Riverside Firefighters Get Water-Saving Training Device

New recycling system can simulate a fire hose without wasting millions of gallons annually.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

The Riverside Fire Department has acquired a new recycling system called PumpPod that can simulate a free-flowing fire hose without wasting water. The system is capable of recapturing and re-circulating up to 4.5 million gallons of water per year used during firefighter training exercises.

Why it matters

As California continues to grapple with drought conditions, water conservation has become a critical priority for municipalities. The PumpPod system allows firefighters to train realistically while dramatically reducing water waste, which benefits the environment and saves taxpayer money on water costs.

The details

The PumpPod system comes with a stand-alone training fire hydrant that can continuously feed water. Firefighters practice by aiming the hose's water into a mobile tank, with the water then returning to the training hydrant. The system is capable of delivering over 2,000 gallons of water per minute. It's also portable, enabling crews to train on it wherever they may be.

  • The Riverside Fire Department acquired the PumpPod system in early 2026.

The players

Riverside Fire Department

The fire department for the city of Riverside, California.

PumpPod USA

The Sylmar-based supplier of the PumpPod water recycling system for firefighter training.

Orange County Fire Authority

The fire department serving Orange County, California, which has also acquired a PumpPod system.

Ventura County Fire Department

The fire department serving Ventura County, California, which has also acquired a PumpPod system.

Los Angeles Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Los Angeles, California, which has also acquired a PumpPod system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Additional PumpPod units are slated for delivery to fire departments across California in the coming months.

The takeaway

The PumpPod system demonstrates how innovative technology can help fire departments train effectively while dramatically reducing water waste, an increasingly critical issue in drought-stricken California.