Upper Water’s October News Splash
Celebrating Water Professionals Appreciation Week
From October 3–11, we’re celebrating Water Professionals Appreciation Week! This annual celebration recognizes the dedicated professionals who work every day to provide, protect, and manage California’s water resources. From ensuring reliable water supplies to maintaining infrastructure, supporting conservation, and educating our communities, water professionals play an important role in keeping our communities strong.
At Upper Water, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate our team and the important work they do each day to serve our communities. Thank you to our employees for your dedication and commitment to our region’s water future!
In Water News…
October 1st marks the beginning of a new water year in California. Unlike the calendar year, a water year runs from October 1st through September 30th, aligning with California’s wet and dry seasons and helping water managers track precipitation, runoff, and water supply conditions.
Want to learn more? Watch our video with Upper Water General Manager Tom Love as he discusses the year ahead, including regional water supply conditions, El Niño, and some of the challenges we’re watching here in the San Gabriel Valley.
Stay Connected by following Upper Water on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and reminders, and subscribe to our NewSplash e-newsletter to get important news delivered straight to your inbox. Stay water smart and never miss a splash! 💧
Water Education Opportunities
Upper Water provides a variety of free educational opportunities for students and teachers within its service area.
The Water Education Grant Program (WEGP) offers teachers up to $1,000 for K–12 classroom and school projects focused on water or water-related subjects. Teachers or administrators may apply individually or as a group to receive grant funding.
The purpose of the grant program is to fund classroom or school projects that deepen students’ understanding of water through STEAM-based projects and explore the important role water plays in Southern California.
All applications will be reviewed and selected projects will require final documentation. The WEGP applications for the 2026/27 school year are due Friday, October 16, 2026.
To learn more and apply, visit upperwater.org/water-education-grant-program
‘25-’26 “Being Water Wise is…” Contest Artwork
by 7th Grader Sylar Segovia
Annual Student Art Contest
The 2026-2027 Art Contest is OPEN! Students may mail or drop-off their artwork to Upper Water Headquarters, 248 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 200, Monrovia, CA 91016.
The submission deadline is Thursday, April 8, 2027.
Fall Landscaping Workshops
Upper Water is hosting two upcoming Fire Resilient Gardening workshops with U.S. Master Gardeners, designed to help residents create multi-beneficial, fire-resilient landscapes. One workshop will be held in person, while the other will be offered virtually.
Learn practical guidance on fire-resilient gardening and landscaping, including plant selection, maintenance practices, and design principles that can help reduce fire risk. The following workshops are ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and community members interested in creating a safer, more resilient outdoor environment. The Water Smart Workshop dates and information can be found online at upperwater.org.
IN-PERSON
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Upper Water Office – 248 E. Foothill Blvd. (First Floor) Monrovia, CA 91016
WEBINAR
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
To learn more or register, visit upperwater.org/water-smart-workshops.
The Watershed Restoration Program is back!
Upper Water invites the community to volunteer for the Watershed Restoration Program, hosted in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Since 1991, this program has played a key role in protecting our local groundwater by maintaining a healthy watershed in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. 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.
Saturday, October 24ᵗʰ and November 14th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The event will involve planting tree saplings near Crystal Lake campgrounds.
For more information regarding participation and registration, please visit: upperwater.org/watershed-restoration-program
Please note: In the event of cancellation due to weather or other circumstances, updates will be posted on our website and shared with registrants as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you!
