Power outages can occur because of unexpected changes in the electric grid or because of interferences in transmission lines. They can also be planned to allow workers to perform maintenance or to prevent wildfires from starting when the risk is high.

Regardless of the reason, outages can interfere with water supplies because water treatment and distribution processes rely on power to work.

What has been done protect water supplies during outages?

The increased frequency of power outages in Lake County prompted the District to take steps to mitigate against the impacts of power outages. In July of 2025, the District completed the installation of two permanent generators at two critical water pumping stations. This will ensure that water distribution will continue in the event of an outage.

What else is being done to protect water supplies?

While the District has temporary power solutions to ensure water treatment and pumping still occur at its remaining critical facilities, we are still looking to install permanent solutions at our remaining two pumping sites. In September of 2025, the District submitted an application to FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to secure a permanent backup power solution at the potable water well field which is its next most critical pumping facility.

How should customer water usage change during an outage?

Since permanent backup power solutions are still being installed, we encourage customers to be mindful of their water consumption during power outages. We ask that you please pause outdoor water usage, like irrigation, in order to preserve supplies. This will ensure that everyone has adequate supplies for drinking and fire suppression-related uses.