MSWD Mission
Our Mission at MSWD encapsulates the core function and intrinsic value that defines our existence. It is a simple yet robust statement, articulating our fundamental purpose and the reasons that drive our daily endeavors.
We provide, protect, and preserve our most precious resource . . . Water!
A Brief History
While prospecting for water, early homesteaders in the desert discovered the hot springs that 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.
Early Water Company
The critical need for freshwater led residents to form a mutual water company, which eventually proved unsatisfactory. Later, a privately-owned utility, called the Desert Hot Springs Mutual Water Company, acquired its assets. But this too failed and widespread dissatisfaction led local citizens to form a publicly-owned water district.
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, five 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, 13 water wells, and 24 reservoirs, serving an area of 135 square miles.
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 L. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant in 1972, and it has been expanded four times to a treatment capacity of two million gallons of wastewater a day.