At 9:30 am a tanker truck carrying diesel and gasoline fuel overturned on Highway 38 near Cold Creek releasing fuel into the Santa Ana River. Local and State agencies immediately began working together to ensure quick containment of the spill and protect the drinking water supply. All agencies that have access to Santa Ana River have closed their access points, and are using other water sources until further notice.
“Our number one priority is protecting our water supply,” said East Valley Water District General Manager/CEO John Mura. “We will continue to use other clean drinking water sources while we ensure proper clean-up of this incident.”
All agencies utilizing Santa Ana River Water have closed their access points, allowing the water to be contained around the Seven Oaks Dam. East Valley Water District, City of Redlands, and Bear Valley Mutual Water Company will be closely monitoring the system to ensure that none of the fuel spill enters the local water supply.