Media Corner

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2004

Pico Rivera Scores a Hole In One

PICO RIVERA, CA. - The City of Pico Rivera commemorated their recent contribution to the region's water supply at a ceremony held recently at the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course to celebrate the first recycled water project in the City of Pico Rivera. Central Basin Municipal Water District Board President Robert Apodaca celebrated this recent achievement with the region's leadership including Pico Rivera Mayor Gregory Salcido, Pico Rivera City Councilmember Pete Ramirez, Montebello Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Salazar, Whittier City Councilmember Greg Nordbak, and Pico Water District Directors Robert Martinez and Andy Gonzalez. The event celebrated a new era now that over 26 million gallons of drinking water used annually to irrigate the golf course is now being saved for Pico Rivera families.

"At Central Basin, we believe in forming community partnerships with our member cities. Pico Rivera is one of the many cities who have joined us in our pledge to conserve water by using recycled water as an alternative source. The 80-acre feet of recycled water that Pico Rivera is now using will make a nice addition to the 2,182 acre feet of recycled water that is being utilized throughout Central Basin." said Central Basin MWD Board President Robert Apodaca.

Thanks to an agreement between Central Basin Municipal Water District, the City of Pico Rivera, Pico Rivera Water Department, and the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course, Central Basin is now providing the Pico Rivera business with 80-acre feet of recycled water annually. This landmark project is providing recycled water to irrigate the course's fairways, tee boxes, driving range, and surrounding landscaping.

Constructed in 1965, the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course is the only golf course in Pico Rivera. Frequently used by residents and city officials, the golf course is a staple in the community. In any given year, the 9-hole course sees 85,000 rounds of golf played with 50,000 customers use the driving range.

While residents benefit from the water savings, golf course customers have immediately noticed the positive benefits of using Central Basin's recycled water. "The golf course is in the best shape it has ever been in," said Dustin Schilling, Manager, Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course. "Due to the water quality of Central Basin's recycled water, the course's grass is much more lush and the greenest I have ever seen it."

Photograph portraying the celebration is available for your use.