows strong community support for EVWD, the need for a secure water supply and the proposed Recycled Water Project. Findings show that water is an issue of concern to more than 75 percent of respondents, who worry about the availability of future water supplies.
More than 90 percent of respondents support major investments that will modernize and upgrade EVWD infrastructure, and 75.8 percent of respondents support the concept of a Recycled Water Project.
“Our Feasibility Study identified the importance of this new source of water at a time when it is a priority throughout the entire State of California. These studies looked at the bigger picture, and reaffirmed the importance of the Recycled Water Project for this community,” said EVWD General Manager/CEO John Mura.