El Niño Conditions are Strengthening — What Does That Mean for the San Gabriel Valley?

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

We’ve all heard the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” That was certainly the case last winter when storms dropped about 40 inches of rain in the San Gabriel Valley, more than double the yearly average. California is nearly drought-free now — most state and local reservoirs are near capacity, local groundwater levels have risen, and imported water deliveries, used to replenish local groundwater supplies, are at 100% for the first time since 2006.

The heavy precipitation we received earlier this year came at the tail end of a La Niña condition usually associated with droughts. Sudden storms like Hurricane Hilary led to Southern California recording one of the wettest summers on record. Some weather scientists, citing recent record high global ocean and surface temperatures, are forecasting a strong El Niño condition this winter, which may lead to heavy rain in some coastal areas of southern California.

This may be good news for our local water supply conditions, but there is still much we should do to save water. Drought will recur, and in the long run, we use more water than Mother Nature provides, so let’s take these actions related to our precious water resources as winter nears.

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. When 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 are buying a rain barrel, the District will provide you a rebate of up to $35 (check the website: sgvmwd.com/ water-conservation/#rebates).

Third, now is the time to plant California Native Plants and other drought-resistant vegetation to give your plants and their roots a head start before next year’s warmer spring and summer months (check our website for plant recommendations customized for Alhambra: sgvmwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ CalScape_Alhambra_web.pdf.

For more information, please visit the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District website at sgvmwd.com or call the District at 626-969-7911.