Upper Water January 2026 News Splash

Upper Water January 2026 News Splash

Happy New Year from Upper Water

As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the previous year and reflect on our history. Upper Water was formed in 1960 by a vote of the people following an election in November 1959. Prior to this, the region’s water suppliers, under the San Gabriel Valley Water Association, believed a stronger, unified voice was needed to advocate for the region’s long-term water supply needs. Concerned about the potential impacts of increased pumping in the region due to the San Gabriel Valley’s growing communities, local water agencies recognized the urgent need to secure additional water sources. This effort led to the incorporation of Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

In the 1970s, the Board of Directors determined that becoming a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), would provide the best source to accessing imported water supplies that would sustain the basin for future generations. Today, Upper Water collaborates with both public and private partners to ensure a sustainable, high-quality water supply to 26 water retailers across 18 cities.

While our core function is to provide imported water to supplement local resources, Upper Water continues to evolve to meet the challenges of climate change and reduced local supplies.  In the 1990s, Upper Water was the first in the region to construct and operate a recycled water program in our service territory.  Upper Water continues to support recycled water programs regionally and remains a committed partner in Metropolitan’s Pure Water Southern California project.

Today, Upper Water carries forward that founding mission by providing supplemental water supplies and serving as a regional leader in water management, sustainability, policy advocacy, and conservation education. The organization has recently undergone a rebranding, including a new logo and moniker, to better reflect our role as an essential regional water agency for the San Gabriel Valley.

CII Regulation & the Future of NON-Functional Turf

In October 2023, AB 1572 was signed into California law, banning the use of drinking (potable) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf at CII properties, HOA common areas, and properties owned by state and local public agencies. Nonfunctional turf is defined as lawn areas that are not used for recreation or other functional purposes.

Upper Water will assist CII properties in improving water-use efficiency and encourage customers within its service area to comply with the law by 2027 by identifying cost-effective ways to convert existing turf into attractive, low-water landscapes. To support, the District has also partnered with the nonprofit organization CalWEP, which is dedicated to maximizing urban water efficiency and conservation throughout California. CalWEP provides resources for both customers and water retailers to help meet compliance requirements. To apply for available rebates, visit socalwatersmart.com. For more information—including definitions and examples of nonfunctional turf and what compliance looks like—visit the customer-facing website nonfunctionalturfca.org.

FREE Landscape Workshop

 

🌧️ Rain to Roots🌿: Water for Your Garden

Residents are invited to join a virtual landscape workshop on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 6 PM, taught by Green Media Creations. This workshop will guide participants through practical ways to turn rain into a resource, covering rain gardens, swales, and storage options to help attendees choose the best approach for their landscape.

 

Topics include:

• Selecting the right rainwater capture method

• Siting and sizing rain gardens

• Managing inflow and overflow

• Maintenance tips and troubleshooting

To register, visit www.upperwater.org/water-smart-workshops.

24-’25 “Being Water Wise is…” Contest Artwork by 2nd Grader Jiarui Shen

This year’s theme, “Being Water Wise Is…” invites students in grades K–12 within our service area to explore what it means to use water wisely and efficiently in everyday life: at home, at school, and in our communities. Clean, reliable water is a vital resource, and students are encouraged to express the importance of conservation and responsible water stewardship through their artwork in this year’s contest. Several monetary prizes will be awarded to Upper Water winners, and eligible students will advance to participate in the MWD Calendar Art Contest.

For more information, please visit: www.upperwater.org/art-contest-submission/ or contact Alexis Silva at Alexis@usgvmwd.org

Submission deadline: April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Save the Date: WaterFest is Just Around the Corner!

For the past 17 years, Upper Water has hosted a free community festival, that features interactive educational booths, environmental displays, informative presentations, resources, free water-saving materials, and more!

Waterfest will be returning on May 2nd, get ready to join Upper Water for another exciting year filled with exhibitors, great food, valuable information, and music! Attendees can explore a wide range of resources, receive expert advice on landscaping design, check out environmental displays, and enjoy activities for the whole family. There is something for everyone. No fuss, no registration just show-up, walk, listen, and enjoy the day with us. There will be plenty of exciting exhibits and giveaways to keep you engaged!

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor, sponsor, or volunteer! Please email Alexis Silva at Alexis@usgvmwd.org.

New Year’s Water Saving

Upper Water wishes you a Happy New Year! Looking forward to what you can save in 2026? Here are some water-saving tips to help you conserve water for your home in the new year:

• Fix leaks – A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a year.

• Upgrade your fixtures to water-efficient devices – EPA recognized low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets use less water without sacrificing performance.

• Be mindful of your water use – Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Dishwashers and washing machines work most efficiently when fully loaded.

• Choose native or drought tolerant – Smart and beautifully curated landscape designs make saving water a lovely experience!

• Reuse water when possible – Cisterns or rain barrels provide a great alternative water source for outdoor use. Rebates available.

Visit www.bewaterwise.com for more water-saving rebates!

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