Behind every drop of water in the Coachella Valley is a story—one of neighbors, farmers, and business owners coming together to protect the region’s most precious resource. Water isn’t just something that flows from the tap; it’s the lifeline of this desert community, shaping its past, present, and future.

For more than a century, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has been at the heart of this story, ensuring that homes, farms, and businesses have reliable access to water.

 

But how did it all begin?

 

When people think of the desert, they often picture endless sand dunes, scorching heat, and a desperate search for water. But the Coachella Valley tells a different story—one of resilience, innovation, and vision.

 

Long before this region became known as the "Date Capital of the United States" or a world-famous travel destination, it was home to the Cahuilla people. For generations, they cared for the land and relied on the valley’s natural artesian wells and underground water sources.

 

By the late 19th century, as the Southern Pacific Railroad expanded, the valley’s fertile soil caught the attention of people looking for new opportunities. Farming communities quickly took root, and families tapped into underground wells, believing they had access to an endless water supply. But as more people arrived and agriculture flourished, it became clear: the valley’s groundwater wouldn’t last forever.

 

So, the community took action.

 

On Jan. 9, 1918, 373 valley residents came together to vote for a solution—forming a special water district to manage and protect local water resources. That district became the Coachella Valley County Water District, now known as the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD).

 

Forming the district was just the first step. Early residents and the newly created water district quickly realized that sustaining the valley’s growth would require a long-term groundwater replenishment solution.

 

The answer? The Colorado River.

 

After years of planning and construction, the 123-mile Coachella Branch of the All-American Canal was completed in 1949, delivering much-needed Colorado River water from Lake Mead to local farms for irrigation instead of pumping groundwater from the basin. This was a game-changer for agriculture and everyday life in the Coachella Valley.

 

Many people moving to the Coachella Valley today may not realize their morning shower, neighborhood park and even the golf courses they enjoy are possible by decisions made by residents over a century ago. It's a responsibility shared by CVWD and valley residents.

 

Today, CVWD is the largest provider of drinking water (domestic water) in the Coachella Valley. It operates more than 93 active wells serving more than 290,000 customers from Desert Hot Springs to Salton Sea communities.

 

But where does the water come from?

 

The journey begins deep underground, in an aquifer where water is nestled between sand, gravel, and clay sediments. Pumps draw water from wells — some reaching depths up to 1,300 feet — before transporting it to more than 60 storage facilities. From there, an intricate network of more than 2,000 miles of pipes ensures the water reaches homes, schools and businesses across the valley.

 

CVWD’s role extends far beyond providing domestic water and groundwater replenishment.

 

Today, CVWD oversees seven key areas of service:

Water conservation is a shared effort. Every time you fix a leaky faucet, adjust your sprinkler schedule, or choose drought-friendly landscaping, you're helping to secure the Coachella Valley’s water supplies for future generations.

 

New residents may not realize it, but by living here, they're becoming part of this ongoing story — one of conservation, innovation, and shared responsibility. It is a story that flows through every tap, every sprinkler, and every drinking fountain in the valley.

 

Want to make a difference? Visit cvwd.org/conservation for tips, rebates, and programs designed to help protect our most precious resource for generations to come.