W ith cycles of drought a fact of life in Southern California, local residents know the importance of maintaining a safe, abundant and reliable water supply. The San Gabriel Valley is fortunate to have a local water supply – the Main San Gabriel Basin – and it needs to be protected. This is what the San Gabri- el Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) is doing: keeping your water safe. The WQA has coordinated the cleanup efforts since its cre - ation more than 30 years ago. As a result, 2.1 million acre-feet of water has been treated, thus making the region less depen- dent upon imported water. In 1979, industrial solvents and other contaminants were discovered in the San Gabriel Basin, a large underground aquifer that provides 90 percent of the water supply to the San Gabriel Valley. The contamination is believed to be the result of decades of improper chemical handling and disposal practices. Over time, chemicals seeped into the groundwater and began San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority: Providing Clean Groundwater for Future Generations
WQA Names Lynda Noriega as 2025 Chairperson T he San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Au- thority (WQA) is pleased to announce
showing up in wells pumping drinking water out of the aquifer. As a result, water suppliers had to shut down wells and large portions of the 167-square-mile Basin were placed on the feder - al Superfund cleanup list in 1984. On Feb. 11, 1993, the California Legislature established the WQA to develop, manage, finance and implement groundwater treatment programs in the San Gabriel Basin. The WQA identi- fied polluters and worked to secure funding from them as well as the state and federal government, so ratepayers are not left footing the cleanup bill. The WQA coordinates these efforts with local, state and federal agencies and water producers, and also works to prevent future contamination. Today, 34 treatment plants are successfully removing the contaminants from the Basin, which is the primary source of drinking water for over 1.5 million people in Alhambra, Irwin - dale, La Puente, Rosemead, Azusa, Baldwin Park, City of Indus- try, El Monte, South El Monte, West Covina and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley. Seven new treatment plants are under construction. The WQA is using the newest and most innovative technology to finish cleaning the Basin before the agency is scheduled to sunset in 2050. Since the WQA’s inception, WQA-sponsored projects have been responsible for treating over 2 million acre-feet of water in the Basin and removing nearly 217,267 pounds of contaminants. The WQA keeps its focus on the key mission of making sure your water is safe. Learn more at www.wqa.com .
BOARD MEMBERS
the appointment of Lynda Noriega as Chairperson of its Board of Directors for the year 2025. Noriega, who represents the water producers in the Main San Gabriel Basin, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to improving water quality and managing resources in the region. As Chairperson, Noriega will lead the WQA’s efforts to oversee critical water quality initiatives, advocate for innovative solutions, and guide the Authority’s policies and projects that impact millions of resi- dents across the San Gabriel Valley.
Robert Gonzales Vice Chairman
Valerie Muñoz Secretary
Lynda Noriega Chairwoman
Bob Kuhn Treasurer
Ed Chavez Board Member
“I am honored to serve as Chairperson of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority,” said Noriega. “The work of the WQA is vital to ensuring that our communities continue to have access to clean, safe water, and I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members, stakeholders, and local agencies to continue advancing our mission.” Noriega has been an active member of the WQA board, where her lead- ership in representing the interests of water producers has been instru- mental in advancing key water quality programs. She has been an advocate for sustainable water management, supporting efforts that ensure long- term water security for the region. The WQA plays a crucial role in monitoring and enhancing the quality of groundwater in the San Gabriel Basin, a vital source of drinking water for over 1.5 million people. Through collaborative efforts with local agencies, the WQA works to address contamination issues and fund cleanup projects to restore the Basin’s water resources. “We are excited to have Lynda Noriega as our Chairperson for 2025,” said WQA Executive Director Randy Schoellerman. “Her experience, knowl- edge, and dedication to the Basin will be essential as we continue our work to protect and improve the water quality in the San Gabriel Basin. We look forward to a productive year under her leadership.”
Robert DiPrimio Board Member
Mark Paulson Board Member
Randy Schoellerman Executive Director
(626) 338-5555 | info@wqa.com www.wqa.com
10 | California Water: Special Edition
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