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Emergency Preparedness
This page provides critical information about the Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD) water system and emergency preparedness efforts.
Commitment to Emergency Preparedness
At CVWD, we prioritize our water systems' safety, reliability, and resilience to protect public health and support emergency response efforts.
1. Supply and Storage
- CVWD’s wells pump 234 million gallons of water daily.
- Water is stored in 68 reservoirs, with a total capacity of 174.2 million gallons, ensuring a robust supply for both everyday needs and emergency situations.
- Fire hydrants maintain an average pressure of 60–90 PSI, optimal for firefighting.
2. Fire Hydrant Maintenance Program
- CVWD oversees the maintenance of approximately 18,637 fire hydrants across 1,000 square miles. CVWD water systems serve various regions within its service area, including residential, commercial, and industrial zones, requiring regular hydrant maintenance to support public safety and water delivery standards.
- Activities include exercising lateral valves, flushing hydrants to remove debris, inspecting and repairing components, and painting for corrosion prevention and visibility.
- This proactive program ensures compliance with local, state, and national fire protection standards while minimizing the risk of hydrant failure during emergencies.
3. Upgrades and Enhancements
- Ongoing efforts to replace older hydrants, improve water supply connections, and integrate advanced monitoring systems ensure system performance and reliability.
4. Emergency Response Plan
- CVWD has a robust emergency response plan in place that includes coordination with local fire departments and first-response authorities to ensure that, in the event of a natural disaster, the hydrants are functioning optimally and providing adequate water supply.
For more information, view or print a copy of our CVWD Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet.
- How does CVWD prepare for natural disasters?
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CVWD has a robust emergency response plan to respond proactively to natural disasters. Key components include proactive maintenance of hydrants and reservoirs, backup power generators, water quality monitoring, communication measures, and close collaboration with local fire departments and authorities. These measures ensure critical water infrastructure and supply remain protected and operational during emergencies.
- What happens to the water supply during a natural disaster?
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While natural disasters and their impact are unpredictable, CVWD’s infrastructure and emergency plans are designed to minimize disruptions. Our wells, reservoirs, and backup generators ensure continuous water availability during emergency needs. Coordination with fire departments and local authorities allows for immediate response and resource allocation.
In extreme cases, water quality could be compromised, and you could be advised not to drink the water until further notice. This alert is called a Boil Notice. For more information, scroll down to the “Boil Notice” section on this page.
- How does CVWD ensure fire hydrants remain operational?
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We implement a robust maintenance program, which includes exercising lateral valves, flushing hydrants, performing inspections, and addressing any needed repairs. These proactive measures minimize the risk of failure during critical situations.
- What happens if water pressure is reduced during a fire?
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In rare cases where water pressure may be reduced due to extreme demand, CVWD takes immediate action to stabilize the system. Backup generators in each pressure zone are installed to ensure continued operations if the power is lost. Our team would also deploy additional equipment, such as portable water tanks and generators, to maintain water availability for firefighting efforts.
- What is CVWD’s general water supply and storage capacity?
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CVWD’s water system is robust and reliable, with wells pumping 234 million gallons of water daily. This water is stored in 68 reservoirs with a combined capacity of 174.2 million gallons. This infrastructure ensures adequate water availability for residential, commercial, and emergency needs.
- Where can I report a damaged or non-functioning hydrant?
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Please call our 24-hour emergency operators at (760) 398-2651 to report issues with hydrants or water service emergencies.
- How can I stay informed during an emergency or natural disaster in my area?
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Follow your city or county, first responders (fire, police), and utility providers such as water, power, and gas on social media and bookmark their websites and phone numbers. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your utility providers to receive urgent alerts.
Boil Notices
In an emergency, CVWD may issue a boil notice as a precautionary measure if water quality is in doubt. CVWD will test the water for contaminants. If the water is deemed unhealthful, a boil notice will remain in place until the issue is resolved and the water meets all state and federal quality standards.
If a boil notice is issued, CVWD will notify affected areas through multiple channels, including phone alerts, local media, posted fliers in public spaces, and other means. Please note that CVWD's service area covers nearly 1,000 square miles, and a boil notice could be issued in one part of the district while water quality in other areas remains unaffected.
What to Do When Tap Water Becomes Unsafe to Drink
- Use Bottled Water: Your first choice for replacing tap water for drinking and cooking should be commercially bottled water. Everyone should include in their emergency supply kit a 7-day supply of bottled water (1 gallon of water per person, per day, plus extra water for pets).
- Boil Tap Water: The second option would be to boil tap water. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms. If the water is unusually cloudy, murky or colored, filter it first through a clean cloth or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Then, bring to a rolling boil and leave for one minute.
- Disinfect with Bleach: If you’re unable to boil water, your next best choice is to disinfect it with household bleach. Bleach will kill some (but not all) types of disease-causing organisms. If the water is unusually cloudy, murky, or colored, filter it first through a clean cloth or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Then, add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. A faint chlorine smell is normal.
- Store Water Safely: Store treated or boiled water in clean, covered containers.
For more information, view and print this bilingual brochure (PDF).
Additional Resources
For further emergency preparedness information, check out these sites: