Arlington Desalter

Our Arlington Desalter showcases Western Water's commitment to water supply reliability through technology and by providing locally produced, high-quality drinking water in the region. Built more than 20 years ago, it was the first of its kind in Southern California. The facility provides the region with billions of gallons of drinking water annually, currently serving the people in the city of Norco and portions of Riverside. The facility supplies 6.4 million gallons of local water per day for the region. This local water source reduces our dependence on imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River.

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How does desalting groundwater work?

Like water from the ocean, groundwater contains salts and other matter that must be taken out before we can drink it. Groundwater is pumped out of the aquifer, a layer of rock and sediment deep under the ground, and treated at the Arlington Desalter through a process called reverse osmosis, which forces water across a membrane at high pressure. The membrane traps salt and other impurities and allows only clean water to come through, allowing us to drink the water.

What are the benefits?

Western Water customers have access to a local, more reliable water supply. Groundwater quality is also improved because pumping and treating more groundwater accelerates the restoration of local groundwater quality. Additionally, water basin groundwater can be stored underground and used during drier times or emergencies.