New facility in Orange County will provide firefighters critical access to water supply for aerial suppression of wildfires

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Yorba Linda Water District celebrated today the dedication of a new helicopter hydrant at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant – providing firefighters a new, strategically located water source for aerial fire suppression. More than 100 community stakeholders and dignitaries attended the dedication ceremony, highlighting a shared appreciation and commitment to wildfire preparedness, regional collaboration, and public safety.

The new helicopter hydrant represents a milestone in interagency cooperation, bringing together Metropolitan and YLWD to bolster Southern California’s wildfire response capabilities. Two existing helicopter hydrants within YLWD’s service area have already proven invaluable to the Orange County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE, supporting aerial firefighting operations that help protect nearby communities and fire-prone areas such as Chino Hills State Park.

“As Southern California faces increasingly severe wildfires, this project reflects Metropolitan’s commitment to protecting public safety in communities across the region through innovation, and partnership,” Metropolitan Assistant General Manager John Bednarski said. “We’re working together to ensure critical, life-saving resources are in place to help first responders act swiftly when every second counts.”

Helicopter hydrants are large water tanks that provide aerial firefighters a quick-filling water source. Helicopters can hover overhead, fill directly from the open-top tank, and return to the fire line in moments. The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant can be remotely operated by Metropolitan staff on the ground, or by firefighters on the flight deck while in the air.

Yorba Linda Water District successfully secured a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to support the project and Metropolitan provided additional funding along with key staff to design and construct the facility. The location at Diemer Water Treatment Plant complements the two existing helicopter hydrants owned by Yorba Linda Water District, expanding aerial firefighting coverage across the region and helping fire crews reduce response times and operate more efficiently.

“This helicopter hydrant stands as a symbol of what’s possible when vision meets collaboration,” said Tom Lindsey, Board President of the Yorba Linda Water District. “With the addition of this third helicopter hydrant, we’re enhancing regional fire protection and ensuring our community is better prepared for emergencies.”

“Investments like this protect lives and property today, while building the resilience of future generations,” Lindsey added. “It’s truly inspiring to see dedicated partners unite with a shared purpose: to keep families and communities safe. We’re deeply grateful for Metropolitan’s partnership and continued support in advancing our shared commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.”

The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant holds 8,500 gallons of water and can be continuously refilled in less than 10 minutes via a gravity-fed water line from Diemer Plant’s treated-water reservoir. Remote operation of the helicopter hydrant minimizes risk for ground crews — providing a game-changing tool for wildfire response across Orange County. It also includes an emergency landing zone for firefighting operations.

“The helicopter hydrant is a powerful example of collaboration and innovation in the face of what has become a year-round fire season of bigger, hotter, faster, and more destructive wildfires,” said Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “By partnering with the Metropolitan Water District and the Yorba Linda Water District, we are strengthening our ability to knock down fires early, providing our helicopters more efficient access to water and ultimately helping us save lives, property, and the environment.”

About Metropolitan Water District

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provide water for nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.

About Yorba Linda Water District

A "District of Distinction" for its commitment to good governance, ethics, and sound operating practices, Yorba Linda Water District serves the residents of Yorba Linda and portions of Placentia, Brea, Anaheim, and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Governed by a five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, YLWD's mission is to provide reliable water and sewer services to protect public health and the environment with financial integrity and superior customer service. YLWD accomplishes this by embracing proven technologies, improving customer satisfaction, providing efficient and responsive operations, and ensuring reliable infrastructure.

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