August News Splash from Upper Water
Back-to-School: Water Education Resources
Upper Water offers a variety of free educational opportunities for students and teachers within its service area. These resources offer engaging ways to learn about water conservation, the water cycle, water supply, and distribution systems—topics that are essential to understanding water’s role in California and the San Gabriel Valley.
Programs include the Water Education Grant Program, which offers teachers up to $1,000 for K–12 classroom and school projects. Grant applications open August 3 and close October 16. Schools can now schedule free, live assemblies presented in partnership with the National Theatre for Children, featuring interactive performances that teach K–5 students about water conservation and protecting local water resources.
Additional program opportunities include the annual “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Contest (returning this fall), and the Water Engineering 4 Good Program, an online STEAM competition for students in grades 8–12 that pairs teams with water industry professional to create physical models of their engineering projects.
Resources are just a click away, stay tuned for updates! To learn more about these programs, visit: upperwater.org/education-programs
New Field Trip Opportunity and Bus Stipends for Grades 6–12
Upper Water is excited to introduce a new educational field trip opportunity for students in grades 6–12. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, this hands-on experience gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how wastewater is collected, treated, and safely returned to the environment.
Designed to complement classroom learning and support water awareness, the program explores water systems, water quality, water recycling, environmental stewardship, and careers in the water industry. Students will gain a firsthand understanding of the critical role water infrastructure plays in protecting public health, supporting sustainable water management, and preserving our natural resource.
To book your tour and request bus reimbursement, visit: upperwater.org/LACSDtours
For questions, call (626) 443-2297 or email Katherine at Katherine@usgvmwd.org.
August is National Water Quality Month. Clean water is essential to our health, communities, agriculture, and environment. Protecting water quality helps ensure that our drinking water supplies remain safe and reliable for future generations. Simple actions, such as properly disposing of household chemicals and medications, picking up after pets, and keeping pollutants out of storm drains, can make a meaningful difference.
Summer Outreach Recap
This spring and summer, Upper Water staff have actively participated in community events, including Earth Day celebrations, Water Awareness events, FIFA World Cup watch parties, summer concerts, and more. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect with residents, share valuable water education resources, promote conservation, and highlight the importance of protecting our local water resources.
We extend our appreciation to our elected officials, local cities, and community partners for welcoming Upper Water at their community events and providing opportunities to engage with the residents we serve. We look forward to continuing our outreach efforts and connecting with the community at future events.
Water Smart Home Kits Available
The WaterSmart Home Kit Program is available to all residents within the Upper Water service area. This FREE kit includes a variety of indoor and outdoor water-efficiency devices that can be easily installed at home without the need for a contractor.
Kit items include water-saving products such as faucet aerators, efficient showerheads, and sprinkler nozzles to help residents reduce water use and improve efficiency throughout their homes.
Learn more at upperwater.org/water-smart-home-kit
Landscape Workshops Coming Soon…
Join Upper Water’s Landscaping Workshops this September! Learn how to design a beautiful, climate-resilient landscape that conserves water and works with the natural environment. The workshops will cover native plants, reputable nurseries, rainwater harvesting, hydrozoning, and sustainable landscape design principles to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space. 想要打造一座既美观又能适应气候变化的庭院吗？本设计研讨会将带您了解如何规划景观，使其能够收集雨水、节约资源，并能很好地适应当地环境。
To learn more and register for our Water Smart Workshops, visit upperwater.org/water-smart-workshops.
Workshops will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., and Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at the Arcadia Public Library.
Education Materials
About Upper Water
Upper Water’s mission is to provide a reliable, sustainable, diversified, and affordable portfolio of high-quality water supplies to the San Gabriel Valley; including water conservation, recycled water, storm water capture, storage, water transfers and imported water. Upper Water services nearly one million people in its 144 square mile service territory. Governed by a five-member elected board of directors, Upper Water is a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Annually, more than 78 billion gallons of water is used in Upper Water’s service area. For more information about Upper Water and the water use efficiency programs mentioned, please visit our website www.upperwater.org
