Securing Hemet’s Water Future: EMWD’s Local Groundwater Projects at Work
- Joe Grindstaff
- Dec 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 1
When Hemet families turn on the tap, much of that water comes from right beneath our feet. Our city depends heavily on its own groundwater basin, an underground reserve that supplies the majority of our drinking water. That local source is what makes Hemet unique, but it also means we must carefully manage and protect it. The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has been investing in a range of projects designed to strengthen our groundwater reliability for decades to come.
Building Local Independence through Groundwater Reliability Plus
To reduce reliance on imported water and improve long-term sustainability, EMWD created the Groundwater Reliability Plus (GWR Plus) program. This initiative focuses on improving the quality and quantity of local groundwater through innovative solutions like desalination, replenishment, and groundwater banking (EMWD, Groundwater Reliability Plus). Currently, about 20 percent of EMWD’s total potable water comes from local wells, including several within the Hemet and San Jacinto area. Through GWR Plus, EMWD is expanding its share by cleaning, treating, and replenishing groundwater so it remains a dependable resource, no matter what happens with imported water from Northern California or the Colorado River (EMWD, Groundwater Reliability Plus).
Local Investments Paying Off
Several new and ongoing projects are helping secure Hemet’s water future:
San Jacinto Valley Groundwater Treatment Facility:
EMWD recently broke ground on this state-of-the-art treatment plant, which will remove iron and manganese from local wells. Once complete, it will provide more than 11,000 acre-feet of clean water each year; enough for 25,000 households. This facility will reduce the need for imported supplies while improving local water quality (EMWD, San Jacinto Valley Groundwater Treatment Facility).
Mountain Avenue West Groundwater Replenishment Facility:
Located near San Jacinto, this project allows EMWD to store water underground during wet years for use during dry years. It is part of a larger regional banking effort that helps stabilize supplies and protect against drought (Rebuild SoCal, Riverside County’s Ambitious Water Banking Program).
Perris II Desalter:
One of three EMWD desalination plants, this facility treats naturally salty (brackish) groundwater and converts it into high-quality drinking water. Together, EMWD’s desalters produce more than 14 million gallons of water per day, enough to serve over 30,000 households (WaterWorld, EMWD Opens Third Desalination Facility).
Each of these projects represents a long-term investment in Hemet’s resilience. By building out local capacity, EMWD is ensuring that our community can continue to rely on safe, affordable, and sustainable water even as imported sources become more unpredictable.
Regional Collaboration, Local Results
Groundwater reliability is not achieved in isolation. EMWD works closely with the County of Riverside, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and local partners like the City of Hemet to fund and coordinate these major infrastructure projects. Through these collaborations, we are able to leverage regional resources to benefit our local neighborhoods (EMWD, Investments in Groundwater Shape EMWD’s Water Supply Future).
The result is a water system that is stronger, smarter, and more adaptable, designed to handle both droughts and growth without compromising reliability.
Looking Ahead
Water independence begins locally. By expanding our groundwater programs, investing in treatment technology, and banking water for future use, EMWD is preparing Hemet for the decades ahead. I am proud to represent a district that prioritizes proactive planning and innovation. Together, we can keep Hemet’s water supply sustainable, secure, and ready for whatever challenges come our way.
Learn more about EMWD’s local water reliability projects and how they benefit our community: https://www.emwd.org/GWRPlus
References
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). “Groundwater Reliability Plus.” EMWD,
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). “Investments in Groundwater Shape EMWD’s Water Supply Future.” EMWD News Release, March 3, 2022.
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). “EMWD Celebrates Groundbreaking of San Jacinto Valley Groundwater Treatment Facility.” EMWD News Release, July 2, 2024.
WaterWorld. “EMWD Opens Third Desalination Facility.” WaterWorld, June 24, 2022.
Rebuild SoCal. “Riverside County’s Ambitious Water Banking Program.” Rebuild SoCal,
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