Latest News

A scenic river landscape with mountains, accompanied by a call to action for future planning by Desert Water.

December 6, 2021

Desert Water Agency to Hold Public Hearing on Groundwater Management Dec. 7

Desert Water Agency (DWA) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 7 to consider adoption of the 2022 Indio Subbasin Water Management Plan Update and the 2022 Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update.

November 18, 2021

CV Water Counts Announces 6th Annual Water Leadership Program

CV Water Counts (CVWaterCounts.com), a collaborative of the valley’s six water agencies, is now accepting applications for the sixth class of the Water Counts Academy, which is a free program designed for future and emerging leaders in the Coachella Valley who want a better understanding of how water delivery in the desert works.

The image features a graphic with the text "Drought update," an illustration of a hose, and a silhouette of California.

October 20, 2021

Governor Declares all of California in a Drought Emergency

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide drought emergency and urged all Californians to conserve water. In the Executive Order, the Governor required water agencies to evaluate their Water Shortage Contingency Plans that take into account local conditions and anticipate continued dry years.

The image shows a water bill statement with graphs illustrating water usage and billing details for Desert Water.

September 21, 2021

Postponed Rate Increase Approved

A water rate increase postponed in July of 2020 will go into effect 18 months later, in January 2022.

Two women holding a large check for $60,000 made out to United Way of the Desert, celebrating a milestone donation.

September 15, 2021

DWA Boosts Assistance Program by $60k – $200 Water Bill Credits Available

DWA contributed $60,000 to the Help2Others water bill assistance program to help customers pay their water bills and avoid water shut offs. The funding came from non-rate revenue.

September 7, 2021

Provide Input on Division Boundaries at Public Hearing

Final 2020 Census data will soon be available, and will likely require Desert Water Agency to redraw its division maps. DWA will hold a public hearing at 8 a.m. on Sept. 21 to gather input on the communities and principles it should consider during the mapping process.

A lush green landscape with palm trees and a mountain backdrop under a sunny sky.

September 2, 2021

One of Palm Springs’ Largest HOAs to Skip Overseeding

To help conserve water during another significant drought in the West, Canyon Estates – the 79-acre Palm Springs community known for its mid-century modern designed homes – will not scalp or overseed as is common practice for grass areas in the fall.

Webinar celebrating 60 years of Desert Water's legacy of sustainability, with historical images and details from the Palm Springs Historical Society.

August 19, 2021

Desert Water Agency Turns 60; Will Host a Special Anniversary Webinar on Sept. 15

The history of water in the desert runs deep. It is filled with fascinating stories of pioneers who helped pave the way for Desert Water Agency – created in 1961 as a government agency to import and manage water.

July 9, 2021

Californians Asked to Voluntarily use 15% Less Water

Governor Gavin Newsom is asking all Californians to reduce their household water use voluntarily by 15 percent compared to last year.

The image features a welcome back sign for Desert Water Authority, with lobby hours listed as 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

June 23, 2021

DWA Opens Lobby; COVID Relief Changes in Store

UPDATE: Masks are now required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. This change is in response to guidance from the County of Riverside, California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

The image promotes a service where engineers answer questions, featuring professionals and engineering-related visuals.

June 17, 2021

Ask an Engineer – Your Questions Answered

Ever wondered how a well works? How we replenish the aquifer? Or how reservoirs store water?

May 28, 2021

For Review – Urban Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan Drafts

View drafts of the 2020 Coachella Valley Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plans (WSCP) . These plans outline actions that could be taken during a future water shortage. Local agencies worked together to make shortage response actions consistent so that agencies can reach out to Coachella Valley residents and businesses in a clearer and more effective manner during a…

Image promotes a webinar titled "Drought: Projections & Planning" by Desert Water, featuring a dry landscape with palm trees.

May 12, 2021

Webinar: Drought – Projections & Planning

California has experienced an extremely dry winter with low snowpack and little rainfall. As a result, a drought emergency has been declared in 41 California counties. Riverside County isn’t among them.

May 11, 2021

Infrastructure Week

May 10-14 is Infrastructure Week!

May 5, 2021

DWA Doubles Water Bill Assistance to $200 a Year

Many Desert Water Agency customers have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to pay their bills. Though delinquencies have been extremely high, the DWA Board decided to keep water running for all customers and waive all late fees. The Board even approved the last budget without a planned rate increase.

An image promoting Drinking Water Week (May 2-8, 2021), featuring a hand filling a glass from a faucet.

April 30, 2021

Drinking Water Week: There When You Need It

Drinking Water Week is May 2-8. It is an opportunity to recognize the important role water plays in our daily lives. When you turn on the tap, it’s there.

Image promotes a webinar titled "Earth Day: Pledge for the Planet," featuring a serene natural landscape with water and greenery.

April 15, 2021

Webinar: Earth Day – Pledge for the Planet

Join DWA in conjunction with the City of Palm Springs at 10 a.m. on April 22 – Earth Day – to learn how to be more eco-friendly with your water footprint.

April 1, 2021

Mayor Holstege Asks Locals to Sign Water Saving Pledge

City of Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege is joining mayors across the country for the 10th Anniversary of the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by asking residents to commit to use water more wisely. Mayor Holstege enlisted Desert Water Agency (DWA), which serves Palm Springs, to help boost participation and share water conservation information.

A sign for "Desert Water" set against a backdrop of mountains and palm trees, suggesting a utility or water service in a desert area.

March 19, 2021

DWA to Receive $500,000 Grant for Advanced Meters

Desert Water Agency has been selected to receive $500,000 in grant funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation through its WaterSMART Grants program that focus on water and energy efficiency.

The image promotes a webinar on "Social Butterflies," offering tips for creating pollinator gardens, presented by Desert Water.

March 17, 2021

Webinar: Social Butterflies – Pollinator Garden Tips

Learn all about pollinator gardens during our next webinar at 10 a.m. on March 25.

The image promotes "Fix a Leak Week," scheduled for March 15-21, with a focus on addressing plumbing leaks.

March 15, 2021

It’s Fix a Leak Week!

Time to hunt down household leaks! They account for 1 trillion gallons a year nationwide.

The image promotes a webinar titled "Water works," focusing on joining DWA's team, featuring various professionals in water management.

February 11, 2021

Webinar: Water works – Joining DWA’s Team

Working for a water district is a rewarding and essential job because water districts provide a vital resource for the community. Its employees help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of water to homes and businesses.

The image shows a map with street names like Araby Drive, Candlelight Lane, and Bridle Trail, featuring a highlighted section.

February 8, 2021

DWA 2021 Pipeline Replacement Project

The 2021 Pipeline Replacement Projects include old and leaky pipes located in Araby Commons and Tahquitz River Estates. Residents and businesses on the affected streets were notified with project details.

A promotional image for a webinar titled "Diving into Water Education" by Desert Water, featuring a person and water-related visuals.

January 5, 2021

Webinar: Diving into Water Education

Water conservation is a way of life in the Coachella Valley.

A smiling woman with blonde hair in a patterned shirt stands outdoors, with palm trees in the background.

January 5, 2021

Desert Water Agency Board elects new officers

During its regular meeting on Jan. 5, the Desert Water Agency Board of Directors elected a new president and officers.