Alerts and Emergency Information
Be Prepared for Water Related Emergencies
Central Water District 24-Hour Contact Number: (831) 688-2767
Central Water District makes every effort to be prepared for winter storms and we want you and your family to be prepared and safe as well. The following actions can help put you in the best position to help yourself, your family and community during water (or other) emergencies:
1. Stay connected with the Water District through and our website.
2. Call to make sure we have your current contact information and post the Water District phone number of 831-688-2767 along with other emergency numbers.
3. Report any leaks or water waste that you see by calling us at 831-688-2767 or reporting non-urgent leaks via email at admin@centralwaterdistrict.us.com.
4. The County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department maintains roads and storm drains. If needed, contact them at 831-454-2160.
5. Find and test your house shut-off valve (and one right after your meter if one has been installed) to make sure it is in working order. Call us if you need help locating it.
6. Clearly label and teach your family how to shut off water to indoor fixtures and to your entire house.
7. Shut off the main valve to your irrigation system and power to your irrigation timer for the winter. Show someone else at home how to do so as well.
8. Find your water meter and learn how it can help you detect leaks; we can assist you with locating the meter.
9. Prevent frozen pipes by wrapping those visible above the ground.
10. Thaw frozen pipes by wrapping them in hot wet towels or running a blow dryer on them. (Never leave home with a faucet open while waiting for pipes to thaw.)
11. Conserve water during power outages as it takes energy to distribute water.
12. Prepare for water outages by storing at least one gallon of drinkable (potable) water for each person for three days.
13. Know you have water stored in your hot water heater that you can use if you need to, and that you can flush toilets by pouring rainwater or greywater into the bowl.
14. Pre-fill sandbags or water bag barriers if you have sub-grade or low door thresholds that could flood.
15. Prepare your home, family and workplace for other emergencies by securing ways to find light, warmth, food, shelter, first-aid and water.
16. Review county emergency info. Download the CodeRED app for alerts on your cell phone.
17. Monitor local weather reports.
18. Walk your property to see if there is any possibility of erosion, slides or tree falls, and contact the Resource Conservation District for tips to prevent such at 464-2950.
19. Clean gutters and downspouts so they don’t overflow and cause rainwater damage to your roof, siding or foundation.
20. Re-direct downspouts to a rainwater tank and/or to an infiltration basin on your property to prevent overloading storm drains, or wasting rainwater.
21. Consider installing a swale, rain garden or dry creek bed on your property. You will help infiltrate water, saving it in the soil for later and you may earn a rebate!
22. Flip through the booklet “Slow it. Spread it. Sink it." Available on the website of the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County to read online or download; website address is: www.rcdsantacruz.org/publications
The County of Santa Cruz has an Office of Emergency Services. There is helpful information on their site and the link to the County web page is: http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/
Central Water District, 400 Cox Road, Aptos, CA 95003