Mojave Water Agency Breaks Ground on West Victorville Groundwater Banking Pilot Project June. 11, 2026

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13846 Conference Center Drive  Apple Valley, California 92307  P: (760) 946-7000  F: (760) 240-2642 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2026 Contact: Charlene Engeron, Public Information Officer (760) 946 - 7001 or cengeron@mojavewater.org Mojave Water Agency Breaks Ground on West Victorville Groundwater Banking Pilot Project Victorville, CA — Mojave Water Agency (MWA) today officially broke ground on the West Victorville Groundwater Banking Pilot Test Project, launching construction on one of the region’s most significant water infrastructure investments in recent memory. The ceremony, held near 11987 Duncan Road in Victorville, drew Agency leadership, elected officials, community stakeholders, and project partners to mark the beginning of a project designed to dramatically expand groundwater recharge capacity across the Alto Subarea of the Mojav e Groundwater Basin. The 40 - acre facility will be capable of adding an estimated 12,000 to 18,000 acre feet per year of off - river recharge capacity . This is a transformational increase that will allow MWA to capture imported State Water Project supplies and store that water underground during periods of abundance, creating a strategic reserve for use during future droughts and dry cycles. Unlike conventional recharge projects, the West Victorville facility is expressly designed as a pilot groundwater banking operation. Data collected throughout its operation will inform MWA’s understanding of recharge rates, aquifer response, groundwater qu ality, and recovery potential — knowledge that will help shape future water banking efforts across the entire region. “This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring a reliable water future for the High Desert,” said Marina West , President of the Mojave Water Agency Board of Directors. “Groundwater banking allows us to make the most of available water supplies today while preparing responsibly for the challenges of tomorrow.” www.mojavewater.org The project is supported by a $12.87 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources through the Urban and Multi - Benefit Drought Relief Program. Construction was awarded to Ames Construction, with a contract not to exceed approximately $17. 9 million. All work is required to be completed by December 31, 2026. For Victorville, the project carries particular significance.