Board Meeting
Monday, July 12, 2021 8:00am
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Save the Date: the August 2021 Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2021. Please check our website for updates related to the date, time and location of that meeting. |
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Please note that the July 12, 2021 Board Meeting will not be held “in-person” at District headquarters. Rather, the meeting will be conducted via video and phone conference call. Guests may access the meeting in the following ways:
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 999-877-165
Please check the Calendar on our website (www.sgvmwd.com) for board meeting agenda and dates and times of committee meetings. You may also request to receive such information by email. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at District headquarters, 1402 N. Vosburg Drive, Azusa, California. Please join us; all meetings are open to the public.
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Water Forum Partners are Committed to San Gabriel Valley Water Forum Event in 2022 |
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The Water Forum Partners, comprised of the leading water agencies serving the San Gabriel Valley, including the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, along with all sponsors from the canceled 2020 Water Forum, have expressed their desire to resume with an in-person San Gabriel Valley Water Forum in 2022. The Water Forum has become a popular, mainstay educational symposium in the San Gabriel Valley since its inception in 2012. The goal of the Forum remains to “tell the San Gabriel Valley’s water story.” Whether the event is scheduled for the spring or fall is unclear at this time.
In the interim, the Partners created and distributed a newsletter to update stakeholders about their plans for 2022 and to inform people about the current drought conditions. We’ve also updated the Water Forum website (www.sgvwaterforum.com). We will provide updates on the status of the 2022 Water Forum in upcoming editions of this newsletter.
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Drought Conditions Continue into Hot and Dry Summer Months |
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Summary
The recent drought conditions are not showing any signs of improvement. Water supplies statewide and in the San Gabriel Valley (local groundwater) remain below average as shown by the bleak pictures of San Gabriel Reservoir located in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains (below left) and the State’s second largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, which is less than 50% full (below right). In May, Governor Newsom expanded the State’s “Drought Emergency” to include 41 of the State’s 58 counties, an increase from just two counties in his initial “Drought Proclamation,” issued in April. Approximately 30% of the state’s population is now in a drought emergency.
The past two years have been the driest in nearly half a century (since 1976-1977). Warming temperatures are a major contributor to worsening drought conditions as temperatures are about two degrees hotter, on average, now than 50 years ago. This results in greater evaporation during precipitation events, less melting snow feeding rivers and reservoirs, and soil moisture drying out before soaking into the ground. Computer models show that in the future, dry years will be drier, and wet years will be wetter.
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Imported Water Delivery Update
In March, amid worsening drought and water supply conditions, the State Department of Water Resources reduced State Water Project (SWP) allocations (the “imported” water that flows from northern California to southern California) to 5 percent of requested supplies, down from the initial allocation of 10 percent announced in December. This means the District received (and has already delivered) only 1,440 acre-feet (5%) of its allotted 28,800 acre-feet of imported water which is used to replenish declining groundwater supplies in the Main San Gabriel Basin.
About 80 percent of the Valley’s water supply is furnished by local groundwater, and the Valley imports approximately 20 percent of the water we use. Thus, annual imported water allocations from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) are very important. The SWP provides water to 29 SWP contractors, such as SGVMWD, who supply water to more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.
The graph below shows how imported water allocations from the state vary from year to year and demonstrates how difficult water management and planning has become. As a rule of thumb, a 60% allocation is needed to meet the demand of our member cities for replacement water. Thus, in years where the allocation dips below that amount, we see the important role that water storage plays.
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District Operations
The District completed its 2021 calendar year deliveries to the Main San Gabriel Basin (San Gabriel Canyon Spreading Grounds) in May. The District’s total delivery was 1,440 acre-feet. We continue to assist a nearby water district, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, with water deliveries to Covina Irrigating Company. The District has also continued ongoing maintenance and repairs to equipment, computer systems and pipeline/water delivery infrastructure.
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Following is a summary of water supply conditions in the State and the San Gabriel Valley:
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State Summary – According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of June 22, 2021, 100% of the State is considered “abnormally dry,”; 100% of the State is experiencing moderate drought (increased from 90.66 three months ago); and 94.73% of the State is experiencing severe drought (increased from 94.61% three months ago). Further, 85.44% of the State is experiencing extreme drought (increased from 31.76% three months ago), and 33.32% of the State is experiencing exceptional drought (up from 5.36% three months ago).
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Local Groundwater – in the Main San Gabriel Basin, the “Baldwin Park Key Well” is the indicator of groundwater levels (see graph below – blue line includes cyclic storage; black line does not). As of July 2, 2021, the level is 190.8, a decrease from 193.1 one month ago and 194.8 two months ago. The Basin has experienced a fairly steady decline from 212.5 feet above mean sea level in December 2019. The present level is still an improvement from the historic low of 169.4 as recently as November 21, 2018. Watermaster’s operating guidelines for replacement water or “safe yield” is between 200 and 250 feet above mean sea level.
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Local Rainfall – the Los Angeles Almanac reports rainfall for the annual period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 from a variety of weather stations in the County. At the Pasadena weather station, no rain was reported in June, thus, 5.75 inches of rain has been measured year-to-date compared to normal precipitation of 20.08 inches at this time of year (29.2% of normal). At the Santa Fe Dam weather station, no rain was reported in June, thus, 6.49 inches of rain has been measured year-to-date compared to normal precipitation of 17.38 inches at this time of year (37.3% of normal). To compare versus the last “rain season,” rainfall totals in Pasadena for the “year” ended June 30, 2020, totaled 20.67 inches compared to a season average of 19.77 inches (105% of average). At Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale, rainfall totaled 15.33 inches compared to a season average of 16.94 inches (91% of average).
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Statewide Snow Pack – as of May 28, 2021, statewide, the average “snow water equivalent” is 0.1 inches. Snow levels are 0% of normal for this date and 0% of the April 1 average. On average, the Sierra Nevada Mountains snow pack, which is a key source of water banked in reservoirs, supplies about 30% of California’s water needs as it melts in the spring and early summer, feeding reservoirs and the water table, resulting in groundwater. Water departments look to the result of the April 1 measurement, when snow pack is typically at its highest, to make supply decisions for the remainder of the year.
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Statewide Reservoir Levels – statewide, as of June 1, 2021, (the latest data available to us), reservoir levels were at 67% of average and 51% of capacity (compared to 71% and 52%, respectively, at the end of April). Every winter, most areas need about 12 inches of rainfall before the ground is saturated enough to get large amounts of runoff into streams and reservoirs. Because last year’s precipitation levels were low and the ground was so dry, the ground absorbed high levels of recent precipitation. California’s reservoirs generally hold enough water to go one dry year without impacts but begin to empty if a wet year does not follow.
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Conservation Outreach and Education Update: In-Person Appearances at Community Events and Locations Resume Shortly! |
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With the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, the District expects to be supporting and participating in some community events in-person as the year progresses. We look forward to seeing you in person, to introducing you to H2Owl and talking more about water issues! Please don’t hesitate to let us know about events we might support with water education materials and our kid-friendly mascot. If your organization would like to plan such an activity, please contact Evelyn Reyes at either 626-969-7911 or ereyes@sgvmwd.com.
2021 Drought Awareness Plan and Messaging
Each year, we seek to develop a new, timely and relevant theme or “message” to promote both awareness and action related to water supply and conservation. That message may be displayed on banners, lawn and median signs, ads, school materials and more throughout the year.
This year, we sought a positive and encouraging message for stakeholders. We have settled on “Saving Water…it’s a good thing!” The thought behind the simple message is that as our communities and people “come back” from the pandemic, and start to “do their thing” again, that this is an easy action to support and practice. The message can be taken two ways: that water, itself, is a good thing; and that the act of saving water is a good thing. Regardless of your interpretation, we hope the positive and “retro” look to our theme/message for 2021 is inspiring and helpful.
Each of our member cities are in the process of hanging street banners with the new theme. We’ll provide pictures of those educational messages in a future issue of this newsletter. Azusa is also utilizing the message on bus shelters and social media.
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New Website
Our new website was launched in mid-June with a new look to the home page, new and updated content, increased ease and function of application forms for the rebate and O.W.L. Grant programs, and improved functionality. Please visit our new website at www.sgvmwd.com.
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New and Fun "Water Awareness Growth Chart"
As part of our commitment to assist and work with teachers, parents and students during the pandemic, the District created a new, fun water education project, the “Water Awareness Growth Chart.” Already, the Alhambra Unified School District, which serves Alhambra and Monterey Park, Sierra Madre Elementary School and the Alhambra Public Library are sharing the Growth Chart with our young people! The chart will help students learn more about groundwater, imported water, water terminology, and water conservation. The fun part is the Growth Chart is about 3-feet long and folds out so that students can keep it long-term in a convenient location and engage in several fun activities. You may download our Growth Chart or contact the District (626-969-9711; info@sgvmwd.com) and we’d be happy to mail you your own Growth Chart!
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In-Person Speakers' Bureau Presentations and Events to Resume: Concluded Virtual "Town Hall" Outreach Meetings
Each year, the District meets in person with City Councils, Chambers of Commerce, legislators, community organizations, media and others to provide a comprehensive overview of its operations, water supply issues and conditions, and water conservation initiatives. Due to the pandemic, the District recently relied on online resources to sustain its outreach program. Examples include:
- In March, Director Miles Prince (Division IV – Sierra Madre) provided a “virtual/on-line” presentation to the Sierra Madre City Council.
- On March 31, the District, along with guest speaker Tony Zampiello, Executive Officer of Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, hosted a virtual “Town Hall” meeting for all of its member cities to discuss topics such as the District’s pandemic-related Rate Assistance and Loan/Grant Programs, local and state water supply conditions, the District’s recent $2.68 million investment in the Delta Conveyance Plan, and spring and summer water conservation opportunities.
- On May 25, the District conducted an on-line “Town Hall” meeting for LA County legislative staff featuring updates on the District, water supplies, drought and partnerships with member cities.
- On June 22, the District hosted an on-line “Town Hall” meeting for Asian-language media featuring presentations from: SGVMWD Board President Thomas Wong, SGVMWD General Manager Darin Kasamoto, External Affairs Director Evelyn Reyes, as well as Watermaster Executive Officer Tony Zampiello. We appreciate the opportunity to work with professionals in the Asian media to reach out to the large number of Asian speaking stakeholders in our service area.
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O.W.L. Grant Program - Save Water this Summer and Fall!
The Opportunities for Water Leadership Grants (O.W.L.) are available! Now is the time to plan and prepare for projects this summer and fall. The O.W.L. - Opportunities for Water Leadership Grant Program is a great way to aid educational events such as Earth Day festivals (outdoors or virtual/on-line), re-landscaping projects, waterway cleanups, tree plantings, school projects, conservation curriculum, and other civic, volunteer activities.
The grants range from $200-$2,000 for local, creative water conservation projects. The District welcomes creative ideas from schools and non-profit organizations. If needed, we are happy to provide technical assistance to help you understand and complete the grant application.
Our list of grant recipients is growing so please review our grant program information and prepare your applications today! Please click here to read about the Grant Program and to access the online application. For further information, please contact the District at 626-969-7911.
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Rebate Program Easier than Ever with New On-line Application on the District's New Website |
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Summer and fall are a good time to plan ahead to save water…and save money…by checking for leaks, making sure we are efficient in our use of indoor appliances, taking shorter showers and turning off the water when we brush our teeth. The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has offered a rebate program for many years for a variety of water-saving appliances and equipment. Many residents have cashed in and reaped the benefits of lower water bills and money in their pockets.
Our new website offers participants an on-line application process that is easier and faster! Please visit our new website (https://sgvmwd.com/water-conservation/#rebates). Residents who pay their water bill to the cities of Alhambra, Monterey Park and Azusa are eligible to participate. If you take action today, you should be enjoying that rebate, extra cash and water savings within 8-10 weeks time. If you have any questions, please call us (626-969-7911) or email us (info@sgvmwd.com). Thank you and stay safe!
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San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
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