Morongo Valley gets a new $1.05 million water tank in Little Morongo Heights
The Terrace Drive Water Tank Replacement Project is located within the County Service Area (CSA) 70F water system in Little Morongo Heights in Morongo Valley. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other sources for approximately $1.05 million, the project replaced an aging potable water storage tank with a new steel storage tank designed to improve long-term reliability, emergency storage capacity, and system resiliency.
Construction of the Terrace Drive Water Tank Replacement Project began in February 2024 and included demolition of the existing tank, construction of a new bolted steel potable water storage tank, installation of associated piping and valves, and related site improvements.
System flow and pressure are expected to remain the same since the project did not include construction of new water distribution pipelines. Instead, it provides a modern, reliable storage facility that supports continued operation of the water system.
While the project was not specifically designed to improve water quality, Communications Officer for San Bernardino County Public Works and Special Districts Amy Ledbetter said, “The County continues to monitor water quality in accordance with regulatory requirements and coordinate closely with the California State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water to achieve long-term compliance with drinking water standards.”
Ledbetter says the only element exceeding drinking water standards within the CSA 70F system is naturally occurring uranium. This naturally occurring radioactive element can be present in groundwater because of local geologic conditions and is not the result of industrial or man-made contamination. There is no immediate risk, and customers do not need to use an alternative water supply unless they choose to do so.
As a proactive measure, the Division has provided funding for an annual bottled water program to ensure customers have access to a safe drinking water supply while a long-term solution is developed and implemented.
Water storage tanks treat and monitor water pumped from local groundwater wells in accordance with drinking water regulations and then stored in tanks and reservoirs within the distribution system. These facilities provide water storage for daily customer demand, help maintain system operations, and ensure water is available during emergencies, power outages, fire flow demands, or periods of peak usage.
