California is at risk for various kinds of emergencies, such as wildfires, earthquakes and floods. DWA has disaster plans in place to manage water supply and distribution during emergencies. All DWA personnel are trained Disaster Service Workers. In addition, we collaborate with local and regional partners, including fire and police departments.

DWA regularly tests and maintains its system. Our major reservoirs are designed to preserve stored water if pipelines are damaged. In addition, a certain amount of water in our reservoirs is reserved for fire protection flow and emergency flow.

Often you will see two DWA reservoirs side-by-side. This way, if one is taken out of service, there is another reservoir there to help ensure water service is not interrupted.

While DWA works to protect our community’s water supply, it is critical to have your own stash of emergency drinking water at home because disasters could disrupt access to water for days.

Every household should have an emergency plan and a disaster supply kit that includes essential items such as:

• Flashlight
• Batteries
• First-aid materials & medicine
• Non-perishable food
• One gallon of water per person per day (two-week supply)

For more tips and resources, go to www.ready.gov. Sign up for local emergency alerts at www.rivcoready.org/alert-rivco and www.palmspringsca.gov.