Water Agencies Announce New Fire-Fighting Tool in Orange County

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4:28 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The Associated Press

YORBA LINDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 5, 2025--

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

WHAT:		Metropolitan Water District and Yorba Linda Water District, in collaboration with Orange County Fire Authority, will inaugurate and demonstrate a new strategically located fire-fighting facility that they have partnered to build in Orange County. The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant facility will allow fire authorities to save critical time and more effectively fight wildfires by providing a quick-fill water source that can be accessed at all times by aerial firefighters.

WHEN:		9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6

WHERE:		Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant, 3972 Valley View Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886

WHO:		Adán Ortega, Jr., Board chair, Metropolitan Water District
		John Bednarski, assistant general manager, Metropolitan Water District
		Tom Lindsey, Board president, Yorba Linda Water District
		Brett R. Barbre, Board member, Yorba Linda Water District
		Kyle Kuzma, Battalion chief, Orange County Fire Authority

VISUALS:		Live demonstration of firefighting helicopters taking water from the helicopter hydrant as they would in an actual fire.

BACKGROUND:		Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant supplies treated drinking water to local agencies in Southern California, including Yorba Linda Water District, via Metropolitan’s member agency the Municipal Water District of Orange County. Metropolitan and Yorba Linda Water District partnered to jointly fund the Diemer Helicopter Hydrant, the third such facility in Yorba Linda’s service area. Helicopter hydrants are large water tanks that provide aerial firefighters a quick-filling water source that can be remotely operated from a helicopter flight deck while in the air. The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant holds 8,500 gallons of water and can be filled in less than 10 minutes and continuously refilled. The critical new facility provides regional benefits to safeguard life, 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.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251105469141/en/

CONTACT: Rebecca Kimitch, Metropolitan Water District, (213) 217-6450; (202) 821-5253, mobile;[email protected]

Joanna Gonzalez, Yorba Linda Water District, (714) 701-3023; (714) 231-1829, mobile;[email protected]

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER ENERGY UTILITIES TRAINING PUBLIC SAFETY ENERGY OTHER EDUCATION AGRICULTURE STATE/LOCAL NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION NATURAL DISASTERS PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT

SOURCE: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

PUB: 11/05/2025 04:28 PM/DISC: 11/05/2025 04:27 PM

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