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Where your water comes from

The Temecula Valley sits in a dry corner of California, so much of its water travels a long way.

Imported water

Local water districts buy imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. It arrives through the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project from Northern California. Much of the imported supply serving this area is treated at Metropolitan's Robert A. Skinner treatment plant beside Lake Skinner, near Winchester. Diamond Valley Lake, near Hemet, is one of Metropolitan's largest storage reservoirs.

Local supplies

Districts also rely on local groundwater and recycled water. Vail Lake, east of Temecula, is owned by Rancho California Water District and helps recharge the groundwater basin.

Why our water is hard

Colorado River water picks up minerals along its long route, which is a big reason Southern California water is hard. That's the white crust on your faucets and the scale in your water heater. See the hard water guide.

Learn more

Your district's annual water quality report shows the sources and quality of your water. Find it through the links on our water quality page.