SUMMER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
From Watermaster, Page 8
“Sustainability is something we all have to consider,” Gardner said. “When we do have rain, it rains a lot for a short period of time, and we have to capture that water. You can’t plan for the weather fluctuations, but you have to prepare for them.” That unpredictability is why Watermaster and many San Gabriel Valley water agencies support Pure Water Southern California, a Metropolitan and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts joint recycling project that would include a pipeline to the area. “All our imported water comes from Morris Dam
serving a one-year term. Six members are elected by water producers directly, two members are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water), and one member is appointed by the Board of Directors of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD). Upper Water and Three Valleys Municipal Water District are members of the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) that holds a SWP contract to bring imported water to the
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the SWP. If there is a disaster and fresh water stops flowing through the Delta, we can’t filter degraded water into the system, or we might not even be able to convey it here,” Gardner said. “Pure Water is the only source of new water available to the region. It’s water that otherwise would be disposed of. It would be fully treated and then percolated into the spreading grounds.” A new local source to this Basin could
region. SGVMWD is a smaller SWP contractor and brings water into the Basin via a different system, offering operational flexibility, Gardner explained. “These three agencies, called Responsible Agencies, serve an important role in the Basin as they
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, VISIT: UPPERWATER.ORG
TIP #1: Sprinkler Smart Check
Properly aimed sprinklers can cut outdoor water waste by up to 50%. Replace broken or clogged heads to keep your system efficient.
provide supplemental imported water to meet replacement obligations as well as cyclic storage deliveries,” she said. Watermaster also partners with the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA)
result in more supply for SWP-dependent areas that have had hefty usage restrictions during droughts. Through conservation, San Gabriel Valley water use has declined by more than 20%. “Conservation alone is not the answer,” Gardner said. “There’s only so much conservation we can do while still maintaining a lifestyle we’re accustomed to. In the San Gabriel Valley, we are a suburban community with outdoor spaces. I think the bottom of conservation has been reached. I don’t think there’s any more we can give without risking more.” Even with conservation and education, she says many users don’t understand the real cost of water. “The public looks at water as a natural resource and thinks it should be free. I don’t disagree with that, but getting it to them safely and drinkable is where the cost comes in,” Gardner said. “You have to understand that everything comes with a cost and everything costs more today. Just because you’re using less water at your house, doesn’t mean that the treatment to make it safe for you is less.” Overall, Gardner is optimistic about the future of water in this “geographic lottery” winning region, primarily because of the partners in caring for the groundwater basin. “Our coordination with our partners is our biggest success,” Gardner said, adding that private and municipal water producers have different priorities, but work together well. “In the end, we all aim to bring safe, clean water to customers.”
that was formed in 1993 by the California Legislature to coordinate Basin cleanup after industrial contaminants were discovered in the groundwater. “WQA plays a huge role in the cleanup because they have successfully lobbied for funding from elected officials and have secured money from responsible parties for the cleanup efforts. Watermaster is only legally able to educate, not procure funds,” Gardner said. Under the court ruling, Watermaster is charged with managing the Basin and has annual obligations for the accounting of water rights and safe practices. Watermaster sets a yearly Operating Safe Yield (OSY) that establishes the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn from the Basin without creating a replacement obligation or long-term damage. The groundwater level is measured regularly from a designated location called the “Key Well.” The current level is about 263 feet, which is above the operating range of 200-250 feet above sea level. Watermaster worked with Metropolitan to import more water during several wet years, but that reserve could be threatened by current challenges. The immediate issue is Los Angeles County’s imposed stop on SWP water deliveries because of the intrusion of the Golden Mussel that can damage supply infrastructure. Gardner is working with all the partners to resolve the issue and retain adequate supply. Longer term, changing weather cycles are creating uncertainty in local and imported supply.
TIP #2: Stop Sneaky Leaks
A small irrigation leak can waste hundreds of gallons over the summer. Look for dripping valves or soggy spots and fix issues early.
TIP #3: Go Native, Save Water
Native and drought ‑ tolerant plants use a fraction of the water traditional lawns need.
Ed Chavez Treasurer Division 3
Katarina Garcia President Division 4
Charles Treviño Director Division 2
Dr. Anthony Fellow Vice President Division 1
Jennifer Santana Secretary Division 5
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