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. 

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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.

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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.

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After meeting with the Metropolitan Water District and other regional agencies, Dave Hill, our Water Resources Manager, provides this update on the Sepulveda Feeder shutdown, which will last through July 2:

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Last week, Central Basin officially opened the doors of its new home during its Grand Opening event. Community members, industry partners, civic leaders, and friends and family joined Central Basin Directors and staff in celebrating their new Headquarters in the City of Commerce. Even the event theme, the “1950s,” paid tribute to the founding date of the Central Basin Municipal Water District in 1952. From historical displays of the District achievements, to highlighting the success of local students in environmental studies, the event was a celebration of the many services and partnerships Central Basin works to provide each year.

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The Metropolitan Water District is requesting heightened conservation in LA and Orange Counties in anticipation of a 12-day shutdown of the Sepulveda Feeder, a major regional pipeline. Although residents are not expected to have water supplies disrupted while pipeline repairs are being made, Metropolitan is asking for increased conservation efforts to ensure reliable supplies during these hot summer days. From the press release:  Read the rest of this entry »

David McNew/Getty Images

Last week, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California released a Water Supply Alert for all of Southern California. This regional call to action encourages water agencies (like Central Basin) to do what we can to help our residents and businesses reduce their water-use. In light of these announcements, our friends at EcoTrekker sent us this creative list of 53 ways to use less water. To help us assess the immediate local impact of the Water Supply Alert, reporter Karl Zynda from EGP News provides this analysis:

Karl Zynda
EGP Staff Writer

One week after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought, a Water Supply Alert has been issued by the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors.

The alert, issued Wednesday, calls for cities, counties and local public water agencies, such as the Central Basin Municipal Water District, to conserve water by alerting the public to the drought and educating it about water saving practices, creating and enforcing water use ordinances, and development of additional local water supplies. The Central Basin Municipal Water District, which serves Bell Gardens, Montebello, Monterey Park, and part of Commerce, buys water from the MWD.

To read the full article, click here.

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

It’s official: After two years of record-low rainfall, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a statewide drought.  At Central Basin, we have already started ramping- up our efforts, joining in on statewide discussions to improve water supply reliability. See what the media is saying below about the Governor’s declaration, as well as the press release from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. For more information on any of our conservation programs, or to learn what you can do to start conserving today, click here.

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With freak showers hitting the area this weekend, rainwater harvesting is back in the news. One rainwater storage system featured in the Sacramento Bee this past weekend can save homeowners up to 2,800 gallons of water annually and costs about $5,000. For homeowners looking for simpler, inexpensive ways to harvest the rain, some point to the low-tech practices that have long been used in the Southwest and parts of the South, not to mention in countries such as Japan, Germany and Australia. Interestingly, though, even rainwater harvesters promote simpler water conservation methods as the ideal first choice for reducing use.

For ideas on how you can conserve water at home, work or school, click here!

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Here’s something pretty cool: The U.S. Geological Survey is now making real-time water quality data available online for more than 1,300 of the nation’s watersheds.  The data, which ranges from streamflow to water temperature, ph levels and turbidity, is posted on their new “WaterQualityWatch” website. From the press release:

“Real-time water information is breaking new ground in science and technology and is proving to be very useful, helping local water managers make important daily decisions, such as regarding drinking water, water treatment, recreation, and public safety on beaches throughout the U.S.” said Matthew Larsen, USGS Acting Associate Director for Water.

The public also uses the on-line data to decide whether conditions, such as water temperature or turbidity, are favorable for recreational activities such as fishing, boating or swimming.  

Although the USGS does not yet provide data on the water quality of the Central Groundwater Basin, we look forward to the expansion of their program to include coverage of our region. If you’re interested in learning more about your local water quality, visit our website.

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