South Mesa Water Company

02/01/2025

Did you know that a leaky faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year? That’s enough to take 180+ showers! Even worse, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day—adding hundreds of dollars to your water bill annually. Consider conducting a home water audit to find and fix these pesky water wasters. Check out this handy guide for the best way to do it yourself: https://jblantonplumbing.com/how-to-conduct-a-home-water-audit

Saving water saves you money and helps protect our community’s precious water resources. A quick fix today makes a big impact tomorrow!

01/25/2025

Rain is in the forecast this weekend, and there’s no better time to consider installing a rain barrel! Did you know a 55-gallon rain barrel can save up to 1,300 gallons of water during the peak rainy season? That’s a LOT of water you can put to good use!
You can use collected rainwater for outdoor tasks like gardening, washing your car, or cleaning your driveway. Rain barrels also help reduce stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants into local waterways.

Check out this graphic, which gives a step by step guide on how to properly install a rain barrel. By installing one, you’re helping contribute to the longevity of our local water resources!

01/18/2025

Today, South Mesa proudly celebrated the successful consolidation of the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park in Calimesa and the installation of over 24,000 feet of pipeline upgrades, furthering our mission to ensure clean, safe and reliable water for communities in need.

We were honored to celebrate this milestone with Calimesa Mayor Linda Molina, Councilmember Eric Cundieff, representatives from the offices of Senator Ochoa Bogh, Assemblymember Wallis and Riverside County Supervisor Gutierrez, State Water Resources Control Board Member Nichole Morgan, Adan Ortega of CalMutuals and our community.

This milestone, made possible by a $10.2 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board, is the result of incredible teamwork and dedication. Huge thanks to our amazing partners at California Water Boards, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District for their ongoing support in building a stronger, more resilient water system for our communities.

01/11/2025

The start of the new year is the perfect time to re-commit to protecting our environment and using less water. A great, simple way to start is by making sure to recycle your Christmas tree! When you put your tree out for garbage pickup during the designated window, those trees are taken to be composted. Compost is a great way to help the plants in your gardens and landscapes retain more moisture, meaning you can water less!

In the City of Calimesa, CR&R will pick up Christmas trees from Dec. 26- Jan. 16. Check out their requirements here to make sure your tree can be properly disposed of:https://crrwasteservices.com/cities/california/county-of-riverside/city-of-calimesa/

01/01/2025

Looking back on 2024, we are so proud to have made monumental investments in our water system, all for our shareholders! We received a $10.2 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board, completed nearly 30,000 feet of pipeline upgrades and are actively working on regional projects that will bring additional water supplies to our area.

Thank you for your being an invested part of our efforts and community. As a reminder, our offices will be closed on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. If you have an emergency, please call our office at (909) 795-2401 to be connected to our after hours operators. We wish you all a Happy New Year!

12/24/2024

This holiday season, we’re feeling overflowing gratitude for you, our amazing customers. From our family to yours, may your holidays be filled with happiness, health, and plenty of cheer!

Our offices will be closed on:
December 24-25
December 31- January 1

If you experience any issues with your water service, please call our offices at (909) 795-2401 to reach our after hours staff. Happy holidays!

12/17/2024

This year, why not make your holiday gifts thoughtful and eco-friendly? Help your loved ones save water and spread holiday cheer with compost bins! They can be amazing presents that not only reduce food waste, but can help a household create their own mulch for their gardens and landscapes. The mulch helps soil retain moisture for longer, reducing the need to water plants as frequently.

Compost bins can be compact and sleek! There are a variety of stylish, low-key options that blend in to a home’s decor and help you contribute to a better environment. Check out this link for a list of some of the best options: https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/gardening-kit/which-type-of-compost-bin-is-best/

11/29/2024

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for our incredible South Mesa community and the privilege of providing safe, clean, and affordable water to you and your families. Access to fresh water is something many of us may take for granted, yet it’s one of life’s greatest blessings—a resource we’re committed to protecting and delivering with care.

As we gather around the table this holiday, let’s remember how essential clean water is in our lives, our health, and our communities. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and cherished moments. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2024

As we prepare for Thanksgiving celebrations with family we reflect on our blessings, and, at South Mesa, think about the ways we can protect one of our most precious resources—water!

When it comes to thawing your turkey, planning ahead can make a big difference. Defrosting in the fridge —about a day for every 4-5 pounds—but it’s much better for both food safety and water conservation. The average Thanksgiving turkey is 15 pounds, which means you’ll need to start defrosting it at least 3 days in advance (which is this Sunday)!

Small steps like these can go a long way in reducing water waste of last minute thawing with soaking or running water. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for clean, safe water and commit to protecting it, one drop at a time.

11/13/2024

November 15 is National Recycling Day! Did you know that composting is a powerful way to use recycling to protect our local water sources? Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills, preventing the release of chemicals that can seep into groundwater. Plus, it enriches our soil naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers that could harm our water systems and improving our landscape’s water efficiency.

Take advantage of Burrtec’s local compost and mulch giveaway! Bring your own container to the vacant lot across from the equestrian center (13273 California St) and take home free, nutrient-rich compost made right here in our community. The site is open daily and is replenished on the third Saturday of each month, making this Saturday the perfect opportunity to stock up. Find out more details and information here: https://www.burrtec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Yucaipa-Summer-2024-D4E10-FLAT-4.pd

10/31/2024

With 600 million pounds of candy sold each Halloween, that’s a LOT of wrappers—many of which end up as litter. If left on the ground, these wrappers can wash into storm drains, contributing to stormwater pollution and potentially harming our groundwater.

This Halloween, remember to bring a small trash bag when trick-or-treating and collect any candy wrappers you see. By keeping our streets clean, you’ll also be protecting our water!

Have a happy Halloween and safe trick or treating!

10/25/2024

Does your toilet flush on its own, as if a ghostly presence is lingering? Don’t worry—it's not a poltergeist! It’s called “ghost flushing,” and it can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day! Fix it by checking and replacing your flapper valve, and ensure the fill valve is sealing properly to prevent leaks. With a little TLC, you can save up to 6,000 gallons of water per month. That's a spooky amount of waste to stop, especially in time for Halloween!

10/17/2024

Every October 17, the US Water Alliance hosts “Imagine a Day Without Water” — a chance to collectively acknowledge the critical role water plays in every aspect of our lives. We know that water is not just a resource; it's the rhythm of our lives.What if the next time you turn on the tap, nothing came out? Life as we know it would be completely disrupted.

At South Mesa Water Company, we are proud to not only serve clean and reliable water to our shareholders, but also actively participate in efforts like the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park consolidation to help ensure that no one in our community lacks access to safe drinking water.

Let’s take action to ensure a future where no one has to live without this essential resource- check out the US Water Alliance's website for actions you can take to support clean drinking water for all: https://uswateralliance.org/programs/the-value-of-water-campaign/imagine-a-day-without-water/resources/guidance/ -the-conversation

09/26/2024

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month! In the event of an emergency, having clean, safe water is crucial. Here’s how to ensure you’re prepared:

💧Store at least one gallon per person per day: The CDC recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons!
💧Use BPA-free containers: Store water in clean, BPA-free containers to avoid contamination. Refill plastic bottles every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
💧Keep water in a cool, dark place: Protect your stored water from heat and sunlight to prevent bacterial growth.

Staying informed and checking your kit on a regular basis can ensure you and your family are prepared for any natural disaster like a wildfire, earthquake or flood. For more tips and emergency preparedness guides, visit https://ors.od.nih.gov/ser/dem/emergencyPrep/Pages/Disaster-Preparedness-Tips.aspx.

09/06/2024

Heat advisories incoming! This week and going into the weekend, heat advisories are putting people on high alert across southern California. Temperatures in our area can reach 106 degrees. It’s important to stay safe during peak hours, so always remember:

- Wear sun protection when going outside
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Keep shades drawn to maintain the temperature of your home

If you need a place to cool off, the County has opened cooling centers in nearby cities. The closest location to us is the Scherer Community Center, located at 12202 1st Street, Yucaipa and will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30-4. To find more information and additional cooling centers, visit the county’s website: https://dph.sbcounty.gov/extreme-heat-information-and-resources/

08/29/2024

As you’re picking up school supplies in preparation for heading back to school, don’t forget to grab some reusable water bottles for the family!

Keeping hydrated throughout the school day is crucial for focus and energy. With a reusable water bottle, your kids can easily stay refreshed while reducing plastic waste. They’ll have access to clean, South Mesa tap water whenever they need it. Plus, by using reusable bottles instead of single-use plastic, you can save up to 167 plastic bottles per person each year. That’s not only great for reducing plastic waste but also helps conserve the water used in bottle production.

Let’s make this school year a success for our students and our planet!

07/29/2024

Upgrade your watering game with a smart irrigation controller! These tech-savvy systems save you water, money, and time while keeping your landscape lush and healthy. They automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil moisture, ensuring efficient water use. Look for units with the EPA WaterSense label for top efficiency—these can save an average home around 15,000 gallons of water each year!

If a smart controller isn’t in your plans right now, here are some water-saving tips for your garden:

Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Water deeply but less frequently to promote strong, deep roots.
Use mulch around plants, bushes, and trees to help retain soil moisture.

07/20/2024

Beat the heat with us! As temperatures soar, it's crucial to stay cool and hydrated with refreshing South Mesa water. If you need a place to cool off, visit one of the community pools, or visit the nearest cooling center to grab some AC. Some nearby options in Yucaipa are the Yucaipa Branch Library, the Sherer Community Center and the Yucaipa Community Center. Check out San Bernardino’s website for more information on these locations operating hours: https://dph.sbcounty.gov/extreme-heat-information-and-resources/

Stay safe and keep cool!

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Extreme Heat Information and Resources Did You Know? Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States. The heat index...