Watermaster Functions
The court designated four public agencies – including Western – to represent the interests of the upper and lower areas of the Santa Ana River and gave the agencies responsibility to oversee the watershed and fulfill court-ordered obligations. Western is involved in four watermaster functions:
- Chino Groundwater Basin – 1978 groundwater adjudication
- Santa Ana River – 1969 surface water rights
- San Bernardino Basin Area – 1969 groundwater adjudication
- Santa Margarita River – 1964 surface and groundwater adjudication
Watershed Steward
Western plays another vital role in protecting the watershed as an integral partner of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA). SAWPA’s goal is a sustainable Santa Ana River Watershed that’s salt-balanced, drought-proofed and supports economic and environmental vitality, as well as an enhanced quality of life. Western works in partnership with Eastern Municipal Water District,Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Orange County Water District and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District in maximizing water resources within the watershed.
Additional Resources
Watermaster Celebrates 50 Years of Cooperation and Collaboration
April 17th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the settlement of two major lawsuits regarding surface water and groundwater rights on the Santa Ana River. Together the agreements, known as the 1969 Settlement, shaped modern water resources management along the Santa Ana River and ushered in a new era of stability and cooperation.