Western Heights Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Pilot Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026060836
Public Agency
Yucaipa Valley Water District
Document Title
Western Heights Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Pilot Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/18/2026
Document Description
This project is the pilot phase of the Western Heights ASR program and involves the modification of two existing groundwater wells to
serve as injection sites. During this initial 24-month pilot period, WHWC will inject up to 700 AFY of treated potable water-sourced from
Yucaipa Valley Water District (YVWD)-into the aquifer. Pilot testing conducted during this period will be used to determine the optimal
flow rates and annual volumes for the full-scale project. The stored water will eventually be extracted by existing production wells to
ensure a resilient water supply during droughts or infrastructure emergencies and will be available for both WHWC and YVWD
Contact Information
Name
Jennifer Ares
Agency Name
Yucaipa Valley Water District
Job Title
Resource Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Yucaipa
Counties
San Bernardino
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Southern California
Cross Streets
There are two locations: North of Ave E (APN 030109118) and south of Ave D (APN 031802145) in Yu
Zip
92399
Total Acres
NA
Parcel #
030109118, 031802145
State Highways
CA 10 Freeway
Railways
NA
Airports
N/A
Schools
Yucaipa High School
Waterways
Oak Glen Creek, Wildwood Cree, Yucaipa Creek
Township
2S
Range
2W
Section
2
Base
SBPM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6, Section 15306; Class 3(d), Section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
Under SWRCB Water Quality Order 2012-0010, pilot projects may be exempt under Section 15306
(Class 6) if they focus on research and resource evaluation without causing a serious disturbance
to environmental resources. Also applicable is Section 15303 (Class 3d) - new construction or
conversion of small structures, since the existing wells only require minor alterations.
County Clerk
San Bernardino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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