Hi-Desert Water District rehabilitates historic Warren’s Well in Yucca Valley
The well at Warren’s Well on Crestview Drive has been offline since 2010 due to issues with water quality. District crews completed a thorough rehabilitation, updating controls, fencing, and removing the old chlorine building. They also installed a chlorine generator to improve safety and self-reliance, and upgraded the on-site telemetry system along with a new cabinet enclosure. Additional work included installing a new meter and spool assembly. They removed the old wooden fence, modified the existing posts, added new posts where necessary, and installed a new chain-link Priva-Max fence with gates. They also replaced the wooden fence in the Historical Society section.
“My name is Glenn Ware, I’m the Production Supervisor for the Hi-Desert Water District. On this side of town, the east side basin, we are kind of limited. We have one other site with two wells on it. With this being offline for 20 years, it’s a blessing getting it back online. Not that the other wells don’t end up on this side of town, but it helps move water faster.”
The well is now equipped with remote monitoring, enabling operators to track water flow and performance from a computer or phone. It also produces its own chlorine on-site. Staff say this reduces costs, hazards, and dependence on outside suppliers.
“We make our own chlorine. We don’t have to rely on anybody. Lord forbid a disaster, we could still produce chlorine,” explained a district staff member during the tour.
Board President Scot McKone reminded those gathered that the site sits at the birthplace of Yucca Valley, on the same spot where, in 1881, Chuck Warren and his sons dug the well that became the place we today call Yucca Valley. For settlers crossing the Mojave, finding water here meant they weren’t going to die of thirst.
The Morongo Basin Historical Society partnered with the District on restoring the site and presented a certificate of recognition to the Hi-Desert Water District for honoring Yucca Valley’s origins while ensuring its future water supply.
