Save Water and Save Money Outdoors This Summer!

By Mark Paulson, Board of Directors, Division I – Alhambra San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

We are drought-free and our water supplies are much improved compared to a year ago thanks to recent above average precipitation. History and factors such as population growth, business and economic growth, and climate change assure us that drought is normal and drought will return, so we need to conserve water all year long. In a typical Alhambra residence, more than 50% of water use occurs outside, rising to as much as 75% during the warm summer and fall months.

I’ve highlighted a variety of “outdoor” water saving tips below and call your attention to the fact that California native plants, which use one-seventh the water of other plants, thrive in Alhambra. I recommend visiting our website (https://sgvmwd.com/waterconservation/#gardening-guide) and learning more about California native plants and landscaping suppliers suited for Alhambra. Thank you and enjoy the summer months!