Category: Watershed

Improving Water Quality in the Middle Santa Ana River Watershed

February 26, 2020

The Santa Ana River travels from the top of the San Bernardino Mountains, through Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, cuts into the northern Santa Ana Mountains, and eventually drains into the Pacific Ocean. At over 96 miles long, the Santa Ana River is the largest coastal stream system in Southern California. The drainage area surrounding … More Improving Water Quality in the Middle Santa Ana River Watershed

Orange County Water District is Setting the Pace for New Water Monitoring Standards

May 29, 2019

In the Santa Ana River Watershed, water distributed to customers by water purveyors undergoes regular, rigorous testing to ensure it is meeting all state and federal standards. Up next in ensuring that water continues to meet these high standards set forth in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act is the … More Orange County Water District is Setting the Pace for New Water Monitoring Standards

Santa Ana River Commemorates 50 Years of Collaboration

April 27, 2019

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

From Rock to Shining Rock: How Big Bear Got Its Dam

January 31, 2019

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

Healthy Watersheds: Preventing Pollution

December 27, 2018

A watershed is defined as an area of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas. However, an easier way to think of a watershed is by picturing it as all the land where rainfall that lands drains off of and into other streams of waters. According to the USGS Water Science … More Healthy Watersheds: Preventing Pollution

What Happens to Rainwater in Southern California?

April 26, 2016

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?

Snowpack, Snowmelt and Southern California Drinking Water

March 22, 2016

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

Winter Fun at Big Bear

February 12, 2014

If you’re looking for a twist on a 5k or 10k event, or simply want and chance to explore mountain trails in the wintertime, Snowshoe the Bear might just be for you. Every February, Southern California’s snowshoe event draws people out into mountain trails above Big Bear Lake. First timers shouldn’t be intimidated – the … More Winter Fun at Big Bear

Surf’s Up in Surf City!

August 5, 2013

Huntington Beach is the place where the Santa Ana River makes waves – quite literally. Part of what makes Surf City such an excellent place to catch a wave is a sandbar created by sediment flowing from the Santa Ana. People have gathered here to surf and enjoy the SoCal lifestyle for decades, and Huntington … More Surf’s Up in Surf City!