Valley Sanitary District celebrates 100 years of service
Cynthia White
INDIO, Calif. — November 21, 2025 — Valley Sanitary District (VSD) marked a major milestone on Thursday, celebrating its 100th anniversary at the Coachella Valley History Museum.
Established in 1925, VSD has grown from serving fewer than 1,000 residents to providing wastewater collection and treatment for more than 90,000 people across Indio and the eastern Coachella Valley.
At the anniversary event, guests toured historic exhibits, viewed archival photographs, and visited informational booths. The program featured remarks and proclamations from state and local leaders.
State Water Board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel said, “The fact that Valley Sanitary District was created years before the incorporation of our first city, Indio, speaks to how fundamental the management of waste has been for the protection of our community’s health, environment, and our precious water resources.”
General Manager Jason Dafforn, P.E. recognized VSD’s staff and partners who have supported the District over the past century. “Reaching 100 years is a milestone that reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the community we serve,” Dafforn said. “We are proud of our history and equally proud of the planning and investments underway that will support Indio and the surrounding area for the next century.”
Board President Debra A. Canero shared similar sentiments on behalf of the Board of Directors, saying, “This celebration honors every community member, employee and partner who has contributed to the District’s success. Valley Sanitary District has grown alongside this community for 100 years, and we remain committed to providing safe and reliable service every day.”
Looking at long-term planning, VSD is designing a tertiary treatment system that would allow the District to produce recycled water for non-potable irrigation when cost-effective. Additionally, VSD is advancing a biosolids conversion project in partnership with Lystek International that will transform wastewater byproducts into nutrient-rich fertilizer for local agriculture—reducing hauling costs and supporting sustainability.
Guests at the event also received VSD’s coffee table book, chronicling the District’s evolution from early treatment ponds to how it is today.