Latest News

The image displays the Desert Water Agency's Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, with a board approval date of November 18, 2025.

Desert Water Agency Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan

Desert Water Agency adopted its first Five-Year Strategic Plan in November that sets a clear path for the future, and formalizes its mission, vision, and values.

A group of people watches water flowing from a channel, with mountains and traffic cones in the background.

Sign up for our Annual Tour!

We have a few seats left for our Annual Tour! Snag them now before they're gone.

The image shows a Badger Meter model 120 water meter displaying cubic feet measurements.

DWA Meter Replacement Program

Water meters are essential tools for measuring water consumption. They ensure that Desert Water Agency customers are billed accurately based on actual water usage.

An artistic image featuring hands holding a stylized blood drop made of red shapes, emphasizing the message "Every Drop Counts."

DWA Hosts Blood Drive

DWA will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22. The Bloodmobile will be in our office parking lot, 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs. Appointments can be made online by clicking here: LifeStream Donation Appointment Portal. Walk-ups are also welcome. Blood donations are needed now more than ever. Please make an appointment to donate if you are able. Donors must…

Attention Local Landscapers!

Oct 3, 2025

DWA President Elected as ACWA Region 9 Vice Chair

Desert Water Agency’s Board of Directors President Paul Ortega was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Region 9 Board.

A diverse group of professionals stands outside a building, posing for a photo with bags labeled "Desert Water."

DWA Welcomes International Delegates

Desert Water Agency hosted 12 delegates of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program at its headquarters Monday, Sept. 22, to discuss water delivery in the desert. The meeting was arranged by the International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles.

National Preparedness Month: Have an Emergency Plan

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.

Skip Overseeding: Go Gold to Save

Fall is the time of year when many people in the Coachella Valley overseed their lawns for the winter.

Board Adopts Non-Functional Turf Ordinance

The DWA Board of Directors approved a non-functional turf ordinance (Ordinance 80) after a public hearing at its meeting on August 5, 2025. The ordinance is designed to address a statewide ban on the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf (grass) at certain types of properties.

DWA Board Approves Property Tax Rate Reduction

The Desert Water Agency Board of Directors approved a property tax rate reduction for fiscal year 2025/2026.

The image is a map showing streets and neighborhoods, highlighting E Paseo El Mirador and N Calle Rolph.

Movie Colony East Pipeline Replacement Project - Complete

The pipeline replacement project in Movie Colony East on N. Calle Rolph and E. Paseo El Mirador began the week of Aug. 4, 2025. Construction is anticipated to be complete at the end of September or early October 2025.

DWA General Manager Steve Johnson Retires; Esther M. Saenz succeeds as new GM

After an impressive 30 years at Desert Water Agency, with the last 16 months as General Manager, Steve Johnson retired on July 4.

Board Adopts Rate Changes

On June 17, the DWA Board of Directors approved a rate increase – the third in a previously adopted five-year rate plan – for water, recycled water and wastewater.

New AMI Towers Will Support Smarter Water Use

Desert Water Agency is taking another big step to help customers use water more efficiently.

A water quality report from the Desert Water Agency, featuring images of water testing, children drinking water, and a waterfall.

Annual Water Quality Report Now Available

As your water provider, DWA is committed to providing a safe, reliable supply – both for today and into the future.

Tribe, Water Districts Reach Water Rights Settlement

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have reached an agreement to settle two long-standing water rights lawsuits that enhances certainty and stability over the future of water management and increases supply reliability for Coachella Valley residents.

Map showing groundwater monitoring well location and project area near Four Seasons Palm Springs HOA, by Desert Water Agency.

DWR Well Monitoring Project Near Four Seasons Community

Desert Water Agency is partnering with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to construct monitoring wells in several locations in our service area. These wells will provide valuable information on groundwater basin levels, water quality, and the condition of the underground aquifer.

DWA Introduces Updated Look and New Mascot!

Desert Water Agency is excited to launch a refreshed brand, including an updated logo, fresh colors and fonts, and a brand-new Fennec Fox mascot!

Map highlighting the Historic Tennis Club and Downtown area in Palm Springs, labeled streets, and points of interest.

Downtown Palm Springs Pipeline Replacement Project

Desert Water Agency is updating its bills and customer portal in March with a new look and features. More info online!

New DWA Billing System Changes Take Effect March 10

For more information, including detailed FAQs

DWA Board Updates Director Positions

At its January 7, 2025, meeting, the Desert Water Agency Board of Directors conducted its election of officers.

The image is a map showing several streets, including Simms Rd, Sunnyview Dr, and Lindsey Dr, in a residential area.

Racquet Club Estates Area Pipeline Replacement Project

For more information on this project

A box labeled "Desert Water Conservation Kit," featuring images related to water conservation efforts.

Conservation Kits Now Available for Customers

Desert Water Agency is offering a free conservation kit program, where DWA customers can receive resources to help them save water.