Metropolitan boosts region's wildfire readiness with new water sources for firefighting helicopters in Orange and Los Angeles counties

Above, a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter draws water from a new dip tank during a Nov. 19 demonstration at Palos Verdes Reservoir. Below, an Orange County Fire Department helicopter fills up from a new helicopter hydrant at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant on Nov. 6.

To help protect vital water infrastructure and neighboring communities against the threat of wildfires, Metropolitan Water District unveiled this month two new helicopter dip tanks that will provide firefighters quick-filling water sources for aerial fire suppression.

Metropolitan partnered with Yorba Linda Water District to install a helicopter hydrant at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant. The hydrant, which was the first installed by Metropolitan, can be activated by staff on the ground or remotely by firefighters on the helicopter. The 8,500-gallon tank can fill in less than 10 minutes and continuously refills as needed.

Metropolitan constructed its second dip tank at Palos Verdes Reservoir. That nearly 4,000-gallon tank can be filled in about five minutes and also continually refills during use, allowing firefighting helicopters to swiftly return to the fire lines. The tank was developed in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department following the Palisades and Eaton fires.

The investment in these new firefighting facilities is part of Metropolitan’s efforts to plan for and adapt to climate change and the increasing threat of wildfire.

Read the press releases about the Diemer and Palos Verdes Reservoir dip tanks.

“We’ve seen the damage that wildfires and climate change can inflict on our communities. That’s why Metropolitan is doubling down on preparedness and investing in tools, like helicopter dip tanks, to protect both our essential water infrastructure and our neighbors.”

Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. 

As Colorado River negotiations continue, Metropolitan general manager urges 'collaboration and consensus'

Lake Mead's bathtub ring. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The seven Colorado River Basin states continue to work toward developing a consensus on post-2026 rules governing operation of the Colorado River. Though the states did not reach a goal set by the federal government to have an agreement framework by Nov. 11, negotiations continue among the states to develop a plan to share the river's resources. The Colorado River is a critical water supply for Southern California.

“The only path to developing a sustainable Colorado River is through collaboration and consensus. We are grateful that the seven states that rely on the river remain at the table, along with the federal Department of the Interior, but more work needs to be done, and quickly," said Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay. “The work ahead will require every state and water user to look beyond just their own needs and work toward the greater good of the Southwest. If reductions in water use are shared equitably across the Basin, no one state or sector will bear the burden alone."



Read his full statement and learn more about Metropolitan and the Colorado River.

Metropolitan launches new campaign to help businesses and institutions prepare for ban on watering unused grass

With deadlines ahead for businesses, public agencies, schools and HOAs to stop watering their unused grass, Metropolitan is rolling out a new advertising campaign designed to educate customers about the ban and highlight financial incentives to ease compliance.

Passed in 2023, the law prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties. Metropolitan sponsored the bill to stop water waste, increase conservation across the region and reduce reliance on the Colorado River.

The new campaign includes advertising spots on radio stations, podcasts and YouTube, along with billboards and targeted outreach to property managers and landscape professionals.

The effort lets people know the ban begins in January 2027, with phased deadlines for different sectors. And it urges customers to replace their nonfunctional turf now, while a temporary increase in the rebate incentive is available.

Metropolitan is currently offering commercial and public agency customers rebates of $7 per square foot, thanks to state and federal funding. Learn more about the conservation campaign at bewaterwise.com.

Shivaji Deshmukh joins Metropolitan as general manager-designate

From left, Director Raymond Jay, General Manager-Designate Shivaji Deshmukh, Director Gloria Gray, board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr., and Director Dennis Erdman at Palos Verdes Reservoir.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and a big 'Thank You' to the Metropolitan employees keeping safe, reliable drinking water flowing on the holiday