Electric utilities across the state have implemented the practice of conducting Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) when weather conditions create an elevated potential for wildfire risk. Factors such as severe winds, proximity to the urban-wildland interface, and significant above-ground, high voltage infrastructure contribute to the potential risk of destructive wildfires in the region. Water utilities rely on power to supply water to the communities they serve, including Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD). As one might expect, CVWD facilities will frequently be subject to such PSPS events for the foreseeable future.
In the endeavor to provide uninterrupted delivery of water to customers and to ensure the availability of water for public safety purposes, CVWD has made significant investments to provide emergency standby power to critical pumping facilities during power outages. In addition, CVWD has invested in a diverse water supply portfolio consisting of both local water and water delivered through the State Water Project to improve overall system reliability. These investments provide CVWD customers with a robust, reliable water supply and help ensure uninterrupted service in the event power is interrupted locally or in other critical areas that may affect the state-wide water delivery system.
Being prepared for a power shutoff takes careful planning, which begins with water system design and working with other agencies to ensure community safety. While PSPS events are a recent safety precaution by electric utilities, CVWD’s backup power supply strategy has been a best practice in place for many years.
CVWD is committed to investing in its local facilities and water supplies in order to guarantee that this community has the water they need 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
To learn more about CVWD, visit CVWDwater.com or call (909) 987-2591.