This month commemorates the 50th anniversary of a momentous water rights and management agreement between four water agencies in the Santa Ana River Watershed, which was made possible thanks to two 1969 court judgements for the water rights of the Santa Ana River. “These two judgements have had a positive and lasting effect for all … More Santa Ana River Commemorates 50 Years of Collaboration
Despite its humble beginnings, the historic Old Big Bear Valley Dam still exists today. Originally pieced together with rock from surrounding hillsides and a single granite arch, the dam was created to provide water for agriculture farming in the area. Its historical significance to the region tells a story of strength, economic growth and water … More From Rock to Shining Rock: How Big Bear Got Its Dam
The scarcity of available drinking (potable) water has forced water agencies to look for innovated ways of finding new sources of drinking water for its customers. Because new water can’t be created, the concept of using recycled water is quickly becoming more common place. The California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative notes that recycled water projects … More What is Reuse of Wastewater for Indirect Drinking Water Use?
First built in 1949 to provide water to St. Bernadine Medical Center, the Perris Hill Reservoir serves as drinking water storage for the people in the City of San Bernardino. This hidden reservoir is not visible to the naked eye; it was intentionally constructed inside an existing hill, east of Perris Hill Park. A popular … More Hidden in a Hill – Perris Hill Reservoir
America has some of the safest drinking water in the world. The United States Environmental Protection Agency protects drinking water by federal law, knows as the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA ensures measures are in place to safeguard drinking water and that they meet or exceed the water quality standards required for public … More Safe Drinking Water Act – How is Tap Water Regulated to Remain Safe?
In Southern California, groundwater plays a major role in providing a sustainable drinking water source for millions of people. The percentage of tap water that a person receives from groundwater supplies varies throughout the Southern California region. Some homes receive 100 percent of water from a groundwater source, while others get a blend of both … More Drinking Water: Groundwater Availability, Challenges and Solutions
Early settlements and towns were always built near a source of water. Without water humans cannot live. Accordingly, the California drought has brought on threats of limited water available to grow crops and meet the demands of our thirsty state. Contrary to history, which originally had water as the impetus in choosing a final location … More History of Drinking Water
The saying, “April showers, brings May flowers,” may get you to start thinking about rainwater and where it goes after it falls from the sky. It is true that the springtime brings new blooms and the recently bare vegetation begin to show signs of life, giving evidence that spring has arrived. While the rain brings … More What Happens to Rainwater in Southern California?
California’s drought remains at the forefront of events affecting residents, businesses and government throughout the State. Included in the topic of drought, Californians continue to hear about concerns with snowpack levels. Substantial snowpack is the determining factor to end the drought. With more than four years in a drought and the State’s major reservoirs are … More Snowpack, Snowmelt and Southern California Drinking Water