A Shared Investment in Regional Water Reliability.
San Bernardino Valley collects $0.11 for every $100 of assessed property value to pay our share of State Water Project costs.
We help secure a reliable water supply for our region by providing supplemental water from Northern California through the State Water Project. This water supports local retail agencies, helping supplement surface water and groundwater supplies for homes and businesses throughout the region.
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District is a special district, a type of local government created to provide a specific public service. In our case, the agency was formed by the local voters in 1954 to order be sure the region would have a reliable water supply, even during droughts and poor water quality conditions. Tools and strategies we use to ensure the region’s long-term water resources include importing supplemental water through the California State Water Project, managing groundwater basins, and supporting proactive groundwater replenishment.
Unlike local retail water agencies, we do not deliver water directly to homes or businesses. San Bernardino Valley operates as a wholesale water agency and State Water Contractor, working directly with the CA Department of Water Resources. Our role is to secure, develop, and manage long-term water supplies that are sustainable and reliable for the region—both today and for future generations.
Property Tax Rate History, 2016 to Present
About the SBVMWD Tax Rate
San Bernardino Valley is partially funded by a voter-approved property tax to pay for a long-term Supplemental Water supply from Northern California. This Supplemental water is captured at Lake Oroville and delivered 400+ miles south via the State Water Project (CA Aqueduct).
As a wholesale water supplier and State Water Contractor, we provide this supplemental water to local retail water agencies within our service area when it is available and requested. These retail agencies then use the water to supplement local sources such as surface water and groundwater, helping supply homes and businesses throughout the region.
We collect $0.11 for every $100 of assessed property value to pay our share of State Water Project costs. On property tax statements, this appears as San Bernardino Valley Muni Water Dist. These property tax funds are placed in a restricted account and can only be used for expenses related to the State Water Project supplemental supply.
For more information on the history and benefits of the SWP please visit the CA Department of Water Resources.
