The Walnut Valley Water District primarily sources its water from a sophisticated system of imported supplies managed by larger regional and state agencies. Residents and businesses served by the Walnut Valley Water District receive water that originates from both Northern California and the Colorado River.
Primary Water Providers for Walnut Valley
The Walnut Valley Water District relies on two main wholesale water suppliers to meet the demands of its service area:
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD): As one of the largest wholesale water agencies in the United States, MWD delivers imported water to its 26 member agencies, including Three Valleys Municipal Water District, which then supplies Walnut Valley Water District. MWD's supply is a crucial component of Southern California's water infrastructure.
- Three Valleys Municipal Water District (TVMWD): This district acts as an intermediary, purchasing water from MWD and then distributing it to local retail agencies like the Walnut Valley Water District. TVMWD plays a vital role in ensuring reliable water delivery to communities within its service area.
Origins of Imported Water
The water imported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which eventually reaches the Walnut Valley Water District, originates from two major distant sources:
1. Northern California via the State Water Project (SWP)
A significant portion of the water comes from Northern California through the State Water Project (SWP). This vast system of canals, pipelines, reservoirs, and pumping plants transports water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta down to Southern California. The SWP is California's largest state-built water and power project, designed to deliver water for agricultural, municipal, and industrial use across a broad geographic area.
2. Colorado River via the Colorado River Aqueduct
Another vital source is the Colorado River, with water conveyed to Southern California via the Colorado River Aqueduct. This massive engineering marvel, operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, stretches approximately 242 miles, bringing water from Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border to serve millions of people in the Southland. The Colorado River is a critical water source for multiple states in the southwestern United States.
Summary of Water Sources
The journey of water to the Walnut Valley Water District involves a multi-tiered distribution system. Here’s a breakdown of the primary sources:
| Source Category | Specific Origin Point | Transport Mechanism | Key Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imported Water | Northern California | State Water Project (SWP) | Metropolitan Water District of Southern California |
| Colorado River | Colorado River Aqueduct | Metropolitan Water District of Southern California | |
| Local Wholesalers | N/A | Distribution Network | Three Valleys Municipal Water District |
| N/A | Distribution Network | Metropolitan Water District of Southern California |
This reliance on imported water highlights the interconnectedness of California's water infrastructure and the importance of these large-scale projects in sustaining communities like those served by the Walnut Valley Water District. Ensuring the reliability and sustainability of these distant sources is crucial for the region's long-term water security.
