Massive New Water Reservoir Above Banning: What To Know

BANNING, CA — A new one-million-gallon reservoir is expanding drinking water capacity and strengthening wildfire readiness in the hills above Banning, officials said Monday.

The new reservoir along Bluff Street serves 552 residents across 170 connections, according to the San Gorgonio Pass
Water Agency, which helped secure funding for the facility that was built by Banning Heights Mutual Water Company.

The new reservoir also supports SGPWA’s Heli-Hydrant network, providing water firefighting helicopters during emergencies.

BHMWC received a $3.756 million Department of Water Resources grant through SGPWA and the California Rural Water Association’s Small Systems Water Assistance Program to complete the project that was started in late 2025, officials said.

The project will be recognized at a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 11.

Another reservoir is planned in Banning Heights. The site is being funded in partnership with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, according to SGPWA.

Located on BHMWC property, the planned facility will serve the city of Banning, Banning Heights, Banning Canyon, and the Morongo area. The site was strategically selected based on lessons from the 2020 Apple Fire, which burned more than 33,000 acres nearby and forced widespread evacuations, officials said.

Wildfire risk in the region continues to intensify. Fires not only threaten homes but also increase the risk of severe runoff and water quality impacts.

"Expanding water storage and enabling rapid helicopter refill ensure firefighters have immediate access to water when conditions escalate," according to SGPWA.