Districts Make the Difference

06/13/2026

The Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) is using social media to boost public engagement, transparency, and trust. Through educational content, including videos and a parody music video, WVWD explained infrastructure and conservation topics in accessible and engaging ways. The campaign earned two 2025 industry awards for communications excellence.

Learn more:
https://www.awwa.org/AWWA-Articles/california-water-district-builds-public-trust-through-award-winning-social-media/

06/11/2026

The Regional Transportation District RTD is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and Colorado’s 150th anniversary by partnering with the History Colorado Center to promote transit access to commemorative exhibitions and debut a specially wrapped bus. RTD is encouraging customers to ride transit to the Denver museum while highlighting affordable travel options for visitors.

Learn more:
https://lavozcolorado.com/2026/04/01/rtd-history-colorado-center-partner-to-celebrate-the-u-s-250th-and-colorado-150th-anniversaries/

06/10/2026

Kudos to the Cannon Beach RFPD for an outstanding rescue at Ecola State Park. Firefighters used specialized rope rescue techniques to save a dog stranded 100 feet down a cliff, working alongside police drone operators. 🐾 Thanks to their teamwork, training, and dedication, the dog was safely reunited with its owners.

Read more:
https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2026/06/stranded-dog-rescued-from-steep-cliffside-in-oregon-state-park-after-drones-spot-the-wayward-pet.html

06/10/2026

The Monterey County Regional Fire District and California Water Service partnered to acquire a DRAFTS unit that recycles water used in firefighter training and equipment testing.

The system is expected to save approximately 7.4 million gallons of water annually while maintaining full training operations. The technology supports emergency preparedness while advancing long-term water conservation efforts.

Learn more:
https://kingcityrustler.com/monterey-county-regional-fire-district-cal-water-partner-on-purchase-of-water-saving-drafts-unit/

DRAFTS Unit is allowing Monterey County firefighters to train and test their life-saving fire equipment, while also saving water.

06/09/2026

The Lee County Mosquito Control District became the first agency to release sterile mosquitoes by drone, using a Skydio X10 to improve distribution in hard-to-reach areas. 🦟

The initiative targets invasive Aedes aegypti populations through the release of laboratory-raised, X-ray-sterilized male mosquitoes. Fluorescent marking enables researchers to monitor mosquito survival and recapture rates.

Read more: https://www.wgcu.org/environment/2026-05-27/lee-county-mosquito-control-unveils-new-drone-to-release-sterile-mosquitoes

The Lee County Mosquito Control District has reached a new milestone, becoming the first to release sterile mosquitoes by drone.

06/05/2026

The Mid-County Fire Protection District and Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District are partnering with six other Lake of the Ozarks-area fire districts to form Project WET, a regional water extrication team designed to improve response to water emergencies. The team will handle near-surface rescues while dive crews mobilize. The program strengthens mutual aid and aims to expand specialized equipment across participating districts.

Learn more:
https://www.ky3.com/2026/05/20/8-lake-ozarks-fire-districts-create-regional-water-rescue-team/

Eight fire districts around the Lake of the Ozarks have teamed up to create a regional water extrication team called Project WET.

06/05/2026

The Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission LCWSC has begun improvements to Maddens Tank, a project designed to strengthen water quality and long-term system reliability. The project includes cleaning and recoating the tank, removing sediment, and preventing corrosion — helping extend the tank’s lifespan and support safe, dependable water service across the county.

Read more:
https://whosonthemove.com/lcwsc-begins-maddens-tank-renovation-to-support-long-term-water-system-reliability/

06/03/2026

🚢 The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey are partnering to launch Harbor Hopper, a new seasonal passenger-only ferry service between Everett and Langley beginning June 4. The pilot program will provide a car-free travel option between Snohomish County and Whidbey Island while supporting local tourism.

Learn more:
https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2026/05/11/harbor-hopper/

06/02/2026

The Williamson County ESD9 unveiled new wildland firefighting equipment for the Sam Bass Fire Department, including specialized vehicles and a custom trailer. Officials said the investment strengthens emergency response, coordination and firefighter safety as rapid growth and the expanding wildland-urban interface increase wildfire risks across Williamson County.

Read more:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/williamson-county-esd9-expands-wildfire-response-capabilities-with-new-specialized-equipment-for-the-sam-bass-fire-department-302760154.html

05/30/2026

Thanks to a grant from the Wildhorse Foundation, Cove Rural Fire Protection District recently upgraded its handheld radios. Officials said the radios will improve communication, mutual-aid compatibility and firefighter safety during wildland and medical calls, especially as Oregon enters an unusually dry fire season.

Learn more:
https://elkhornmediagroup.com/cove-rural-fire-protection-district-receives-major-grant-from-the-wildhorse-foundation-for-handheld-radios/

COVE – (Press release from the Cove Rural Fire Protection District) Cove Rural Fire Protection ...Read More