Groundwater

Nearly all of the water that is used in the Coachella Valley comes from a groundwater basin, or aquifer under the ground’s surface. This aquifer is estimated to have a capacity of about 39 million acre-feet of water.

Our groundwater is of such high quality that it requires very little treatment. In accordance with state regulations, DWA chlorinates the water and can then deliver the water to local residents and businesses. Minimal treatment is a great cost savings that is passed on to consumers.

DWA pumps water using more than 25 wells drilled to a depth between 1000’ and 1200’, with pumps placed up to 500’ deep. In order to foster sustainability of the basin, DWA also replenishes the aquifer with water from the State Water Project. Since, there is no direct pipeline from the State Water Project to Palm Springs, the Agency exchanges water with Metropolitan Water District. The water we use for replenishment comes from the Colorado River Aqueduct, which CVWD and DWA use to fill recharge ponds located at Whitewater and Mission Creek.