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About MSWD
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A Brief
History:
While prospecting for water, early homesteaders in the desert discovered the hot springs that have made this area famous. It was not until 1940, however, that the first subdivisions were established and L. W. Coffee started the village he called Desert Hot Springs. |
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Early
Water Company:
The critical need for fresh water led residents to
form a mutual water company, which eventually proved unsatisfactory. Later, a
privately-owned utility, called the Desert Hot Springs Water Company, acquired
its assets. But this too failed and widespread dissatisfaction led local citizens
to form a publicly-owned water district. |
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Water
District Formed:
By 1953, an election swept the new Desert Hot Springs
County Water District into existence with a vote of 246 to 9. The new District
began with 100,000 feet of pipelines, 5 water wells and two reservoirs. It covered
one square mile.
The District expanded rapidly. It absorbed parts of the
Coachella Valley County Water District, the West Palm Springs Village and San
Gorgonio Mutual Water Company systems. Today, it boasts more than 1.25 million
feet of pipelines, 11 water wells and 23 reservoirs, serving an area of 135 square
miles. |
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Sanitary
System Added:
As early as 1954, local citizens petitioned for sewer
service. The cost, however, was prohibitive. But growth brought an overload to
the septic systems and health hazards to the community. The District built the
Alan J. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant in 1972, and it has been expanded four
times to a capacity of 2 million gallons of wastewater a day. |
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The MSWD service area covers 135 square miles.
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