Early 1900's
Los Angeles Land Developer gave the name "Monte Vista Land Tract" to an area extending from the wash on the north to the railroad tracks to Phillips and State St. in the other direction.

1927
The area was covered with orange and lemon groves. Neighbors lived a half mile from each other. Limited Mutual Water Company delivered irrigation water to the groves in the boundaries of Arrow Highway to the north, Central Ave. to the west, Benson Ave. to the east, and San Bernardino Ave. to the south. Irrigation water was stored in individual cisterns at higher ends of the groves with small water lines built to bring water to homes. Limited Mutual Water Co. decided to add the provision of domestic water services. People served by Palomares Water Company, the Monte Vista Water Company, Century Water Company and Monte Vista Irrigation Company wanted to be included in receiving domestic water.

A committee was formed called the Narod Water District Committee (Narod was a young settlement of 15 families in the Monte Vista Land Tract).

The Committee hired an engineer and developed petitions, which were sent to the County Board of Supervisors asking for permission to form a water district under the state laws. The name "Narod" was changed sometime during the process to "Monte Vista."

After several hearings and proceedings, the election was held. 125 votes were cast -122 yes and 3 no. The Monte Vista County Water District was officially formed and the first meeting was held on December 19, 1927 in the office of the West Ontario Citrus Association. A 5-member board of directors was elected with Mr. C. Earl Wetherbee chosen as the first president.

One of the first projects of Monte Vista County Water District was to build a reservoir. Also purchased 60 shares of water stock ($100 per share) in the Limited Mutual Irrigation Company that entitled the District to fill the reservoir.

The next order of business: purchase of lines and services from the Consolidated Water Company of Pomona which had some water services extending into San Bernardino County. An office was leased under the Narod apartments at the corner of State St. and Central Ave.

In Nov. 1928, West Coast Pipe and Steel Company was awarded the contract for main lines and service lines. By Nov. the lines were completed and paid for in full. Sale of water that year: 3,500,000 gallons of water for domestic use. By 1930 there were 324 active services. Board members received $2.50 for attending each regular meeting and $1.00 for special meetings.

The next decade saw the building of another reservoir, a well, purchase of land and acquisition of an office building for $1,527.48. A connection was made to the Colorado Aqueduct at Palo Verde St.

1940's

• In 1940, and again in 1942, the board lowered water rates during WW II.
• 1944 First annexation Homemakers Tract (Kadota District) from the City of Pomona $1,027.50. Added 125 meters.
• 1945 Developed own water supply (Limited Mutual was providing supply until then).
  New pump and gas engine for well built in 1935 that had never been activated.
• More annexations.

Post World War II saw the expansion of Mission Blvd. and Central Ave. Water lines had to be moved. More lines and another reservoir were built. Additional property was obtained.

• In 1951, more water needed in southern area; land was purchased on Grand Ave. between Monte Vista and Ramona. General obligation bond of $1,000,000 passed; built new reservoir, new well and pumping station and large main on Grand running from Monte Vista to Pipeline.
• 1953 (Chino Basin MWD, now IEUA, formed). District asked for connection at Monte Vista and Palo Verde. They received it at no charge! Plant 17 built at that location including a reservoir and booster station to use MWD water supply when needed.
• 1955-1960 Purchased more land and wells and several irrigation and smaller water companies Total of 10 annexations. 7 employees
• City of Montclair incorporated in 1956.
• 1960 expanded offices; 6,000 customers and 16 wells. 14 employees.

1960's and 1970's More annexations and building of reservoirs and pipelines. Nitrates in groundwater began to increase.

MVWD led effort to form the Joint Powers Authority (MVWD, Upland, Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario) to construct a 30 million-gallon per day water treatment plant to serve the West End of San Bernardino County. Operational in 1988. Can now integrate State Water Project into distribution system through MWD connection.

• 1981 New offices at Plant 1.
• 1989 Annexation 21 and Water Works #8 detachment.

1990's

• 1997 Facilities Master Plan and accompanying Financial Master Plan to carry out the capital improvement plan over the next 30 years at a total cost of over $45 million.
• 1998 Chino Hills Wholesale Water Agreement signed; 16 million gallons per day.
  Pipeline replacement/re-lining project in Montclair.
• 1999 Two wells drilled.
  Purchased Palo Verde Reservoir.
  Purchased Monte Vista Irrigation Company.

2000's

• 2000 Chino Basin Watermaster Peace Agreement.
  Plant 17 Nitrate Blending Station with pipeline construction.
• 2001 New Well.
  California Energy Commission Grant for retrofitting well motors and booster pumps.
  Began work on State Street Feeder project.

In 75 years:

• 8 General Managers.
• 36 board members.
• Bruce Lance, legal counsel, since Jan. 1969.
• 75th Anniversary on December 19, 2002.