Developed after Palisades and Eaton Fires, new facility will provide firefighters a critical water source for aerial suppression of wildfires

In the wake of wildfires that ravaged Southern California communities, Metropolitan Water District unveiled today a new helicopter dip tank on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that will provide firefighters a quick filling, strategically located water source for aerial fire suppression.

The new facility was developed in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and installed at Metropolitan’s Palos Verdes Reservoir to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure in the surrounding community – an area highly vulnerable to wildfire.

“We’ve seen the damage that wildfires and climate change can inflict on our communities. That’s why Metropolitan is doubling down on preparedness and investing in tools, like helicopter dip tanks, to protect both our essential water infrastructure and our neighbors,” board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. said during a dedication event attended by local community leaders. “We’re proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to build a safer, more resilient Southern California for the future.”

During today’s dedication, the fire department demonstrated how the dip tank will be used during a wildfire.

The nearly 4,000-gallon tank can be filled in about five minutes and automatically refilled during use. Helicopters can hover overhead, fill directly from the open-top tank, and return to the fire line in moments. This is Metropolitan’s second helicopter dip tank. The first was unveiled earlier this month at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant in Yorba Linda. These facilities are part of Metropolitan’s efforts to plan for and adapt to climate change and the increasing threat of wildfire.

“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is grateful to the Metropolitan Water District for providing this dip tank that provides pilots and firefighters a critical water source for our helicopters that enable us to aggressively combat wildfires,” said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Harris. “Every second counts when it comes to fighting a wildfire to ensure the safety of residents and communities.”

Metropolitan’s new facility, which cost $895,000 for design and construction, complements an existing helicopter dip tank at the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ Civic Center that was developed by the fire department and California Water Service.

“Today’s dedication of the new helicopter dip tank demonstrates partnership in action for the safety of our communities,” said Debby Stegura, mayor of the City of Rolling Hills Estates. “With the support of Metropolitan and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, we are making the Peninsula safer and more resilient to the threat of wildfires."

As part of Metropolitan’s water delivery infrastructure, the district owns and operates the Palos Verdes Reservoir, as well as various large pipelines that bring water into the community. Metropolitan then delivers this water to West Basin Municipal Water District and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for distribution to homes and businesses. When in use, the reservoir holds treated drinking water and is required to be covered, making it unavailable to supply aerial firefighting.

“West Basin is honored to join this partnership that strengthens the safety and resilience of the Palos Verdes Peninsula communities. The water supply from this reservoir and helicopter dip tank provides a critical resource for rapid wildfire response and protection of lives, homes and natural spaces,” said Gloria D. Gray, president of the West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors.

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