The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) celebrated its 120th anniversary with a dedication of its new Tertiary Treatment System (TTS) at its water reclamation plant on Chandler Place. The TTS can treat and reuse up to 2.5 million gallons per day of recycled water.
“Today we mark two significant milestones that stand on their own yet are deeply connected. One represents our history celebrating 120 years of trusted, quality service to the community and the other charts our path forward with the dedication of the Tertiary Treatment System,” said SBMWD General Manager Miguel Guerrero.
When the Department was established in 1905, SBMWD’s service area was about one square mile with a population of about 6,000. Today it’s about 50 square miles and serves approximately 225,000 residents and businesses.
Early leaders understood that a reliable water supply was essential to build a thriving city, and they focused on drilling groundwater wells and building pump stations and reservoirs, some of which are still in service today.
“This is a proud moment for the Water Board and the San Bernardino community. Maximizing sustainability is a key part of responsible stewardship, said SBMWD Board President Toni Callicott. “The Tertiary Treatment System is a great example of how the Water Department uses recycled water to help meet our water demand.”
Operational since September, the TTS uses recycled water to increase operational efficiency at the Water Reclamation Plant and reduce reliance on potable water supplies.
“The launch of the Tertiary Treatment System is not just a technical achievement. It is a key piece to strengthening our region’s water supply and the next step in a long tradition of adaptation, progress, and service to this community,” added Guererro.
Looking forward, the TTS also positions the Department to expand the system’s recycled water capacity to 5 million gallons per day and help to recharge the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, bolstering long-term water reliability for the region.
“The foresight of our founders, who secured water rights and invested in long-term infrastructure, continues to benefit us today,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “Now, the investments we are making, will ensure that 120 years from today and beyond, San Bernardino residents will enjoy the same dependable access to safe, affordable, and plentiful water.
