RIVERSIDE, CA – In partnership with the California Network and Telecommunications (CalNet) program and AT&T, Western Municipal Water District (Western) recently completed a series of upgrades to its Wide Area Network (WAN). These upgrades contribute to ongoing business continuity improvements, enhance the reliability of communications and business systems, and secure significant cost savings.

“At Western, we are extremely mindful when upgrading our business systems to keep up with changing technologies. We focus on several factors including continuity, reliability, and cost,” said Western’s General Manager Craig Miller. “This project demonstrates Western’s ongoing commitment to using customer’s dollars responsibly while modernizing our communications and business systems to meet evolving technology standards and requirements.”

The WAN upgrade project replaced obsolete copper line connections (T1 lines) with modern fiber-optic circuits or fixed wireless connections for primary and backup connectivity at Western’s administration building, operations center, desalination facility, and wastewater treatment and water recycling facilities. With these new connections, Western will have reliable backup options available, thereby reducing the risk of data loss or impacts to communications or business productivity during minor outages or a major emergency.  

Western achieved significant cost savings over standard rates by utilizing the statewide CalNet program to complete the upgrades. Additionally, Western partnered with AT&T to secure a waiver of construction costs for the 6,000 feet of fiber optic lines needed to connect its operations center, saving more than $80,000.

“The partnerships with CalNet and AT&T reflect Western’s efforts to continue to find new ways to provide safe, reliable, high-quality water in a financially responsible manner,” added Miller.

To learn out more about Western, visit wmwd.com. Stay updated on Western's latest projects and happenings by following Western on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work and play within 527 square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: wmwd.com.