New Stormwater Regulations Could Cost Upland More Than $424 Million
Approved by a vote of 3-1
Yesterday, a state-appointed, unelected regional board has approved new stormwater regulations that could carry significant financial consequences for Upland and other Inland Empire communities.
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board is not elected by local voters. Its members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The Board regulates water quality across portions of San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties. Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
That distinction is important because the financial consequences of these regulatory decisions ultimately fall heavily on local governments, businesses and taxpayers.
Beacon Economics Estimates $424 Million for Upland
The new Regional MS4 Permit establishes requirements intended to prevent trash, bacteria, chemicals and other pollutants from entering storm drains and waterways. Protecting water quality is important, and Upland already operates under extensive stormwater regulations.
The concern is the cost of the additional mandates.
A Beacon Economics analysis commissioned by San Bernardino County estimates compliance could cost the County and affected cities more than $11 billion over 20 years.
For Upland specifically, Beacon estimated approximately:
$424.1 million over 20 years
$312.15 million in capital costs
$5.6 million annually in operations and maintenance
$111.97 million in O&M costs over 20 years
These are estimates—not a $424 million bill currently owed by Upland—but they demonstrate the potential magnitude of the regulations.
Why This Matters to Upland
Upland already faces substantial needs involving our streets, sidewalks, water system, storm drains, parks and public facilities. Every additional unfunded mandate competes for those same limited public dollars.
This isn't about choosing between clean water and fiscal responsibility. We need both.
Before Upland taxpayers are expected to absorb hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs, we deserve clear answers: What measurable improvement in water quality will result? Where will the money come from? Will state or federal funding accompany the mandate? And what could these expenses mean for streets, public safety and other essential services?
Residents Deserve Transparency
The $424.1 million figure is an economic projection, not Upland's final compliance cost. Actual expenses will depend on implementation of the permit and the City's specific obligations.
But when an unelected state regulatory board adopts requirements with potentially enormous consequences for local government finances, residents deserve to know about them.
I will continue following this issue and providing updates as we get a clearer picture of what the regulations will require from Upland and, most importantly, what they could ultimately cost our community.
Clean water is important. So are accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Councilman James Breitling
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
(909) 342-2523
info@theuplandupdate.com
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