Post-Wildfire Distribution System Water Quality Impacts and Potential Responses

As a result of climate change, the number and severity of wildfires in the western United States are increasing. Volatile organic compound (VOC) and semi-VOC contamination has been found in water distribution systems after wildfires in California. Preliminary research indicates that thermal degradation of plastic assets within distribution systems may be a potential source of this contamination.

This project furthered the understanding of the degree to which thermally damaged plastic assets contribute to the observed VOC and semi-VOC contamination, and presents response and recovery actions that impacted utilities can take. In addition to the final report, a CONOPS plan that can enable public water systems to obtain a clearer direction on how to rapidly respond and recover from wildfire disasters, and what steps need to be taken to be better prepared for future ones, was published as a separate project paper in 2024.

Research partners: Contra Costa Water District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and San Jose Water and Environmental Services. Published in 2025.