Today, the Central Basin Board completed the award presentations for the 2008 Water Scholar Award Program. Each year, five college-bound students from the Central Basin service area are selected to receive the Water Scholar Award, a $5,000 scholarship that will support students in their pursuit of water industry related areas of study at the universities of their choice. From molecular biology to environmental science, recipients of this year’s award will be enrolling in a range of programs this fall, exemplifying the many opportunities available within the industry today. Read more about the 2008 Water Scholars Here.

Check out this recent Newsweek article on the dry times facing Lake Mead. The best part is the Q&A with  Tim Barnett, a research marine geophysicist and climate expert at Scripps. According to him, the lake could be bone-dry within 13 years. Also worth a look: the aerial slideshow of lakes from around the world. 

On Monday, June 30, the Sepulveda Feeder was returned to service, two days ahead of schedule. With the major pipeline back online, the Metropolitan Water District sent this press release, thanking its 12 million consumers for water-saving efforts. From the press release:

“We sincerely appreciate the assistance of consumers throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties who took extra steps to save water at their homes and businesses since we shut down 12 miles of the Sepulveda Feeder June 21 and asked the public for its help,” said Debra C. Man, Metropolitan Water District’s assistant general manager and chief operating officer.

Here is a picture provided by our own Lisa Sanchez, of a guest taking in the beauty of Parker Dam during the Colorado River Aqueduct inspection trip last weekend. Hosted by Central Basin Director Phil Hawkins, it was attended by about 35 guests who all had a great time learning about one of our most critical water sources. Offered throughout the year to MWD Board Members, these educational trips are a great way for us to get to know our community while increasing water awareness.