Media Corner

Central Basin In The News

Montebello Adobe Gets New Drought Tolerant Garden	11/21/2011
Whittier Daily News The Central Basin Municipal Water District has broken ground on a demonstration garden of California native and drought tolerant plants in this city.
Los Angeles Times \| For the Record	09/29/2011
latimes.com A clarification of an article in the Sept. 14 LATExtra section about Google News delisting a website that had published stories "written in the image of real news" paid for by the Central Basin Municipal Water District incorrectly stating that the agency contracted with the website, NewsHawksReview.com, to create the promotional stories.
California Water Agency Calls for More Stimulus Spending	09/02/2011
News Hawks Review It is widely expected that President Obama will call for more spending on the nation’s infrastructure when he announces his jobs initiative next week.
SoCal Leaders Challenged To Help Create a Groundwater Storage Plan	07/28/2011
News Hawks Review “We want to know what you want so the plan is done in the best interests of the end user, the water consumer.” – Central Basin Municipal Water District General Manager Art Aguilar
Local Elected Officials Praise Central Basin Lawsuit vs. WRD	07/27/2011
News Hawks Review Local elected officials in southern and eastern Los Angeles County are beginning to assess Friday’s news about Central Basin Municipal Water suing the Southern California Replenishment District.
Central Basin Water District to Water Replenishment District – Pay It Back	07/21/2011
News Hawks Review The always interesting California water wars heated up this afternoon in Los Angeles.
Bell Gardens Scores a Goal For The City’s Children	07/21/2011
News Hawks Review "We did it!” Those were the words that the city of Bell Gardens, California Recreation and Community Services Director Pamela Wasserman said to the head of public affairs for Central Basin Municipal Water District.
Water, Water Everywhere in California	07/05/2011
News Hawks Review While Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and much of the Gulf Coast endure brutal drought conditions, California is literally brimming with water.
The California Bay Delta-What Will California Decide to Do?	07/01/2011
News Hawks Review What will the California Bay Delta look like at the end of this century? 88 years is a long telescope to look through, but that was the topic of discussion
Central Basin Set to Approve Urban Water Management Plan	06/09/2011
News Hawks Review In Southern California, Central Basin Municipal Water District will hold its public hearing on the Urban Water Management Plan on June 27 at its monthly Board of Directors meeting. Central Basin is one of the largest water providers in the region which has 24 cities and 2 million people living within its service area.
Saving Water Using Cutting Edge Technology	06/08/2011
News Hawks Review In Southern California, water agencies are under pressure to conserve water. In fact, the state is mandating a 20% reduction in water use by 2020.
Judge rules WRD’s rate-setting procedures violate state Constitution	06/06/2011
Whittier Daily News A Los Angeles Superior Court judge Monday ruled that a regional water agency violated the state Constitution when it didn't follow its procedural requirements for an assessment on pumping from the underground water basin.
Want to save water? Ask Warren High School in Southern California	06/03/2011
News Hawks Review When the Central Basin Municipal Water District of Southern California sponsored teams for the recent Solar Cup, it was pleased that four high schools participated in the competition which is sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District.
Central Basin Using Local "Experts" to Talk About Water Conservation	05/26/2011
News Hawks Review May is Water Awareness Month and water agencies around the state are using a variety of techniques to promote good water usage. Central Basin Municipal Water District is certainly thinking outside the box.
California Solar Cup A Big Success	05/17/2011
News Hawks Review "If you attended the Solar Cup at Lake Skinner this weekend, you would share my excitement about the future of our young people!" - Mark Moss
California Water Supply is Robust, but Conservation Remains a Constant	05/05/2011
News Hawks Review That’s not a quote you would expect from the head of the giant Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, but that’s precisely what Jeffrey Kightlinger told a group of water industry agency officials at the Central MWD Caucus meeting in Commerce, California this week.
California Groundwater Management Gets Hot	04/06/2011
News Hawks Review The debate over groundwater management is heating up in California. Groundwater comprises about 40% of the drinking water in the populous Golden State and it's a topic that is getting more and more attention.
California Groundwater Supply Discussed	03/30/2011
News Hawks Review The 270 square-mile Central Groundwater Basin of Southern California, a primary source of drinking water for over 2 million residents of Los Angeles County, was the subject of another meeting last night, this time in South Gate, California.
Japan Earthquake a Reminder About Importance Of Groundwater Protection	03/28/2011
News Hawks Review The devastating 9.0 earthquake off the east coast of Japan has many of us thinking about earthquake safety, the safety of nuclear power plants and other issues -- Add groundwater storage to the list.
Southern California Drenched By Rains	03/23/2011
News Hawks Review The storm that hit Southern California last weekend was ferocious. Precipitation amounts on Sunday alone varied from 2-to-4 inches in many communities, which is 15-to-25% of what we might receive in an entire year. And for most Californians, we have experienced a much wetter than normal rainy season.
Citizens Urged to Speak Up at Central Basin's First Public Meeting on Groundwater Storage Plan	03/08/2011
News Hawks Review The Central Basin Water District of Southern California emphasized today that it wants to have a very public review in creating a Groundwater Storage Plan for the Central Groundwater Basin.
Central Basin to Southern California: "Talk To Us About Water"	03/01/2011
News Hawks Review The supply of water in Southern California is always a top issue. And a main source of that water is the 270 square mile Central Groundwater Basin that serves as the primary source of water for more than 2.5 million residents in the region.
Water Conservation Projects Complete	02/01/2011
Pico Rivera Profile Work on two major water conservation infrastructure projects within Pico Rivera - Phase I of the Southwest Water Reliability Project (SWRP) and the San Gabriel River Coastal Spreading Grounds Pump Station Pipeline - is now complete.
Reclaimed wastewater line a boon to So Cal	08/09/2010
Whittier Daily News, CA A $22.6 million reclaimed wastewater project in Montebello and Pico Rivera is expected to provide 290 jobs, $2 million in taxes and about $49 million in revenue for Southern California companies, according to a report released Tuesday.
Economic Impact Study on Central Basin’s Southeast Water Reliability Project	08/02/2010
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) (Los Angeles, August 3, 2010) The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) today is releasing to media its Economic Impact Study on the Central Basin Municipal Water District‘s Southeast Water Reliability Project (SWRP).
'Drought' may be over but effects will continue on, water officials say Read more: `Drought' may be over but effects will continue on, water officials say	07/06/2010
Whittier Daily News, CA With above average rainfall and snowpack in the past year, you might think the drought is over, but there will be no relaxing of drought-related rationing by Metropolitan Water District. Local ground water agencies still are going to scrap for every drop of water and pay full price.
Central Basin Municipal Water District board votes to condemn Arizona immigration law	06/29/2010
Whittier Daily News, CA The Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors voted Monday to condemn the controversial Arizona law on immigration and ask for it to be repealed.
Beverly Boulevard pipeline construction begins	04/22/2010
Whittier Daily News, CA Workers are digging a trench along Beverly Boulevard to install a recycled water pipeline, which will result in lane closures for several weeks. It will start April 22 and should be complete by June 30, said Central Basin Municipal Water District spokeswoman Valerie Howard.
New pipeline will link San Gabriel, Rio Hondo spreading grounds	12/16/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA Pipeline construction began Wednesday in Pico Rivera for a two-tiered, $4.95 million multi-agency project that will link the San Gabriel River and Rio Hondo spreading grounds.
Local water agencies hope to get their hands on sewer water	12/12/2009
Whittier Daily News From the Owens Valley in the 1900s to Mono Lake in the 1980s to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta today, fights over water are nothing new in California.
Central Basin Moves Ahead With Recycled Water Pipe Plans	12/10/2009
EGP News A recycled water system in the southeast Los Angeles area would lower the region’s dependence on imported water by as much as 25 percent. That is good news during a water crisis, according to water district officials.
Napolitano vows LA hearing on state's water crisis	12/02/2009
Whittier Daily News Rep. Grace Napolitano said Wednesday she wants to hold an unprecedented congressional hearing on the state's water crisis next month in Los Angeles.
Central Basin Municipal Water District board votes to delay rate increase for recycled-water line	12/01/2009
Whittier Daily News A regional water board voted 4-1 Tuesday to delay for 3 1/2 years imposition of a rate increase thatt will be needed to help pay for a recycled water line from Pico Rivera to Vernon.
City of Pico Rivera plans major street improvements for Beverly Boulevard	11/19/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA Beverly Boulevard will be getting a major face-lift in coming months. The project will follow on the heels of Central Basin Municipal Water District's laying of a reclaimed water pipe under the street, slated to begin in January, officials said.
Water bond could bring millions to perchlorate cleanup, water recycling	11/06/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA An $11.1 billion statewide water bond meant to remedy the state's vulnerable water supply could include more than $150 million for San Gabriel Valley projects.
Two New Directors Representing City of Anaheim, Central Basin MWD Seated on Metropolitan Board - MWD Press Release	08/19/2009
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Government relations official Kristine L. Murray and former Montebello City Councilmember Edward C. Vasquez were sworn in today as members of Metropolitan Water District's Board of Directors.
California Receives 98% of Recovery Act Funding Nationally for Recycling Water Projects	07/02/2009
Imperial Valley News California water agencies received $131.8 million of today's $134.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding for 26 of the 27 total projects announced today.
Pico Rivera to use recycled water on plants	07/02/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA In an effort to conserve, the city of Pico Rivera is moving toward recycled water for irrigating lawns and other landscaping on municipal properties.
$30 million nature museum in Whittier Narrows moves forward	06/09/2009
Pasadena Star-News, CA A new $30 million nature museum planned for Whittier Narrows cleared a major hurdle last week upon completion of the project's environmental impact report.
Pico Rivera mandates water conservation	06/09/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA In the face of an ongoing drought, the city of Pico Rivera will be adopting water conservation guidelines in an effort to help prevent rationing, officials said.
MWD cuts water supplies, increases rates	04/15/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA Southern Californians will be expected to use 10 percent less water this summer and pay more for it, after a decision by regional water officials Tuesday.
Perchlorate cleanup gets boost with sweeping wilderness bill	03/25/2009
San Gabriel Valley Tribune The Water Quality Authority will use a $50 million increase in federal funds to help remove perchlorate - a chemical in rocket fuel and fireworks - from the aquifer that lies below the San Gabriel Valley and provides drinking water to the area. The Central Basin Municipal Water District will also receive $11.2 million for groundwater cleanup
Residential toilet incentives must be claimed by homeowners	01/22/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA Residents looking for a lower price on toilet installation will now have to mail in their own rebates, rather than getting automatic discounts from contractors.
Residents Pressured to Install New Low-Flow Toilets	01/12/2009
Whittier Daily News, CA If a stranger comes to the door and asks to see your toilet, local water agencies want you to beware. Residents of Norwalk, Downey, Maywood and Huntington Park say they have been approached by companies claiming to be working with local water districts.
Metropolitan Board Chairman Appoints Committee Leadership	12/12/2008
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Phillip D. Hawkins, also on the Metropolitan Water District Board, will chair the new MWD Real Estate and Asset Management Special Committee.
Rotary Club helps distribute food baskets	12/04/2008
Los Angeles Wave With donations from Central Basin Municipal Water District and other community organizations, members of the Montebello Rotary and Lions clubs and other civic organizations and volunteers prepared food baskets for needy Montebello residents prior to Thanksgiving.
Central Basin MWD Wins Lawsuit Against West Basin MWD	11/06/2008
EGP News Service The West Basin Municipal Water District lost a lawsuit filed by the Central Basin Municipal Water District for a breach in settlement when West Basin MWD refused to pay their share in unfunded liability expenses for joint employees after the two districts’ partnership was dissolved in 2006.
Drought may put strain on utilities	11/01/2008
Whittier Daily News, CA The statewide drought could become a financial drain for many local water utilities. The Central Basin Municipal Water District, which serves this area, has developed a water supply allocation plan.
Return Vasquez to Water Board	10/09/2008
San Gabriel Valley Tribune The subject of water is neither easy, nor particularly sexy. In today's 24-hour news cycle, this rarely makes the airwaves, being bumped by opinionated talk show hosts and pundits squawking over lipstick and pigs.
Agency offered bottled water	10/03/2008
The Downey Patriot Central Basin offered City of Downey bottled water and commended the city for "undergoing stringent precautionary measures over the weekend to ensure the safety and quality of their drinking water supplies."
Water Conservation is Working, But Will it Be Enough?	09/23/2008
Long Beach Post Water levels are the lowest they've been in over 30 years and a crippling drought has done nothing to help, stirring up fears about California's shrinking water supply and what can be done to fix it.
Firebaugh Green Campaign Helps Distribute Water-Saving Toilets to Local Residents	09/22/2008
Central Basin Municipal Water District More than 80 high efficiency toilets were handed free to Lynwood and Bellflower area residents on Saturday August 23rd.
State grants will boost Valley water projects	07/24/2008
Pasadena Star News Fourteen water projects across Los Angeles County were awarded $25 million in grants from the state's Department of Water Resources on Wednesday
Local Water Agencies Call for Conservation, Fines	06/12/2008
Eastern Group Publications, Inc. Plan calls for limited watering times and escalation of measures taken if drought lingers
Water cleanup measure advances	05/13/2008
Whittier Daily News, CA Congressional legislation to provide a total of $61 million for two projects to clean up groundwater has moved to the U.S. Senate floor and is soon expected to become law.
Join the fight against MWD tyranny	04/27/2008
San Gabriel Valley Tribune As California's centuries-old water war threatens to once-again engulf the entire state, op-ed writers are already rolling out that old saw usually attributed to Mark Twain: "In the West, whiskey is for drinkin', water is for fightin'."
Region facing water 'crisis'	04/26/2008
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin With the simple twist of a knob, clean water spills from the tap. At the end of the month, the bill comes, and if it's higher, it's not by much. So what's to be worried about? According to local water officials: more than most people know.
Water agency refinancing bonds	03/27/2008
Whittier Daily News, CA A regional water district is refinancing about $35 million in bonds in order to avoid getting burned from a new financing system.
MWD Supply Allocation Plan	03/03/2008
KNX 1070 News Radio Todd Leitz of KNX 1070 News Radio reports on the MWD supply allocation plan.
Emergency water plan close to approval	01/29/2008
North County Times, CA Regional water leaders are poised to approve a new emergency water plan in February that San Diego County officials say would divvy water up more fairly than during the state's last big drought in 1991.
Water districts feuding	01/18/2008
Whittier Daily News, CA The Central Basin Municipal Water District this week sued the West Basin Municipal Water District, alleging that it's owed $468,444. The two districts once had the same management, but have been separate entities since July 2006.
Officials decry MWD plan	01/13/2008
Whittier Daily News, CA Local water officials are crying foul over a Metropolitan Water District drought plan that could cut deliveries by as much as 50 percent.
MWD may cut water to area cities	01/07/2008
Los Angeles Times Facing shortages, the agency is reviewing a new allocation formula, which some contend penalizes older areas.
Central Basin's Deputy General Manager speaks on Air Talk 89.3	01/04/2008
AirTalk 89.3 KPCC Central Basin's Deputy General Manager, Joone Lopez, speaks with Larry Mantel on Air Talk 89.3, regarding the District's concerns for equity in the Metropolitan Water District's proposed water allocation plan.
Turkey Donations Rise	11/21/2007
Whittier Daily News, CA Thanksgiving is a time for family and on Tuesday two brothers combined efforts to give away about 1,000 turkeys to those in need.
The California Fires from a Water Utility Perspective	11/21/2007
Central Basin Municipal Water District Recently the Portland Water Bureau Water Blog invited Valerie Howard, Public Information Officer from Central Basin Municipal Water District in California, to share a perspective on water utility work to support firefighting in the region.
Rep. seeks to prolong area water cleanup	11/21/2007
Whittier Daily News, CA Rep. Grace Napolitano has added $11.2 million to legislation that would allow a groundwater-cleanup project here to continue for another seven years. The project, which began operating in 2003, was designed to clean up polluted groundwater flowing toward Pico Rivera from the East San Gabriel Valley.
Rationing, price hikes are ways to save water	11/19/2007
Whittier Daily News, CA Local plans to ensure that water keeps flowing amid the driest period in California history could include everything from public information to price increases to actual rationing, regional water officials said Thursday.
Water rationing, rate hikes on tap	10/10/2007
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (West Covina, CA) Amid a growing water crisis across the state, officials warned Monday that they will cut water to Southern California farmers 30 percent by early next year and are drafting plans that could force residential water rationing for the first time in more than a decade.
CNN Headline News	08/15/2007
CNN News Networks Central Basin and Bell Gardens are featured on CNN News for their outstanding efforts to make Bell Gardens the first California Friendly City.
Officials continue water cleanup	08/15/2007
Whittier Daily News, CA Local officials say they want to continue operating a groundwater cleanup project here although contamination has fallen to safe levels, according to federal standards.
State bill proposes splitting utilities	05/16/2007
Whittier Daily News, CA One rate would be for Southeast area (Central Basin) and another for the South Bay (West Coast Basin) water utilities.
Doctor plants idea of using less water-intensive foliage	01/06/2007
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (West Covina, CA) Living in a desert climate could mean we eventually will have to live without our lush green lawns, says Montebello physician Janet Staples-Edwards.