News and Resources from the Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District
General Manager’s Corner: Local Water Supply Update
Recently, I have received questions from our local elected officials on the status of our region’s water supply. While, we haven’t seen much rain locally, the situation is not dire and there’s good news.
This winter, local precipitation has been significantly below normal, reaching just 8% of the average. However, Northern California has experienced a much wetter season, with rainfall at 100% of the historical average for this time of year.
Despite the dry conditions, the San Gabriel Valley saw above-normal precipitation in 2023 and 2024. Thanks to the stormwater management of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, more than 95% of the runoff was captured locally to replenish local aquifers. Additionally, Upper District was able to deliver 130,000 acre-feet of water from Northern California through USG-3 stored in the groundwater basin. As a result, the Main San Gabriel Basin Groundwater levels have rebounded from its historic low in 2018 to its current elevation of 246 feet above sea level. The highest recorded level was back in 1983 at 295 feet above sea level.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California also took advantage of wet years to bolster reserves, bringing regional storage levels in Southern California to an all-time high. With these strong water reserves, our region is well prepared to maintain a reliable water supply even if dry conditions persist in the coming years. 
Supporting the Community During Recovery
Upper District stands with everyone impacted by last month’s wildfires. The immense challenges faced by affected families, firefighters, and emergency responders highlight the importance of community resilience.
Below are key resources to help you and your family navigate recovery and access assistance.
- Eaton Fire recovery: Visit recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire for resources and information.
- FEMA Assistance: Contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov for uninsured or underinsured damage, including pollutant damage. Disaster Assistance is also available for LA County businesses and residents. Visit sba.gov/disaster for more information.
- Disaster Recovery Centers: For in person help, visit ca.gov/lafires/get-help-in-person for locations and hours in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Altadena. They offer help with health info, food benefits, insurance, employment, and tax filing.
- Document Everything: Take photos and keep a detailed record of damages, estimates, repairs, and retain receipts. This documentation is essential for insurance claims, FEMA assistance, and other recovery efforts.
- Vital Records: Request free records from the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at 1-800-201-8999 or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov.
- Water Safety: If you have questions about your water quality, contact your local municipality or water provider for guidance.
- Stay Connected: For updates and current information, follow @CountyofLA on social media. Additional resources and announcements may also be available through local municipalities, so consider reaching out for further assistance.
