Tag Archive for: Wildfire

The Coronado Tank was rehabilitated by the Vallecitos Water District, giving it many more years of service. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

Vallecitos Coronado Water Tank Gets Upgrade To Prepare For Wildfire Season

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Although no system can guarantee 100% effectiveness against a large wildfire, maintaining water tanks and rehabilitating them when needed is vital to ensure they are ready in an emergency.

There are few direct water sources in the San Diego region. Other than rainfall and saltwater desalination, water must be imported. Regional water districts store water for daily use and irrigation for their customers. They also store water in reservoirs and tanks to aid in emergency outages and fire protection.

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Water District (District) recently completed the rehabilitation of its Coronado Hills Tank in San Marcos. Originally constructed in 1984, the 40-year-old tank showed signs of age and wear.

Time and Weather Affect Tank Aging Process

Mike Preston, a construction inspector for the district, explained why the tank needed the upgrade. “Like everything else, they get old. The interior steel structure and coating start to deteriorate over time, as well as the exterior coatings from the weather,” explained Preston.

The first step in assessing the tank's condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The first step in assessing the tank’s condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Before any tank is taken out of service to be upgraded, a diver enters the tank with an underwater camera to conduct a visual inspection and assess the interior steel structure. Exterior visual inspections complete the assessment.

A specialized contractor undertakes the rehabilitation process, sandblasting both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tank to bare steel. This allows a thorough structural inspection of the steel tank. Structural integrity improvements were made to rafters, beams, and stands.

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The District also upgrades technology and updates safety standards. The Coronado Tank’s access portals were made larger to allow safer access for annual cleaning, and a new climbing system provides access for water quality testing.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the project in this video.

 

Coronado Hills Tank Gets a New Look

When repairs were completed, the tank received a new interior coating specially approved for drinking water and new exterior surface epoxy coatings to safely extend its lifespan. Traditionally, water tanks have been painted dark green to blend in with their natural surroundings.

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

However, the dark color creates warmer water temperatures inside the tank, which makes it more difficult to maintain water quality standards.

As part of the rehabilitation project, the tank’s color was changed to beige to improve its light-reflectance value (LRV) from 11% when painted dark green to 67%. This means the tank surface now reflects 67% of the light hitting it rather than absorbing it.

Preston says the district is looking into changing the color of its other tanks, pending further monitoring to determine the long-term benefits.

“I already have had confirmation from one of our operators that when they were out sampling tanks. Already they’ve noticed a temperature change at this particular tank, which is a good sign. But only time is going to tell, over time, the main effect and how it’s really going to help us,” said Preston.

Water Tanks Play Vital Role in Fire Protection

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Water tanks are placed on hills at elevation above populated areas to reduce pumping costs and ensure adequate water pressure for firefighters in the event of wildfire.

“Our Vallecitos Water District rehabilitations are necessary to provide constant, safe, potable drinking water for our customers, as well as a reliable source of fire protection by keeping these tanks in service for a very long time to come,” said Preston.

Preston says he’s thankful the Vallecitos Water District makes time to listen to employee input with suggestions on ways to improve district operations, “not only for just our customers, but also our employees as well.”

Pistachio Moguls and Reservoirs: False Water Claims Spread About California Fires

/in , , /by /NPRby Julia Simon

As massive fires continue to sweep through Los Angeles, firefighters are relying on local water infrastructure not designed for fires of this size, researchers say. Fires in California have grown more explosive because of climate change, which is largely driven by humans burning oil, gas and coal.

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Russell Kubota has dedicated 23 years to his work as a Landscape Maintenance Worker with the Vallecitos Water District. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Water Industry Landscape Maintenance Pros Ensure Safety and Preserve Habitats

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The San Diego region’s future depends on water. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies depend on the skill and dedication of all their professionals to provide a safe, reliable water supply to support the region’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.

Professional landscape maintenance personnel play a vital role in the water industry in San Diego County, overseeing environmental stewardship, water conservation, and the preservation of habitats and ecosystems.

Russ Kubota helps maintain the vegetation and habitat throughout the Vallecitos Water District, including easements and ensures accessibility to key facilities, including pipelines, tanks, and reservoirs. Photo: Vallecitos Water District landscape maintenance

Russ Kubota helps maintain the vegetation and habitat throughout the Vallecitos Water District, including easements, and ensures accessibility to key facilities, including pipelines, tanks, and reservoirs. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Russell Kubota has dedicated 23 years to his work as a Landscape Maintenance Worker II with the Vallecitos Water District. Kubota helps maintain the vegetation and habitat throughout the district, including easements and ensures accessibility to key facilities, including pipelines, tanks, and reservoirs.

Kubota has a degree in ornamental horticulture and two licenses from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, allowing him to use herbicides when required to help manage the district’s environment. He has worked in the Conservation Department, performing irrigation audits, and represented the district performing outreach at events such as the San Marcos Street Fair, educating the public on water conservation.

See Kubota at work in this video.

District Safety Comes First

Currently, Kubota focuses on maintaining a fire-safe, ecologically healthy ecosystem throughout the Vallecitos Water District, covering approximately 1,989 acres in north inland San Diego County.

Safety is a key responsibility. “In the event of an emergency or even for routine maintenance, one of the biggest reasons I have to maintain the vegetation around our facilities is for safety,” said Kubota. “Being able to easily access and work around our equipment without being exposed to any hazards like rattlesnakes or bees.”

Russ Kubota and his team at the Vallecitos Water District work with California Department of Forestry (CalFIRE), which helps provide personnel for vegetation management through its inmate firefighter program. Photo: Vallecitos Water DIstrict

Russ Kubota and his team at the Vallecitos Water District work with the California Department of Forestry (CalFIRE), which helps provide personnel for vegetation management through its inmate firefighter program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Kubota coordinates this effort with the California Department of Forestry (CalFIRE). CalFIRE helps provide personnel for vegetation management through its inmate firefighter program, officially called the “Conservation (Fire) Camp Program.” It is run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Kubota says he’s grateful for the opportunity to work with the program participants. “Because all these areas are part of public infrastructure, the inmates receive time off from their sentences for community service.”

Landscape Maintenance Preserves Ecosystem

Monitoring and removing invasive plant species is a key responsibility for Russ Kubota. Photo: Vallecitos Water District landscape maintenance

Monitoring and removing invasive plant species is a key responsibility for Russ Kubota. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Kubota oversees the removal of non-native plants that are flammable and invasive, such as eucalyptus, castor bean, pampas grass, and salt cedar.

“Many areas of our district are near environmentally sensitive habitat. I always try to be aware of all the different types of plants and animals that are in our easements and right of ways,” said Kubota.

Kubota says he enjoys being outdoors, working in the many beautiful areas of the district. “I’m outside all the time, out in the fresh air, and we have lots of wildlife out here and a lot of natural vegetation like our oak trees. It’s just a beautiful place to work.”

Kubota says he hasn’t considered retiring because he gets to work outdoors and with people who are equally dedicated to their jobs at the Vallecitos Water District. It also doesn’t hurt that his job gives him time to surf in the morning before work.

“I really do enjoy the people I work with. I love the job sites that I go to. I love the entire work environment here at Vallecitos,” said Kubota.

Hungry goats are used to help clear brush and maintain wildfire safety at the Miramar Reservoir. Photo: City of San Diego

Goats Help Maintain Miramar Reservoir, Reduce Fire Risk

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Visitors enjoy seeing the variety of wildlife when visiting the City of San Diego’s Miramar Reservoir in the Scripps Ranch community.
Recent visitors might have been surprised by an unusual group of animals:  hundreds of goats grazing near the dam.
The City’s Public Utilities Department contracted with a local company to have more than 250 goats clear dry brush to allow for inspection of the dam and help reduce fire risk.
Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego

Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego

Goat Herds Provide Energy-Efficient Reservoir Maintenance

Public Utilities operates and maintains dams for nine reservoirs that support the water supply for the City of San Diego. Routine maintenance and daily inspections help ensure the safety of this vital infrastructure.
Goats can play a vital role in this maintenance because they provide an energy-efficient and low-carbon alternative to mechanized equipment to remove dry brush and ensure proper visibility of the face of the dam.
Since 2005, the City of San Diego has allowed the use of goats to remove brush, which helps reduce the risk of wildfires. Goats are voracious eaters and are not picky about what they consume.
Twenty to thirty goats can clear an acre of brush in a few days. The goats eat plants down to the soil’s surface but leave root systems that help keep soil from washing away and causing hillside erosion.

Goats May Become A Regular Sight

Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego's nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego

Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego’s nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego

After evaluating the goats’ work at Miramar Reservoir, the City will assess the feasibility of using their services in other locations.
Private property owners with large amounts of land needing brush clearance within the City of San Diego can also use goats to remove brush on their property. They must first receive a permit from the Fire-Rescue Department. There is no charge for the permit application.
Combustible vegetation, especially dry brush, should be cleared to reduce fire risk. Any material left in its natural state will readily ignite, burn, and cause fire to move to any structure or other vegetation. This includes dry grass, brush, weeds, litter, and waste.
For more information about brush management and guidelines, visit sandiego.gov/fire/services/brush.

‘Long-Duration’ Heat Wave Again Cooking California, Raising Health and Wildfire Concerns

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Grace Toohey

Another bout of prolonged heat has kicked off across California and much of the West, expected to again bring several days of triple-digit temperatures to most inland areas.

July’s second major heat wave isn’t forecast to be as extreme as the last event, which set several all-time records for high temperatures. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service predicted that it will be a “long-duration heat wave,” which creates uniquely dangerous conditions — especially when temperatures barely drop at night.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Cultivate and Protect: Free Permaculture Gardening and Wildfire Preparedness Workshop

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Encinitas, Calif.— Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, invites the public to attend a free workshop on permaculture gardening and wildfire safety. This workshop will be held on August 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in Escondido.

Josh Robinson of SD Sustainable will discuss methods to reduce outdoor water use through permaculture gardening design. Permaculture gardening mimics nature to garden organically, provides habitat for wildlife, and creates a low-maintenance, water-efficient garden. Participants will learn about designing ecologically functional gardens, and food forestry, and discover examples of San Diego ecosystem gardens.

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Regional Partnerships Can Bring a Refreshing Solution to Aging Water Infrastructure

/in , , /by /Route Fifty by Kaitlyn Levinson

The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire last year burned more than 340,000 acres in northern New Mexico, leaving the air smoky, the land barren and water systems clogged with ash. To this day, water pollution continues to put the health of more than 13,000 residents of Las Vegas, New Mexico, at risk.

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How Wildfires Are Threatening Colorado Water Supplies — and Costing Lots of Money

/in , , /by /Denver Post by Elise Schmelzer

The Colorado River this spring ran high, fast and so full of sediment pushed downstream from wildfire burn scars that the water treatment plant in Hot Sulphur Springs couldn’t keep up.

The sediment repeatedly clogged the town’s intake valves, forcing town leaders to issue and emergency order in April and call for residents to voluntarily cut back on water use.

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The Cruelest Summer Yet? California Is Facing Drought, Heat, Power Outages and Fires — All at Once

/in , , /by /San Francisco Chronicleby Kurtis Alexander

The Cruelest Summer Yet? California Is Facing Drought, Heat, Power Outages and Fires — All at Once

Even with the upheaval of the pandemic mostly behind us, the menace of drought and rising temperatures is threatening to derail the return to normal.

This year’s extraordinarily dry, warm weather, which is expected to continue in the coming months, is stoking fears of a multitude of problems: increasing water restrictions, extreme heat, power outages, wildfire and smoke — potentially all of the above in one vicious swoop.

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Conditions Are Ripe for High Wildfire Season Come September

/in , , /by /Patchby MacKenzie Elmer Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The U.S. national drought early-warning information system, called NIDIS, gave a rundown Thursday on when much of the Southwest will experience conditions that heighten the potential for wildfire.

Drought is one of the main drivers because less water means drier soils, drier plants and drier air, all conditions that fuel wildfire.

According to NIDIS projections, above-average wildfire potential creeps into the San Diego region (mostly along mountain ridges or high altitudes where winds are strong and fuel is plentiful) come September.

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