Public Safety Power Shutoffs

High Fire Risk Periods Preparedness

PG&E may turn off electricity in designated areas when extreme fire danger conditions are forecasted such as Red Flag Warnings, low humidity, high winds, and dry conditions which typically occur June through November. The specific areas and the number of affected customers will depend on weather conditions and which circuits PG&E turns off for public safety. These precautions are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

District Action Plan

A PSPS may affect more than the electricity running to your home. Homes and businesses could also be without water service. The District has developed an action plan should areas in our water service area lose power which includes filling our water tanks to near capacity and then relying on generators to provide you water.

These generators will power pumps, water treatment plants, and other key facilities to keep water flowing, maintain storage and fire flow, and keep water distribution lines pressurized. Backup generators are the District’s best option, however, generators and fuel are limited and it will be challenging for us to maintain the system with water if the outage lasts several days. During a PSPS outage, it is very important for you to conserve water, even if your house has power.

Public Cooperation

A power outage will activate a short-term Stage 5 Critical Water Shortage Emergency. Stage 5 Measures for customers include the following:

• No outdoor irrigation
• No water for recreational purposes
• No draining or refilling of existing or new pools or hot tubs
• No water use for aesthetic purposes (ornamental fountains, ponds) except to support aquatic life
• No vehicle washing
• No exterior washing of structures
• Pools/hot tubs must be covered when not in use

We will need public cooperation to ensure we maintain critical water supplies. Normal water use can resume once the electricity is turned back on.