Rancho Water to install helicopter dip tanks for wildfire mitigation following $500,000 grant

Rancho Water to install helicopter dip tanks for wildfire mitigation following $500,000 grantThe district is set to formally award a procurement contract in July for two modular dip tanks, opting for a lower-cost modular alternative to reserve grant funds for site installation and SCADA integration.

Rancho California Water District received a $500,000 grant from Riverside County to install dedicated water sources for aerial firefighting in the Santa Rosa area.

The district evaluated seven reservoir sites, with CAL FIRE selecting Via Vaquero and Avocado Mesa based on flight path safety and operational clearances.

Staff recommended a $140,000 bid for two HeloPod modular tanks over a $500,000 Heli-Hydrant alternative.

Total project costs are estimated at $420,000, which includes district-led site grading, six-inch piping, motor-operated valves, and SCADA integration.

Rancho California Water District (RCWD) is advancing a capital project to install two helicopter dip tanks in the Santa Rosa area, providing a dedicated water supply for aerial firefighting operations. During a June 25 committee meeting, district staff outlined the procurement strategy, which is backed by a $500,000 grant from Riverside County. The project addresses the need for reliable water sources in the De Luz and La Cresta communities, where natural water bodies are often inaccessible or insufficient for helicopter bucket operations. By positioning the tanks strategically, the district aims to reduce helicopter turnaround times and improve response effectiveness during the critical early stages of a wildfire. Working alongside the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), RCWD evaluated seven district-owned reservoir sites. CAL FIRE ultimately approved two locations—Via Vaquero and Avocado Mesa reservoirs—based on flight path safety, power line avoidance, and the required 200-foot clearance for dip tank operations. The district received two vendor bids for the tanks on June 18. The Heli-Hydrant, a permanent, automated circular tank with an 8,500-gallon capacity, was bid at approximately $500,000. The HeloPod, a modular, portable rectangular tank, came in significantly lower at $140,000. Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Operations Dan Ruiz noted that staff recommended the HeloPod system, citing its established track record with CAL FIRE and other agencies. Each firefighting helicopter can draw about 3,000 gallons per dip, making the HeloPod's capacity sufficient so long as the district's reservoirs continuously feed the tanks during an event. The vendor bids cover procurement and delivery only. RCWD forces will handle the installation, which includes site grading, pouring concrete foundations, installing six-inch piping and motor-operated valves, and integrating the sites into the district's SCADA system. Ruiz estimated the total installed cost for the two HeloPod tanks at $420,000. The remaining grant funds are expected to cover unexpected installation expenses or future operations and maintenance. The committee supported the recommendation, and staff will request a formal contract award at the July 9 Board of Directors meeting. Project completion is slated for the fall.