The marsh that has blossomed into Fountain Valley once was known as Gospel Swamp, where cattle grazed and itinerant preachers set up tents on small islands. But a severe drought in the late 1870's turned the marsh - fed by the Santa Ana River - into rich farmland, blessed with natural springs and artesian wells. At the turn of the century, the population was 20,000. By 1920, there were 61,000 area residents, and two small villages were forming.

Presently, the city's physical growth is approximately 92% with the projected total population expected to peak at 58,000.

Police, fire, ambulance/paramedics: Dial 911

Police Department:
phone 714-593-4450
Fire Department:
phone 714-593-4436

Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
Phone: 714-979-1211
17100 Euclid Ave., Fountain Valley, 92708

Fountain Valley Park Information
Number of parks in city: 19
Park information: phone 714-965-4446

Branch libraries:
Fountain Valley Branch Library Phone: 714-962-1324
17635 Los Alamos Fountain Valley
Special collections: Books for children, young adults and adults. Korean language literature and literacy materials for the adult beginning reader.
Number of branch libraires: 1

Post Office locations:
17227 Newhope St.

Cable TV:
Time Warner Communications, phone 714-898-3800
Gas:
The Gas Co., phone 800-427-2200
Electricity:
Southern California Edison, phone 800-655-4555
Telephone service:
Verizon, phone 800-483-4000
Trash collection:
City of Fountain Valley, phone 714-593-4420
Water:
City of Fountain Valley, phone 714-593-4420