EVMWD’s Water Supply is a blend of local groundwater, surface water from Railroad Canyon Reservoir (Canyon Lake), and imported water. On average, half our supply is imported. Annual water production in the Elsinore Division is about 27,000 acre-feet.

Groundwater

The Elsinore division has eight active municipal wells that provide quality drinking water from a deep aquifer. Several additional wells are planned. Groundwater is disinfected with chlorine and chloramines at the wellhead and represents 40–50 percent of drinking water supplies in the Elsinore division. By early 2005 all water supplies to the Elsinore Division will be disinfected by chloramines, which is a disinfectant commonly used in the United States. For more information, view the Consumer Confidence Report, section 2, Water Contaminants and Your Health.

Temescal Division

EVMWD’s Temescal Division was acquired in 1989 when the district purchased the Temescal Water Company. Residential customers are served from domestic wells in the Coldwater Basin. Domestic water supply is also supplemented by imported water from Lee Lake Water District. Agricultural customers in the Temescal Valley receive water from several wells in the Bunker Hill, Colton and Temescal Valley basins, and surface water from Lee Lake, which is fed by the Temescal Wash. Annual water production for this division ranges from approximately 6,000 to 7,000 acre-feet.

Railroad Canyon Reservoir

EVMWD owns Railroad Canyon Reservoir, also known as Canyon Lake. The reservoir impounds local runoff from the 750 square mile San Jacinto River watershed. Canyon Lake holds nearly 12,000 acre-feet of water behind Railroad Canyon Dam.

Imported Water

The Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project provide most of southern California’s water supply. EVMWD imports treated, disinfected water from Lake Skinner and Lake Mathews, located in Temecula and Riverside respectively. Both treatment facilities are operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). On average, imported water accounts for 48 percent of EVMWD’s supply.

Water Management Goals