The State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) joined the Central MWD Caucus this month to discuss climate change and resources made available towards addressing this stressor in water management planning. From DWR’s report, the group learned that 40 years from now we can expect to see greater intensity of wet and dry weather periods and between 25 – 40% less snowpack. In the year 2100, temperatures are expected to increase by an average of 3 to 11 degrees. Additionally, we can expect less runoff during spring and summer seasons, sea level rise and increased salinity in the Delta. Read the rest of this entry »

Central Basin had an opportunity to visit the 22^nd Annual California Water Policy meeting this month joining leaders from across the state to engage in water policy discussions.

Image of the Colorado River Aqueduct

A variety of sessions were held, one in particular titled “How will the BDCP work?” included panelists from various agencies who talked about the affordability of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), while identifying improvements for fish and wildlife. Reference was made to the Delta Conservancy, a Delta dialogue group working together to find out what everyone’s interest is.  The session concluded with:  It is possible to restore fisheries under the BDCP and it is possible to achieve an abundance of fish population.  Storing water is also important in California, but the dynamics of water flowing through the Bay Delta must be fixed first. As we previously blogged on this subject, the U.S. Geological survey predicts a 63% chance of experiencing a major earthquake in the next 30 years, which can remind us that it is not an issue of “if” – but rather an issue of “when”. The Bay Delta is a key water supply for Californian’s and is home to some of the nation’s most productive farming land. Often referred to as “America’s Fruit Basket”, more than 50% of the US vegetables, fruits and nuts are grown here in California.   Read the rest of this entry »

April is a very special month for our Mother Nature.  This month organizations across the nation celebrate Earth Day, an event that is focused on public awareness about environmental issues our stewardship of the planet.

Central Basin is committed to supporting and promoting activities that encourage our residents to learn more about their role in protecting our environment.  For instance, last weekend, we participated in the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County’s 2013 Earth Day event in Whittier.  This is an amazing event for residents of our region to visit with over 50 exhibitors, participate in workshops and various arts and crafts activities as well as view several performances.  Each year, the event is attended by thousands of residents from our community. 

This year, we were able to host a booth and interact with many visitors who were interested in learning about water related issues, such as conservation.  Thanks to all those who stopped by to visit!

If you did not have the opportunity to visit our booth, come see us at the upcoming outreach events in the Central Basin service area:

• El Rancho Unified School District Health Fair 
• South Gate Earth Day Event

For more information on outreach events, please visit http://www.centralbasin.org/

Looking for inspiration to update your garden? Now is the time, this weekend on Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, April 7, the Theodore Payne Foundation is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary Native Plant Garden Tour. 

Not only can you experience the beauty of gardening with California native plants first hand, but you can learn about the many benefits it can offer from garden owners, landscape designers and fellow garden enthusiasts.  Central Basin is excited to share sustainable landscapes located in the cities of Lakewood and Downey, as well as areas throughout Los Angeles, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Executive Director, Timothy Quinn opened the first Caucus of 2013 to share ACWA’s vision towards achieving sustainability, co-equal goals and what’s ahead for the water community in 2013.  

Much emphasis was made with respect to co-equal goals and how they are the cornerstone of California water policy.  With evolving environmental rules and water policy, co-equal goals require a new approach and a need to rethink how we manage water and the environment – from one end of the state to the other.  In a short interview with Tim, he discusses major water supply shortages facing our state, stressing risks of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta and how the Bay Delta Conservation Plan is developed to improve water supply levels, reduce risks and offers a prospect to significantly improve the quality of water. Read the rest of this entry »

Over the next few weeks Central Basin will be at school board meetings throughout our service area to show our support for four special high school teams that were selected to participate in Solar Cup, the nation’s largest solar powered boat competition. Participating students gain hands-on experience while learning about important environmental and water resources issues. Working in teams, they build their leadership and communications skills while increasing their knowledge of engineering, math and science. Solar Cup is also part of Central Basin’s award-winning education programs. Read the rest of this entry »

Southern California Water Committee Executive Director, Richard Atwater was on hand at the September Central Basin MWD Caucus to discuss the importance of unity and collaboration as California moves forward on several important water issues. If you missed this month’s Caucus, you can still check out the presentation. Mr. Atwater also shared with the audience the role that the Southern California Water Committee has in bringing diverse groups together to advocate on water issues.  Read the rest of this entry »

The value of water should be celebrated like a holiday everyday but there is one month in particular that revolves around water.  May is Water Awareness Month, a time to remind everyone about the significance and value of water.  Each year as a part of this celebration, Central Basin in partnership with Metropolitan Water District, sponsors a water conservation poster contest for students in grades 4^th – 8^th. 

This week, the winning posters from last year transformed Central Basin headquarters into an art gallery. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, check out this slideshow featuring the winning posters!  Ana Resnick, the District’s poster contest winner and the founder Arts2Cure is featured in the beginning of the video.  Congratulations to Ana and all students, keep designing artwork and conserving water!               

Another year and Warren High School took the 2012 Solar Cup spotlight.  In Lake Skinner, Warren High School eagerly accepted the first place award for best Public Service Announcement. 

Central Basin’s team, Warren High School, received recognition for the PSA and they didn’t stop there.  They also received 1^st place in Technical Reports Award and 2^nd place in the 200 Meter Sprint Race.  

Other schools from the District’s area that also participated in this year’s Solar Cup include, Firebaugh High in Lynwood, Paramount High and the combined team of La Mirada High and Norwalk High. Read the rest of this entry »

How Much Water Do You Get For a Penny?  Let’s take a look!

FACT

FICTION

From the WRD Facebook page: It’s all fiction (or bad math)

We wondered how the math was done on the suggested – “gallons on the penny”.  Here’s the real deal, to clarify these perpetuated misconceptions, we took this analysis to the chalkboard, grabbed the eraser and calculated – using real math.   Read the rest of this entry »