Hemet’s Water Future: Conservation, Innovation, and Savings for Families

When Hemet families turn on the tap, much of their water comes from a very local source: groundwater pumped from nine city-owned wells. Unlike many communities that rely heavily on imported water, Hemet relies primarily on its own groundwater basin (City of Hemet, 2025). Protecting this supply is not just good policy; it is essential for the future of our community.

Why Conservation Matters

Southern California has always faced water challenges, and Hemet is no exception. During drought years, the State of California required the City of Hemet to adopt Level 2 conservation rules, such as limiting outdoor watering to every other day, in order to target a 20 percent reduction in water use (City of Hemet, 2025). These measures help preserve our groundwater, reduce waste, and keep the city in compliance with state regulations.

At the same time, Hemet has adopted a 2020 Urban Water Management Plan that lays out how the city will secure water supplies for the next 20 years. This plan ensures Hemet is meeting state requirements while preparing for population growth and climate impacts (City of Hemet, 2021).

Innovation Through the Wetlands

Local partnerships also strengthen Hemet’s water future. EMWD’s Hemet/San Jacinto Constructed Wetlands have become a model for how to combine water treatment with environmental restoration. The wetlands improve water quality, provide habitat for nearly 120 species of birds, and serve as a hands-on education center for local schools and researchers (EMWD, 2025). Projects like these show how innovation can protect both our drinking water and our environment.

Savings for Hemet Families

Conservation not only protects the supply; it can also save families money. The City of Hemet, working with EMWD and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, offers rebates for high-efficiency appliances, turf replacement, irrigation controllers, rain barrels, and more (City of Hemet, 2025).

A new Weather-Based Irrigation Controller rebate program is especially exciting. By using local weather data to adjust watering schedules, these controllers help residents keep their yards healthy while reducing water waste. Hemet is offering up to $200 per household and $4,000 per business to encourage adoption of these smart irrigation systems (City of Hemet, 2025).

👉 Click here to learn more and apply for Hemet’s Weather-Based Irrigation Controller rebate

Looking Ahead

By combining conservation, long-term planning, innovative wetlands projects, and rebate programs that save families money, Hemet is building a stronger water future. My commitment is simple: to ensure Hemet families continue to have safe, reliable, and affordable water today and for generations to come.

References

City of Hemet. “Water Supply.” Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.hemetca.gov/657/Water-Supply

City of Hemet. “Urban Water Management Plans.” Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.hemetca.gov/784/Urban-Water-Management-Plans

Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). “Wetlands Education, Visitors, & Awards.” Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.emwd.org/what-we-do/recycled-water-service/hemet-san-jacinto-constructed-wetlands/wetlands-education

Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). “Hemet / San Jacinto Constructed Wetlands.” Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.emwd.org/recycled-water/hemet-san-jacinto-constructed-wetlands

City of Hemet. “Rebates & Programs.” Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.hemetca.gov/1104/Rebates-Programs