LA RAINFALL
Source: Los Angeles Times Daily Weather Section; downtown Los Angeles readings. The LA Times utilizes data on a season/annual basis that begins July 1 and ends June 30 of each year. Thus, current season means “from July 1, 2009 to date”, and season norm means “from July 1 to date.” Each of these data are updated daily by the LA Times, and updated monthly on this web site.
CALIFORNIA SNOW LEVELS
Source: California Department of Water Resources; California Data Exchange Center; California Cooperative Snow Surveys; this statistic shows two key statistics describing the percent of snow water equivalents (i.e., moisture content in the snow pack): 1) as a percent of normal; and 2) based on the assumption of an April 1 “peak snow water accumulation” date.
Note: The most important characteristic of snow to water managers and hydrologists is its water content. However, depth is of interest to many people also. State data collection equipment measures the weight of the snowpack, and therefore its water content. New-fallen snow can range in density depending on the air temperature and intensity of the storm. In California, densities of 12% are common. This means that for every 10 inches of snow that accumulates, it will melt to a pool of water 1.2 inches deep. After snow falls, it settles and compacts. The snowpack gets less and less deep, but the snow doesn't melt or go anywhere. Rather, its density increases. Therefore, snow depth is a fleeting indicator of the snowpack. By obtaining a measure of the water content of the snow, which doesn't change unless more precipitation occurs or the pack melts, we have a good handle on how the rivers will react in the spring. After May, the snowpack melts due to both rainfall and the intense sunshine of late spring and summer, which is the principal melting energy source.
CALIFORNIA RESERVOIR LEVELS
Source: California Department of Water Resources; California Data Exchange Center; Summary of Storage in Major Reservoirs; includes 158 reservoirs in California, North Coast, and Colorado River (Lake Mead, Lake Powell); these statistics show reservoir levels statewide, both as a percentage of average and a percentage of capacity as of December 31, 2008.
WATERING INDEX
Source: Metropolitan Water District. The Watering Index is a scientifically based guide to help people adjust watering schedules for landscape irrigation controllers (also commonly known as "timers") that include a water budget adjustment feature. This feature - either a button or a dial - permits the watering run times for all electric valves managed by a controller to be increased or decreased with just one adjustment. The Watering Index represents the recommended percentage setting for the watering adjustment feature. The index is normally 100 percent for much of July and August. Over the course of the year the index changes to reflect the landscape’s changing need for water as climatic conditions change. As new Watering Index values are published weekly, the controller’s percentage adjust feature should be changed to match the current index value.
Note: the Watering Index does not provide watering times for each electric valve or station. Instead, it simply specifies a value that the percentage adjust feature should be set at. The watering times will automatically change across the board when the percentage adjust setting is changed.
In the course of reaching out to the community and discussing water conservation, we are often made aware of smart water-saving activity by residents and businesses. Many of these “solutions” are simple and straightforward and some are more technical and complex.
We’d like to provide a service to our stakeholders by soliciting, keeping track of and sharing such water-saving ideas with others. The H2O Hero Program is designed to compile these every-day examples of water-saving behavior for educational and informational purposes.
Purpose of the Program
Identify examples of water-saving behavior from residents and employers in our service area of Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra
Share such examples of water-saving behavior as part of the District’s public education and information program
Recognize people of all walks of life for water-saving innovation and leadership
Spur greater innovation and efforts by people to save water.
Eligibility for the Program
Nominations are welcome from anyone living or working in the Water District’s service area which includes Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre
Nominees and awardees may include students, teachers, schools, homeowners, employers, business owners, employees, apartment owners/residents, gardeners, community organizations, youth organizations, civic groups, churches, etc.
Timing of the Program
2011 - introduce program via San Gabriel Valley Tribune, community outreach, Pipeline e-newsletter, school water conservation programs and our website
2011 thru May 31, 2012 (Water Awareness Month) solicit and collect nominations
Ongoing - evaluate nominations and share findings; prepare summaries of water-saving behavior for use in various public education program activities such as our website, video, brochure, Pipeline e-newsletter, posters, newspaper ads, etc.
2012 - Earth Day, May/Water Awareness Month and Balance of 2012 – recognize awardees and debut water-saving ideas
Program Elements
Awareness
SGVMWD website promotion
Pipeline e-newsletter
San Gabriel Valley Tribune Water Awareness Week Public Information Ad
Member City Websites and Local Newspapers
School posters, homework folders and book covers
Awardees Recognition
Public information ads
Video
Website Pipeline e-newsltter
Award Review Committee
Member city representatives
Local elected officials’ representatives
Theodore Payne Foundation
Local media representative
Resident representative
Business/employer representative
Environmental representative
Award Categories
Water Conservation – student
Water Conservation – business
Water Conservation – government
Water Conservation - school
Water Conservation - teacher
Water Conservation – news reporter
Water Supply Solution Innovator
Recycled Water
Stormwater Captu
Q: Who is eligible? A: People of all ages and walks of life in our service area of Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre – students, teachers, schools, homeowners, employers, business owners, employees, apartment owners/ residents, gardeners, community organizations, youth organizations, civic groups, churches, etc.
Q: When can nominations be submitted? A: Any time between now and May 31, 2012.
Q: How will “H2O Hero” awardees be chosen? A: By an awards committee comprised of leaders from our four member cities.
Q: What are the awards? A: Awards for outstanding water-saving behavior are being finalized. We will share water-saving stories and pictures on our website, in a new
“H2O Hero” video, in our Pipeline newsletter and in future public information materials.
Q:What are examples of the kinds of water-saving ideas you’re looking for? A: If it saves water, we’re interested!
Our Water Saving Tips can give you additional ideas of things to look for, but are not intended to limit your creativity or nomination.
Q: What if I have further questions? A: Call 626-969-7911.
You may also download, fill out, and fax or mail a paper nomination. CLICK HERE.
1402 N. VOSBURG DRIVE | P.O. BOX 1299
AZUSA, CALIFORNIA 91702
PHONE: (626) 969-7911, FAX: (626) 969-7397
EMAIL: feedback@sgvmwd.org
VIDEO PIPELINE 
Key Well Elevation Chart 
