Connecting a Coachella Valley Elementary School with Safe and Resilient Water Supplies

Westside Elementary School in the Coachella Valley relied solely on well water for its drinking water. The well had an unfortunate history of both contamination and the inability to provide adequate water supplies to prevent fires. Thanks in part to a nearly $370,000 from California Climate Investments through the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, these problems have been solved.

Using the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund grant and almost $446,000 in principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) was able to consolidate Westside Elementary School into CVWD’s water system.

“In the past, our school has been highlighted in the news due to hazardous metal found in our water,” Westside Elementary School Principal Dr. Timothy Steele said. During a virtual groundbreaking ceremony on October 6, 2020, CVWD Vice President of the Board of Directors Cástulo Estrada stated: “With this connection, the school’s going to be able to provide water for over 500 students and faculty." 

This project contributes to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing groundwater pumping at the school and invests in infrastructure to address equity and environmental justice. The project consists of laying approximately 1,350 feet of pipeline for the connection, installing meter backflow devices and fire hydrant assembly, and conducting pavement and sidewalk removal and repair.

CVWD is working hard to provide safe water for its underrepresented communities. According to a 2018 report by the water district, there are roughly 40 independent water systems that would benefit from connecting to CVWD’s water supply. CVWD is submitting grant applications for a variety of projects to connect some of these additional systems through the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program, which is a set of tools, funding sources, and regulatory authorities designed to help struggling water systems provide safe drinking water sustainably and affordably with the primary goal of providing safe drinking water in every California community, for every Californian.