By Mark Paulson, President, Board of Directors, Division I – Alhambra, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
I’ve served on the board of directors for the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District since 2007, representing the northern section of Alhambra. Dr. Steven Placido was elected to our board in 2016 to represent the southern section of Alhambra and the northern section of Monterey Park. My purpose in these monthly public information articles is to inform you about water supply, finance, infrastructure, and conservation. This month, I’d like to tell you more about the District.
The District was created in 1959 as voters in our four member cities decided they wanted a greater say in water supply matters…a very wise decision! Our mission is to “provide reliable supplemental water for the communities of Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.”
While 80% of the water we use is groundwater from local wells, the San Gabriel Valley uses more water than Mother Nature provides. Thus, we need to “import” about 20% of our water from northern California. The District is one of 29 “State Water Contractors” who are allocated imported water each year to supplement water supplies in our four member cities. The actual amount of water we receive varies yearly based on water supply conditions (rain, snow, reservoirs, local wells, etc.).
Other benefits the District provides to Alhambra include:
- Low-cost water; in fact, the least expensive wholesale water rate in the Valley, helping keep your water rates low.
- Loans and grants focused on infrastructure, including funds to help build the city’s water treatment facility, and conservation, including rebates on water-saving equipment and installation of water-wise landscaping at City Hall, the Fire Department headquarters, and the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley.
- Our Opportunities for Water Leadership Community Grants (O.W.L. Grants) and school outreach programs have assisted many of Alhambra’s schools and non-profit organizations in educating students about water and conservation.
After several years of severe drought, water supply conditions have improved. But, the drought will return. We are working closely with our member cities to prepare for the future, and appreciate the partnership we’ve enjoyed in Alhambra for nearly 65 years. Please visit our website – sgvmwd.com – to learn more. Thank you, Alhambra!
