In December 1960 on behalf of the people in the San Bernardino valley, San Bernardino Valley District signed a historic contract with the State of California for an imported water supply through the State Water Project (SWP). San Bernardino Valley would receive 46,000 acre-feet in 1972, which would gradually increase to a total of 98,000 acre-feet per year.  Later, San Bernardino Valley would acquire an additional 4,600 acre-feet per year to establish its annual entitlement to SWP water at 102,600 acre-feet.  The actual amount of SWP water San Bernardino Valley receives each year is based upon hydrologic conditions and other factors. 

San Bernardino Valley is the fifth largest of 29 State Water Contractors (SWC) that receive water from the SWP. Each SWC pays its proportionate share of the facilities necessary to deliver water into their service area.  This “fixed” cost (similar to a home mortgage) pays for the infrastructure and is paid year-in and year-out, whether or not water is delivered.  The costs were amortized over nearly 75 years, ending in 2035.  When the last payment is made, the people in the San Bernardino valley will have invested over $2.2 billion in this crucial infrastructure.

In addition to the fixed cost, San Bernardino Valley also pays “variable” costs for the actual water delivered each year. The variable costs includes energy and operations costs.

More information on the history of water development and the State Water Project can be found at the California Department of Water Resources website.

Click here for additional information about what the State Water Project means to the Inland Empire region.