As Earth Day Nears, Let’s Look at How the Local Water Supply is Doing

By Mark Paulson

When it comes to our water supplies, things can change fast. In the past few months, I made the case that the dry start to the rain and snow season might fizzle out as El Niño and the series of “atmospheric river” storms arrived. As productive as recent storms have been, and as much as our snowpack, reservoirs, and groundwater supplies have improved, we are left at this point with a slightly above average “rain year,” having received about 19.5 inches of rain (average is 17.83 inches) or half of what we received last year.

As the next few weeks will likely conclude our “wet” season, it’s important to remember that we use more water than Mother Nature provides and that we live in a region where drought is the norm. We must use water wisely, as history shows that drought conditions will almost certainly return. So, if we all increase our conservation “ethic” and make water-saving as natural as wearing a seat belt and other good habits, we can help sustain our improved water conditions.

As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, here are some basic ideas to help make conservation a year-round practice.

First, set your irrigation controllers and systems to water less frequently and in smaller amounts during cool weather. When it rains, turn off your watering system for a few days.

Second, the District’s rebate program will help you save money when you save water. We have funds available to reward your purchase of water-efficient clothes washers, smart irrigation controllers, high-efficiency toilets, water flow monitors, and more. To learn more and to apply for a rebate, visit sgvmwd.com/water-conservation/#rebates.

Third, there is still time to plant California Native Plants and other drought-resistant vegetation to give plants and their roots a head start before warmer months arrive (sgvmwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CalScape_Alhambra_web. pdf). Visit the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District’s website for more information. To schedule an educational presentation, contact Evelyn Reyes or Albert Lu, External Affairs staff, at 626-969-7911 or info@sgvmwd.com.