After a wildfire, water systems face two challenges: physical damage to the system and public trust. Fires can damage pipes, treatment facilities, and storage, while contaminants may enter the water system and take time to detect and remove. At the same time, residents may be asked not to use their tap while systems are assessed and repaired. But even after service is restored, people may remain unsure whether their water is safe. Water systems need both the capacity to restore service quickly — and clear, trusted communications to tell residents when tap water is safe to use again. Those findings are at the center of a new workshop synthesis report from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Other water and wildfire news:

• FOX5 (San Diego): La Jolla prepares for high-risk fires by moving water supplies closer​