Twentynine Palms Water District (TPWD) operates as an independent special district, providing water services to the residents of Twentynine Palms and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino. Special Districts are unique forms of local government, created by residents, focused on a specific set of services for the community. This focus on specific services allows special districts to operate more efficiently than other forms of government. Independent special districts are governed by an elected board of directors who answer to the residents, voters and landowners in their service area.