Déjà vu All Over Again?

Water Supply Conditions Poised to Improve

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

Last month’s article suggested we be patient with Mother Nature as El Niño and the winter rain and snow accumulations were not as robust as had been forecasted. As our comparison of water supply data from January to February shows, Mother Nature is again proving her mettle. Storms, nearly as fierce as a year ago, have led to improved rainfall and snowpack accumulations — improvements in our reservoir system and groundwater supplies will surely follow.

With more storm activity forecasted for the latter part of winter, we also hope to see an increase in the amount of imported water we receive from the state to replenish local groundwater supplies. Despite these improvements, we can’t let our optimism stop us from using water wisely. It’s almost certain that drought conditions will return since we use more water than Mother Nature provides. 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.

Rain or shine, here are some basic ideas to help make conservation a year-round practice.

First, reset your irrigation controllers and systems to water less frequently and in smaller amounts as the weather is cooler and rainier, and sunshine is not as intense. After it rains, turn off your watering system for a few days.

Second, purchase a rain barrel that can capture stormwater for reuse around your home. If you buy a rain barrel, the District will provide you a rebate of up to $35 (sgvmwd.com/water-conservation/#rebates).

Third, there is still time to plant California Native Plants and other drought-resistant vegetation to give your plants and their

roots a head start before warmer spring and summer months arrive (visit sgvmwd.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CalScape_ Alhambra_web.pdf for more information).

Please visit the District’s website for more information, and please consider scheduling an educational presentation by contacting Evelyn Reyes or Albert Lu, External Affairs staff, at 626-969-7911 or info@sgvmwd.com.