Headwaters

Headwaters are the starting point for our rivers and streams, feeding both surface and groundwater supplies. California’s facing a perfect storm—climate-driven wildfires made worse by swings between heavy rain and extreme drought, decades of fire suppression, and not nearly enough focus on forest health and vegetation management.

 Water Agencies and Wildfires

Public water systems are built for everyday fire protection—not wildfires. During wildfires, heavy demand can drop water pressure, especially in higher elevations. Firefighters adapt by using water trucks, aircraft, and fuel breaks to fight the fire effectively.

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just about reacting—it’s about planning ahead. That means strengthening water infrastructure, training for emergency response, and working with local agencies to stay ready. It also means investing in forest health and vegetation management to reduce fire risk before it starts. As wildfires grow more intense, proactive steps like these help protect our communities, water supplies, and first responders.

Legislative Advocacy for Wildfire Resilience

Utica  is actively engaged in legislative advocacy to enhance wildfire preparedness and resilience in California's foothill communities. As part of the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA), UWPA has adopted a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025, focusing on key areas such as:

• Forest Management: Advocating for science-based forest management plans to reduce wildfire risks.
• Water Supply Protection: Promoting policies to safeguard water rights and ensure sustainable water supplies.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Supporting the development of additional water storage capacity and backup energy sources for fire suppression.

A notable initiative is the support for Assembly Bill 367, which mandates water suppliers in high fire hazard zones to maintain backup energy sources for fire suppression and conduct annual inspections to ensure system readiness. This bill emphasizes the importance of resilient water infrastructure in wildfire-prone areas.

UWPA's commitment extends beyond legislation. The agency collaborates with local fire districts and neighboring water agencies to raise public awareness about the critical role water systems play in wildfire response. Through joint outreach efforts, UWPA educates residents on the importance of maintaining defensible space and the collaborative efforts between water and fire agencies to enhance community resilience.

By aligning with state and federal initiatives, UWPA ensures that the Sierra Nevada foothill communities are better prepared to face the challenges posed by wildfires, safeguarding both water resources and public safety.