The first-of-its-kind regional Joint Powers Authority celebrates five decades of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable water management.
Riverside, CA – February 10, 2026 – On January 22, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) celebrated its 50th Anniversary at Crestmore Manor in Jurupa Valley, marking five decades of regional collaboration, innovation, and sustainable water management.
SAWPA is a Joint Powers Authority comprising five member agencies: the Orange County Water District (OCWD), Western Municipal Water District (WMWD), Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD), and Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Formed in 1975, it was the first agency of its kind in California, establishing a model for how regional planning can advance shared water resource goals.
The anniversary event highlighted both historic achievements and the momentum for future watershed initiatives.
SAWPA General Manager Karen Williams, who was appointed in August 2025, led the SAWPA team in planning the event in just three months.
“Since its founding in 1975, SAWPA has always been more than a regional agency,” said Williams. “It has been a collaborative force, uniting diverse communities, water agencies, and stakeholders under a shared vision: to steward our watershed with integrity, foresight, and resilience. This celebration honors what we’ve accomplished and what we will continue to achieve together.”
The origins of SAWPA trace back to decades of disputes over water rights, which culminated in the landmark 1969 Santa Ana River Settlement. In response, the Santa Ana Watershed Planning Agency (also known as SAWPA) was formed to coordinate planning efforts arising from the settlement. After developing regional multi-benefit project plans with local water suppliers, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority was established in 1975 to carry those plans forward.
Initially composed of four agencies (EMWD joined later), the Authority transformed former adversaries into partners working toward a stronger, more sustainable regional water supply.
“SAWPA has achieved incredible milestones over the past 50 years,” said SAWPA Commission Chair Mike Gardner. “Each decade has brought forward projects that have significantly benefited the region, making it difficult to highlight everything in just one night.”
During the celebration, SAWPA premiered its 50th Anniversary video, featuring major accomplishments such as the Inland Empire Brine Line, the Arlington Groundwater Basin Desalter, the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WRCRWA), the Rapid Infiltration and Extraction (RIX) facility, and many others.
Attendees also received a commemorative 50th Anniversary book, which provides an in-depth look at SAWPA’s regional planning efforts, funding successes, and flagship projects.
“This milestone gave us the chance to reflect and celebrate all we have and continue to accomplish, by choosing collaboration over conflict,” Williams added. “By rolling up our sleeves and working together, we’ve achieved far more for the watershed than anyone thought possible 50 years ago.”
One of the first employees of the original Santa Ana Watershed Planning Agency, Don Harriger, attended the celebration and received the Legacy Award in recognition of the foundational work he and Bill Dendy accomplished. Former SAWPA General Managers were honored with the Vision Award, and General Managers and Commissioners from the member agencies were also recognized for their collaborative work.
Photos and videos from the event, along with the 50th Anniversary documentary video, commemorative eBook, audio interviews, and additional materials, are available at sawpa.gov/50years.
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About SAWPA
The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), a public water agency, was formed as a Joint Powers Authority and is located in Riverside, California. SAWPA focuses on a broad range of water resource issues, including water supply reliability, water quality improvement, recycled water, wastewater treatment, groundwater management, brine management, and integrated regional planning. SAWPA’s mission is to manage the Inland Empire Brine Line and to develop and maintain regional plans, programs, and projects that will protect the Santa Ana River basin water resources to maximize beneficial uses within the watershed in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. To learn more, please visit sawpa.gov.
