Desert Water Agency was recognized for its outstanding commitment to safety as a recipient of an H.R. LaBounty Safety Award for its Joint Confined Space Rescue Training. The award was presented by the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA JPIA) on December 2, 2024.
The annual DWA Joint Confined Space Rescue Training involves several hours of intense, hands-on scenarios in partnership with the Palm Springs Fire Department and the Palm Springs Mounted Police Rescue Team. The training is organized and led by DWA Facilities and Safety Officer Eddie Gonzalez.
“DWA employees enter confined spaces such as well vaults and reservoirs on a regular basis, and there are many hazards associated with confined space rescues,” said Gonzalez. “Running drills with local partners allows us to see problems and challenges in a controlled environment, and then work through solutions together before an actual emergency occurs.”
This year’s training took place in May at the DWA Recycled Water Facility, where 25 firefighters and 16 DWA employees collaborated to rescue personnel from a deep entry confined space. Previous events have featured deep entry spaces of up to 45-feet, high line rescues and other complicated rescue scenarios.
The training exercises also increase rescue effectiveness by improving the flow of communication between local agencies and familiarizing emergency teams with DWA’s facilities, equipment, personnel and procedures. In addition, because of the exercises, DWA upgraded its rescue equipment to further support emergency response.
“By building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring emergency readiness among our employees, we can better ensure safety across the board,” said General Manager Steve Johnson. “As Eddie retires this month after more than 16 years of service to DWA, we are proud to recognize his innovation in strengthening our safety program and honor him and his contributions by receiving this award.”
The ACWA JPIA H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards Program began in 1999 to promote safe workplace behavior and operation practices.
For more information about the ACWA JPIA safety awards, go to www.acwajpia.com. To learn more about DWA go to www.dwa.org.
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About DWA
Desert Water Agency is a public, not-for-profit agency and a State Water Contractor, managing and importing water for a 325-square-mile area in the western Coachella Valley. DWA provides tap water service to Palm Springs and parts of Cathedral City. An elected five-member board sets policy and represents the ratepayers.