Adoption of Replenishment Assessment Charge Rates for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 for the East Whitewater River, West Whitewater River and Mission Creek Subbasin

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) manages three groundwater replenishment programs for the groundwater basins that underlie the Coachella Valley. Of the three Replenishment Assessment Charge (RAC) programs, CVWD and the Desert Water Agency jointly manage the Mission Creek Subbasin and the western portion of the Whitewater River Subbasin. CVWD independently manages the eastern portion of the Whitewater River Subbasin. Imported water is used to recharge these groundwater basins; and groundwater RACs are assessed on all groundwater producers who use more than 25 acre-feet of water in any given year. The funds collected are used to pay for specific costs and charges associated with importing water and recharging the groundwater basins. The 2026/2027 Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment Assessment describes the condition of the groundwater supplies, the need for replenishment, recommendations for replenishment programs, and the RAC for each of the three Areas of Benefit (AOB) managed by CVWD within the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. This report was presented to CVWD's Board of Directors on April 28, 2026, in accordance with Chapter 7, Sections 31630 through 31639 of the California Water Code. On May 27, 2026, CVWD's Board of Directors approved levying a RAC fee change for the West Whitewater River Subbasin AOB, East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB, and Mission Creek Subbasin AOB for fiscal year (FY) 2026-2027.