Riverside Drought · Restored 2015–2016 resources   |   Official drought guidance

Riverside’s water history

Local water resources and the history behind the conservation campaign.

Historical Riverside water publication featured on the original website

A utility built around local water

The original 2015 drought presentation traces Riverside Public Utilities’ establishment to 1895. The campaign’s materials describe a water system supported by local groundwater and long-term planning.

The 2015 FAQ identifies the Bunker Hill, Rialto-Colton and Riverside basins as the city’s groundwater sources. Rain and snow replenish these basins; conservation helps preserve stored supplies through dry periods.

Explore the original record

Learn about the water system →

Read the drought response timeline →