Upper Water April News Splash
Spring is a season of renewal and longer, sunnier days—but it’s also a perfect time to be mindful of water use. As landscapes bloom, small actions like watering early in the morning, checking irrigation systems for leaks, and choosing drought-friendly plants can make all the difference.
At Upper Water, we know that every drop counts.💧Conserving water now helps keep our groundwater basin resilient for dry years. Let’s embrace the season by protecting our groundwater supply, celebrating sustainable growth and making smart choices to use our water.
This spring, join Upper Water’s FREE landscaping workshop! Upper Water is hosting “Protect the Pollinators” webinar with Green Gardens Group (G3).
Residents of Upper Water’s service area are invited to join virtually on Thursday, April 16th at 6 PM. This workshop will guide participants through the essentials of creating a pollinator-friendly garden! Participants will learn which plants attract pollinators, the importance of native vegetation, and the factors that impact pollinator health.
Topics include:
1. Key elements to creating a pollinator oasis
2. Pollinators and the plants that attract them
3. Role of native plants in supporting wildlife
4. Factors that threaten pollinator health
To register, visit www.upperwater.org/water-smart-workshops. For any questions, contact Kat Vazquez at Katherine@usgvmwd.org.
Spring Tree Planting – Watershed Restoration Project
Thank you to all the volunteers who joined Upper Water’s first Watershed Restoration event of the year! The dedication of the volunteers helps protect local groundwater supplies and restores the beauty of the San Gabriel National Monument. Every tree planted makes a lasting impact.
The next tree planting events will be held on:
Saturday, April 4th & April 18th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Students and youth organizations can earn community service hours while enjoying a morning of tree planting, environmental learning, and outdoor fun. Help us, and the U.S. Forest Service, restore the natural landscape of the #SanGabrielNationalMonument!🌲💚
For event details and registration, visit: upperwater.org/watershed-restoration-program/
In the event of weather cancellation, updates will be posted on our website and shared with registrants.
Water Education Opportunities
Discovery Cube programs are available for K–7th grade students, offering engaging school assemblies and field trip experiences. Through the Discovery Science Center in Los Angeles, Upper Water provides free water conservation education with interactive assemblies, workshops, and field trips for students within Upper Water’s service area. These hands-on programs support a water-focused curriculum and inspire students by building an understanding of science, math, and technology through interactive exhibits and educational experiences.
Learn more about all Water Education Programs at: upperwater.org/education-programs.
The Upper Water Art Contest submission deadline is approaching!
This year’s theme, “Being Water Wise Is…” invites students to explore what it means to use water wisely and efficiently in everyday life: at home, at school, and in our communities.
Students in grades K–12 within Upper Water’s service area are eligible to participate. Submit artwork by emailing the scanned artwork along with a completed student/parental consent form to upperdistrict@gmail.com. Top winners will advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s 2027 Student Art Calendar Contest.
For more information on submission, please visit: www.upperwater.org/art or contact Alexis Silva at Alexis@usgvmwd.org
Submission deadline: April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Get Ready for WaterFest 2026!
WaterFest is just around the corner! On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Upper Water’s annual, community festival returns with interactive educational booths, environmental displays, music, food, and family fun for all ages. Explore exhibitor booths, enjoy activities, and pick up free water‑saving materials and resources while learning about the importance of water conservation.
Come celebrate water, connect with local organizations, and have a great time at this free, one‑day event! Thank you to Supervisor Kathryn Barger, California Domestic Water Company, San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority, San Gabriel Valley Water Association, and Foothill Transit for sponsoring.
If interested in becoming an exhibitor, sponsor, or volunteer for WaterFest, visit upperwater.org/waterfest-3.
Upcoming Community Events
This Spring and Summer, visit the Upper Water booth at community events and summer concerts. Upper Water will be offering conservation items and fun giveaways for kids. Additionally, volunteers can register for the next Watershed event! Click the button below 👇 to see where Upper Water is next!
Click here to view the calendar
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
