Yucaipa Valley Water District

Yucaipa Valley Water District Municipal Water Report Information

At the time of earliest European contact, the Yucaipa Valley was home to a tribe of Native Americans called "Serrano" (meaning "mountain dweller") by Spanish explorers in the 18th century. This wasn't their original name; their authentic tribal name remains uncertain due to various translations existing today. Names like Yucaipaiem, Yucaipa, and Yucaipa have been associated with the tribe, referring to "wet lands" – an accurate description of the valley during that era.

The region featured abundant water flowing from higher elevations, creating numerous natural streams and springs. Combined with the mild climate and plentiful food resources, these conditions made the Yucaipa Valley ideal for supporting this semi-nomadic tribe.

European settlement began with the establishment of San Gabriel Mission (in present-day Los Angeles) in 1771. By 1819, the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia was constructed as Spanish mission influence extended inland toward the Yucaipa Valley. Spanish missionaries introduced irrigation techniques, with the first irrigation channel – the Mill Creek Zanja – constructed in 1819 by indigenous laborers.

This water development enabled expanded farming and cattle raising in the area, opening the way for increased settlement. The Mission period concluded with the Act of Secularization in 1833, initiating the Rancho period when large land grants were provided to Mexican officials as compensation for services during the Mexican revolution.

Agricultural development continued to thrive through the transition from Mexican to American ownership. By the early 20th century, farming interests expanded to include peaches, plums, and other orchard fruits. Water pipelines transported water from Potato Canyon (in the Oak Glen area) to what is now western Yucaipa.

As development increased throughout Yucaipa, Redlands, and surrounding communities, water supply became an increasingly critical issue. Disputes emerged regarding water exportation from the region, culminating in a 1909 lawsuit that produced two outcomes: (1) Redlands' South Mountain Water Company faced restrictions on the amount of water it could extract from Potato Canyon, and (2) the Yucaipa Land and Water Company granted Redlands limited rights to extract water from specific areas in Yucaipa.