MONTEREY COUNTY — A new piece of equipment is allowing Monterey County firefighters to train and test their life-saving fire equipment, while also now saving approximately 7.4 million gallons of water a year — enough to fill more than 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD) and California Water Service (Cal Water) partnered on the purchase of the new Pump Pod DRAFTS (Direct Recirculating Apparatus Firefighting Training Sustainability) Unit, which is helping the fire department reduce its water usage.
Through Cal Water’s conservation program, Cal Water and the MCRFD partnered to bring the DRAFTS Unit to Salinas as a way to continue regular training and fire equipment testing, while also saving water. Though millions of gallons of water are needed for training and testing purposes, the unit allows water used for full-flow training to be recycled and reused instead of going down the drain.
“I want to thank Cal Water for its ongoing partnership and commitment to our community,” said Justin Linquist, MCRFD division chief. “This new equipment strengthens our hardworking fire department by giving them the tools they need to respond more efficiently and effectively. It enhances their ability to provide the highest level of care and protection to our residents, while also advancing our shared sustainability goals. The DRAFTS Unit is another strong example of our continued collaboration.”
Cal Water estimates that, with this unit, MCRFD will save more than 7.4 million gallons of water every year, while fully training firefighters and testing its equipment. The department is one of seven fire departments from Los Angeles County Fire Department in the south to Stockton in the north that Cal Water has partnered with on DRAFTS units to save more than 55 million gallons each year.
“Cal Water is dedicated to assisting firefighters, not just with a reliable supply of water, but also with their training,” said Christy Ariey, director of water-use efficiency for Cal Water. “As conservation is becoming a way of life in California, Cal Water is investing in making sure firefighter training can happen in ways that significantly reduce water use.”
By teaming up with Cal Water’s Conservation Department, the utility was able to provide the MCRFD $124,965 as a rebate to purchase the DRAFTS Unit.
Linquist said saving water while training firefighters is a win-win.
“This type of impact will make a real difference in water conservation efforts for both the county and Cal Water. That’s important as we continue to face a changing climate and an uncertain water future,” he said.
Brenda Granillo, Cal Water’s Salinas district manager, thanked MCRFD for its continued partnership to keep the community safe.
“We stay in close touch with Monterey County Regional Fire District to make sure they always have the water and pressure they need to protect the community,” she said. “We’re grateful for their leadership in showing how conservation can be part of everyday life.”
Cal Water offers customers incentives to save water every day through conservation rebates and programs. To learn more, visit calwater.com/conservation.
