For decades, Western Water has provided clean, reliable water 24/7/365. However, an emergency or prolonged electrical power shutdown could temporarily restrict the amount of water Western has available for delivery.

That’s why Western Water takes steps to prepare for water shortages beyond our control – and why Western Water customers should, too.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

Because of recent deadly wildfires in California, power utilities such as Southern California Edison (SCE) can now decide to shut off customers’ power for hours – or days – as a fire-prevention measure during hot, dry, windy weather.

Western Water uses SCE electricity to pump, move, treat, and deliver water. Therefore, a prolonged, wide-ranging power shutdown could affect Western’s ability to meet typical customer demand for indoor and outdoor water use.

Western Water prepares for PSPS and power outages

Western Water builds, tests, and updates a range of processes and protocols to ensure exceptional emergency preparedness in all facets of its operations.

To mobilize for PSPS and other emergencies, Western Water has ensured that our facilities have the flexibility, agility, and equipment to weather long and expansive power outages. Steps taken include:

• Expanding and strategically deploying Western Water’s supply of backup power generators.
• Equipping facilities such as pump stations with quick “plug-in” capacity to expedite hookups of portable power systems.
• Coordinating closely with SCE to avoid or minimize PSPS-related disruptions to Western operations.

Water instructions during an emergency or power outage

In the event of a power outage or other emergency:

• Limit indoor water use, prioritizing health and hygiene.
• Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily, or 3 to 4 quarts daily if you are in a hot climate, pregnant, sick, or have a child.

Click here for more emergency preparedness tips.

For more information, contact Western Water's Customer Service team at 951.571.7104 or email us.