We loved this creative short film, and thought it was perfect for Water Awareness Month. It explains the human impact on our earth, which doesn’t make for a very pretty picture.

Read the rest of this entry »

May is Water Awareness Month, and here at Central Basin, we’re celebrating H2O in a million different ways!

Lake Skinner, where students will compete to win Solar Cup 2010!

One of our favorite events this time of year is Solar Cup, hosted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. As a proud annual sponsor, we support outstanding local high school students as they work all year to build the best solar-powered boat they can.  This Friday, May 14 kicks off the 8th annual competition at Lake Skinner! Check out other exciting programs and events happening this month after the jump:

Read the rest of this entry »

Winners of the “Water is Life” Poster Contest on display at Central Basin’s Headquarters!   This program is a partnership between the Metropolitan Water District and its member agencies, providing students grades K-12 throughought Southern California with an opportunity to showcase artistic talents as they express how water should be used wisely.   The Central Basin student contest winner is proudly highlighted at the end of the slide show.  Be sure to visit our Educational Program webpage for more programs offered throughout our service area!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Central Basin is presenting at the Interactive Social Media Workshop at Ace 10, “The World’s Water Event,” being held in Chicago, June 20-24. In the spirit of social media, tell us what topics you think are important to cover in the comments section!

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Social Media Workshop at ACE10

View more presentations from Jon DiPietro.

This month, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps finished the landscaping at Central Basin headquarters. From spreading 80 cubic feet of mulch to planting California-native plants, they’ve transformed our constantly thirsty garden into a drought-friendly one!

If you know a professional landscaper, our upcoming free workshops can train them on how to make their gardens California-friendly, too. Check it out here!
Below, Lisa, Chris, and Al enjoy our new landscape.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, the center of California's water wars

Last week, the National Academy of Sciences released their long-awaited report on the Delta. The results were received by stakeholders on both sides of the Delta debate as a sort of victory, according to a New York Times report.

On the one hand, the findings validate environmental actions taken by the federal agencies to protect fish populations like the delta smelt and salmon that migrate through the delta. These restrictions compounded water shortages already in place due to California’s three-year drought.

Read the rest of this entry »

Wildflowers at Diamond Valley Lake

Recent Southern California rains have cleared for now, leaving behind magnificent wildflowers at Diamond Valley Lake.

This weekend the seasonal wildflower trail opened to the public, displaying gorgeous California poppies and other native plants. The 1.3-mile trail makes for an easy hike, and is said to be “spectacular” at mid-morning.

Read the rest of this entry »

April 22 marks the start of the Cash 4 Appliances Program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The California Energy Commission has allocated $35.2 million towards rebates on energy-saving appliances.

Spring cleaning may have just gotten a little greener!

What does that mean for you? Californians are eligible to receive a $100 rebate on select Energy Star washing machines. But the savings don’t stop there. Manufacturers, retailers, and utility companies are pitching in, too: the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will throw in an additional $50 rebate, and residents can receive $50 more from the California Department of Water Resources. Finally, check with your local utility company for extra rebates—for example, SoCal Gas has a $35 rebate, which would bring your grand total to $235 in savings!

Read the rest of this entry »

The stunning Whittier Greenway Trail

Central Basin is gearing up for our H.E.L.P. Landscape Workshop in Whittier on March 20. The workshop will include great information on water-saving landscape practices and how to integrate California-friendly plants into your garden.

We’re excited that Mayor Bob Henderson will join us to welcome participants and provide the opening remarks! And while you’re in Whittier, check out the Whittier Greenway Trail– a terrific example of how beautiful native plants can be.

Read the rest of this entry »

Starting March 2010, construction crews for the Southeast Water Reliability Project (SWRP) will begin in Pico Rivera . Check back here for regular updates. What you should know:

• Construction hours will be between 7am – 3pm
• Impacts will include noise, minimal dust, limited street parking
• Questions? Call our toll-free hotline (888) 341-5707

Read the rest of this entry »