LOUISVILLE, Colorado (AP) — From Santa Rosa to Paradise, Boulder County to Lahaina, and Los Angeles, various American cities have demonstrated that their water systems are not adequately equipped to withstand wildfires, according to experts. Issues such as hydrants barely functioning, power loss at pumps and treatment plants, and contamination of pipes with chemicals have all surfaced. Rebuilding the drinking water system in Paradise, for instance, following the devastating 2018 Camp Fire is projected to cost $125 million and take over three years.
With the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change posing a significant threat to cities, water utilities are realizing the imperative to improve infrastructure. Greg Hentschel, the vice president of engineering at CST Industries—a company specializing in water storage tanks—observed a shift towards adopting new building regulations and engineering standards to fortify urban areas against such risks.
While enhancing water infrastructure alone may not shield neighborhoods from fires, experts emphasize that there are costly yet effective measures that communities can take. Some of these include:
Remote shutoff valves: In the aftermath of the Marshall Fire that ravaged over 500 homes in Louisville, Colorado in 2021, the city initiated the installation of remote shutoff valves at meters for all rebuilt homes. This proactive approach aims to prevent water wastage during fires and ensure swift response in shutting off the supply.
Emergency water sources: To streamline access to water for firefighting helicopters within cities, the concept of “heli-hydrants” has emerged. These are concrete tanks holding thousands of gallons of water, enabling helicopters to refill in seconds. San Diego County, for instance, saw a 5,000-gallon heli-hydrant in action during the Garden Fire, underscoring the value of such resources. Additionally, individual properties like commercial buildings and large residences are increasingly investing in on-site water storage for firefighting purposes.
While implementing these strategies comes with a price tag, the potential benefits in safeguarding communities against wildfires are substantial.
Securing a 2,000-square-foot residence could come with a price tag of $15,000 to $30,000, excluding the cost of piping and a sprinkler system. Collaborating with neighbors to invest in a collective large tank could help reduce individual expenses. The concept of dedicated pipes for firefighting is not just a dream – high-pressure pipelines that transport water, including seawater if necessary, to specific hydrants have been a norm in much of San Francisco for over a century, following the 1906 earthquake that led to devastating fires consuming over 500 city blocks.
Presently, San Francisco benefits from a network of 135 miles of pipes originating from a reservoir and two sizable tanks reserved for major fire emergencies. The city also possesses a backup reservoir, approximately 200 underground cisterns holding 70,000 gallons each, and the ability to introduce seawater into the system if required. Regular drinking water is utilized first for minor fires and is deemed sufficient for routine situations. Steve Ritchie, the individual overseeing the system for the San Francisco Public Utility Commission, remarked that a comparable system could have significantly aided in an incident like the Pacific Palisades fire.
The utility has made substantial investments in updating and expanding the system, with plans to extend it to additional neighborhoods over the next 15 years at a cost of $4.5 billion. While replicating such a system today may be financially unfeasible for most communities, Ritchie suggested implementing certain elements, such as dispersed underground cisterns or high-pressure lines with dedicated hydrants in high-risk zones, could prove highly beneficial.
In terms of backup power, water systems are typically reliant on grid electricity for operation. The failure to secure an alternative power source can lead to system failures during power outages, a common occurrence during disasters like fires and storms. Louisville experienced this during the Marshall Fire when the natural gas utility, a key power source, was shut off citywide as a safety measure. To address this, they are transitioning their critical infrastructure generators to diesel, ensuring continued operation even without grid power.
Another critical aspect is preventing contamination of the water supply from chemical pollutants caused by fires. Backflow prevention devices installed at water meters can help prevent toxic chemicals from seeping into the drinking water. Utilities in various locations are incorporating these devices into their systems as part of their rebuilding efforts to safeguard against contamination risks.
Additionally, damaged service lines and water meters pose a contamination threat, even in structurally sound buildings. Plastic components commonly used in water systems can release harmful substances when exposed to heat, compromising water quality. To mitigate this risk, pipes should be buried at least 3 feet underground, meter boxes should be positioned away from shrubs and buildings, and protective covers made of metal or concrete should be utilized to shield the infrastructure from heat damage.
These measures could be implemented as part of a national water infrastructure wildfire code, with insurers offering discounts in municipalities that have taken risk-reduction steps, explained Whelton. “There are different approaches to consider,” he noted. “One is enabling individuals to make their own decisions. Another perspective is acknowledging the ongoing challenges and costs we face, utilizing significant taxpayer funds for solutions. Consequently, it becomes essential to assist everyone in minimizing financial repercussions, allowing for prudent fund allocation.”
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