For Water Subcommittee Meeting June 25, 2026
TO: Water Subcommittee Members
APPROVAL: Yazdan Emrani, P.E., Director of Public Works
FROM: Nicole Hemmans, Senior Administrative Analyst
Title
Update on the Cactus Basin Recharge
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Rialto is participating in a facilitated stakeholder process led by the County of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District to evaluate the use of the County’s Cactus Flood Retention Basins for groundwater recharge utilizing imported water from the State Water Project. The effort is intended to enhance groundwater replenishment within the underlying basin, which is currently considered critically over drafted.
In addition to the City of Rialto, participating agencies include West Valley Water District and Fontana Union Water Company. The collaborative process is intended to establish a framework for the operation, management, and allocation of recharge benefits associated with the project.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
The facilitated process experienced several months of delay due to the unavailability of the facilitator. The facilitator has recently resumed project activities and is coordinating with participating agencies to reengage the stakeholder group and continue discussions.
Despite the delay in the facilitation process, technical evaluations and supporting analyses have continued to advance.
Staff will provide the Water Subcommittee with a verbal update regarding the status of the facilitation effort, recent technical progress, and anticipated next steps.