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Hidden Valley Lake CSD emergency committee discusses Chromium‑6 testing, mobile hydrant and water coordination
Summary
At its Feb. 5 Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting the Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District reviewed levee and stormwater priorities, agreed to pursue Chromium‑6 testing of HVLA wells, presented a newly purchased mobile hydrant and discussed county coordination on alternate firefighting water resources.
The Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District Emergency Preparedness Committee met Feb. 5, 2026, and reviewed fire‑emergency preparedness work including plans for Chromium‑6 water testing, a new mobile hydrant and interagency coordination on alternate water resources. Paul Kelley, the district’s general manager, led the presentation and updates.
Kelley reviewed the prior committee meeting and said the district will prioritize work on assets it owns and manages, with an emphasis on levee and stormwater efforts and monitoring for Chromium‑6 (Cr6). He reported meeting with the Hidden Valley Lake Association general manager and board president to discuss testing HVLA‑owned wells for Cr6 and said agricultural well water, prior to treatment, could be used to irrigate the green driving range to help maintain less fire‑prone, vegetated areas consistent with Firewise objectives. Kelley committed to return to the HVLA Board in six months with updates and any testing results.
Staff described a recently purchased mobile hydrant and its dual role: supporting emergency firefighting operations and helping pump overflow during heavy rains to reduce localized flooding near the storm basin. Administrative Services Manager Penny Cuadras told the committee staff is tracking operational benefits of the unit for both emergency responses and seasonal flood mitigation.
Committee members heard an update from staff about participation in the County Water Association. Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta is working with that group to identify alternative water resources for firefighting and to create a designated water liaison to coordinate with affected water agencies during major fire events.
There was no public comment. Director Matthew Metcalf moved to approve the meeting agenda; Director Jim Lieberman seconded the motion. Committee members thanked staff for their work and the meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m. Kelley’s planned follow‑up to the HVLA Board in six months was the clearest next procedural step recorded in the minutes.
