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Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) received $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to bolster water system reliability for thousands of residents and support firefighting and fire suppression efforts in a challenging fire-risk region. The grant, awarded through the County of Riverside, will provide for two new pipeline projects that, coupled with a new District-funded 2-million-gallon water tank, greatly increase water system capacity and storage.
These much-needed upgrades come in the wake of the catastrophic Apple and El Dorado fires in 2020, which pushed BCVWD’s water system to the edge. Both fires impacted the District’s upper pressure zones, which included many aged pipelines. The increased water supply demands required to fight the fires led to 11 water system line breaks due to outdated infrastructure and reduced transmission capacity from small-diameter transmission pipelines. This resulted in pressure surges during high-demand water flow events, such as multiple hydrants being open and shut during multi-point firefighting activities.
“Partnerships like this are essential for maintaining a resilient water system,” said Board Member David Hoffman. “By leveraging grant funding alongside District investments, we’re not only ensuring a stable water supply for residents but also reinforcing critical firefighting infrastructure. These improvements will help safeguard lives, property, and resources in an area where fire risk is a real and ongoing concern.”
Connected to BCVWD’s self-funded 2-million-gallon Noble Storage Tank, the first project installs more than 2,800 linear feet of 24-inch diameter pipeline near Cherry Avenue and International Park Road. This project is located in the District’s 3040 pressure zone. The new pipeline and tank increase the area’s water storage capacity to 4 million gallons, supporting District operations and strengthening fire response capabilities.
The second project will construct 3,000 linear feet of 12-inch diameter pipe to replace 10-inch waterline that has reached the end of its service life. This pipeline, located adjacent to Little San Gorgonio Creek, provides two-way water system transmission and service between the District’s 3300 pressure zone and 3620 pressure zone. These pressure zones support the system impacted by the Apple and El Dorado fires. Leaks and ruptures impacted the existing waterline during the fires due to age, and the District will build a new water main and support facilities within Edgar Canyon to ensure sustainable operations. The District will also add fire hydrants at least 1,000 feet apart to provide additional fire support in the area.
“Nothing is more important to us than providing safe, reliable water to our community,” Board President Daniel Slawson said. “These new pipelines can last for 100 years, providing a new foundation to dependably serve the region for years to come. We are also grateful to assist firefighters so they can do the critical work of saving lives with solid water resources.”
Both projects are expected to be complete in June 2025. For more information, visit bcvwd.gov.
