July Newsplash from Upper SGV Water District
July is Smart Irrigation Month
This month is all about watering smarter, not harder.
July is dedicated to championing smart watering practices and helping every drop score big.⚽ This month, join the Upper Water team in highlighting water-efficient irrigation systems and innovative solutions that conserve water while keeping your landscape healthy. From weather-based controllers that automatically adjust to changing conditions, to soil moisture sensors that know exactly when your plants need a drink, smart irrigation takes the guesswork out of watering.
Discover simple ways to reduce outdoor water waste and create a more sustainable SGV. If you’re a seasoned gardener or looking to give your sprinkler system a smart upgrade, there are resources and rebates available to help you save water, money, and time.
Available Rebates:
- Rain Barrels & Cisterns: $35 per Barrel or $250 per Cistern
- Rotating Nozzles: $2 per nozzle (minimum quantity is 15 nozzles).
- Weather-based Irrigation Controller (WBIC): $80 per controller for less than 1 acre of landscape; $35 per station for more than 1 acre.
- Soil Moisture Sensor System: $80 per controller for less than 1 acre of landscape; $35 per station for more than 1 acre.
To learn more, visit bewaterwise.com and stay tuned for our next free Water Smart Workshop!
Smart Irrigation Month – Home Landscape Contest!
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water) is celebrating Smart Irrigation Month by inviting residents to share their water‑smart yards. Submit photos of your landscape and show how you’re using smart irrigation practices for a chance to win a prize!
How to Enter
- Eligibility: Entries must be located within Upper Water’s service area.
For more information, visit: upperwater.org/leadership/#service-area - Submission: Fill out the form and upload your landscape photos here:
https://forms.gle/nZAQZ6vzzU1QivR97 - Entry Deadline: Friday, July 24th, 2026
Prizes
- Grand Prize: Flow Monitor Device
- 2nd Place: Irrigation Controller
- 3rd Place: $50 Home Depot Gift Card
For questions, call (626) 443-2297 or email Yesenia at Yesenia@usgvmwd.org.
Position Opening
Upper Water is seeking an Executive Assistant / Board Secretary to provide complex, specialized administrative and office management support.
Interested applicants may send their completed application package to William R. Kelly at williamk@ka-mg.com.
For more information, visit:
ICYMI: Board Adopts 2025 Urban
Water Management & Water Shortage Contingency Plan
The Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) was developed in accordance with California’s Urban Water Management Planning Act of 1985, which requires urban water suppliers to prepare and update a water management plan every five years. As a wholesale water provider, Upper Water’s plan outlines long-term strategies to ensure a reliable water supply, support regional water planning, and prepare for future water shortages.
Following a public hearing on the draft plan, the Board of Directors approved the Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
The Upper Water UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan provides a comprehensive framework and action plan to ensure adequate water supplies to meet current and future demand, while also prioritizing the importance of water conservation.
To read more about these plans visit: upperwater.org/plans-2/
“Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Contest Recognition🏆
At last month’s Board of Directors meeting, the Upper Water Board of Directors and staff proudly celebrated the 19 student contest winners of the annual “Being Water Wise Is…” Art Contest.
Each winner received a certificate honoring their artwork, along with a monetary award to support their artistic pursuits. Fifteen of the winners have been submitted to the regional Southern California Student Art Calendar Contest hosted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Through their creativity and commitment, our student participants continue to inspire their communities about the value of water and conservation. Congratulations to all the student artists!
To view all the winning artwork, visit upperwater.org/art.
Coloring Page
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
