December 07, 2009

Stormwater advisory

With rain and thunderstorms predicted in the area, the Coachella Valley Water District is reminding everyone of the potential danger when water flows down the Coachella Valley and Whitewater River stormwater channels.

A number of roads cross the stormwater channels, so it's important for drivers to understand that as little as 2 feet of water can cause a car or truck to lose traction and float downstream. Drivers should always obey law enforcement-imposed road closures and detours.

Also, take extra caution when crossing, walking or playing in the channel or washes prior to an impending storm. Even when it isn't raining on the valley floor, rain in nearby mountains can result in heavy water flow traveling down the stormwater channel or other roadways in an extremely short period of time.

CVWD's 50-mile stormwater channel carries mountain run off and rain from the Whitewater area north of Palm Springs all the way to the Salton Sea. West of Washington Street, it is called the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel because it follows the natural path of the Whitewater River; To the east of Washington Street, it's called the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel. The two sections were built separately, but they form one cohesive channel.

The water district also reminds residents that if enough rain falls to irrigate landscaping, turn off your sprinklers as a way to help conserve water.

CVWD is a public agency, governed by a five-member board of directors, that provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management and water conservation across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.