Water Services and Conservation
Preserving Our Vital Resource
The City of Sierra Madre continues to meet our community’s water demands. However, conservation remains the most efficient and least expensive means for our community to preserve our water supply in the long term.
"Water conservation is the least expensive source of water that we have because a gallon saved is a gallon that does not need to be imported or produced."
We all need to do our part to use water as efficiently as possible so this vital resource remains readily available, now and in the future. Water-saving practices cost little to nothing to implement, and the water and financial savings can be substantial.
Take the Guesswork Out of Conservation
Free Irrigation Audit ($1,000 Value)
Sign up for a free irrigation audit. The audit includes up to $1,000 in free sprinkler system repairs and a new weather-based timer.
Find out how to sign up »Free Home Energy Audit
In addition, the SGVCOG is offering free home energy audits. The audit will identify ways to conserve energy, gas, and water inside your home.
Sign up at SGVCOG »Appliance Rebates
SGVMWD offers rebates for rain barrels, cisterns, high-efficiency toilets, washing machines, and soil moisture sensors.
View Rebates Website »"Save Water... Use It Wisely"
As water supply conditions fluctuate, the District updates its messaging. Severe drought, decreased supplies, and heavy precipitation each call for refined messaging.
After recent heavy precipitation and supply improvements, the District has developed a new theme reflecting awareness that supply conditions have improved while still encouraging wise use of our precious natural resource.
A California Way of Life: Following historic droughts, the State has prohibited water waste and called on all residents to make conservation a permanent way of life, enacting long-term measures for all urban water systems.
Water Supply Basics
Where does our water come from?
The San Gabriel Valley is a distinct watershed. Beneath the Valley is the Main San Gabriel Basin, a natural underground holding area about 100 yards below your feet. This basin holds rainfall, snowmelt, and conserved water.
80% of the water we use comes from groundwater pumping. The remaining 20% is imported from Northern California (State Water Project) and the Colorado River.
95% Stormwater Capture
Unlike some regions that "flush" water to the ocean to prevent flooding, our region built infrastructure to retain stormwater. The Greater San Gabriel Valley captures more than 95% of stormwater—even during massive storms—to supplement local groundwater supplies.
Video: How we recharge our groundwater basins.
District Support & Pilot Projects
Since 2010, the District has provided approximately $12 million in grants to fund more than 25 water conservation pilot projects throughout the service area. These projects take place in member cities, schools, and high-visibility community locations to demonstrate water-efficient technology and California Native Plants.
Education & Youth
- H2Owl: A fun design extension featuring our mascot for school, youth, and community activities.
- O.W.L. Grants: "Opportunities for Water Leadership" grants for youth and non-profits.
- Home Water Survey: Enables students to work with families to identify savings.
Help Keep Our Sewers Flowing
Disposable wipes do not break down. They clog pumps and pipes. Please throw them in the trash.
Grease hardens like concrete in the pipe. Collect grease in a can and dispose of it in the trash.
Prevent stormwater from entering sewer cleanouts and manage root growth near your lateral line.
Permanent Municipal Standards
To ensure fair use, the following restrictions (Municipal Code 13.24) apply year-round to all customers.
Watering Schedule
Time: Before 6:00 AM or After 6:00 PM
- Even Addresses (Ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8):
Monday, Thursday, Saturday - Odd Addresses (Ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9):
Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Permanent Prohibitions
- No washing down sidewalks, driveways, or patios.
- No watering in a manner that causes runoff.
- No watering within 48 hours of measurable rainfall.
- Car washing hoses must have shut-off nozzles.
- Fountains must use recirculating water systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does our water come from?The San Gabriel Valley is a distinct watershed. Beneath the Valley is the Main San Gabriel Basin, a natural underground holding area about 100 yards below ground. This basin holds rainfall, snowmelt, and conserved water.
By far the largest component of local water supplies is groundwater pumping, providing about 80% of the water we use. The remaining 20% is imported from Northern California (State Water Project) and the Colorado River.
A widely accepted measure of our local groundwater supplies is the Baldwin Park Key Well. The Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster monitors this well to determine the health of our water supply.
Groundwater levels naturally fluctuate; they have longer periods of decline than of ascent because most years are relatively dry. However, "cyclic storage" levels have increased since the last drought due to smart water management practices.
More than 50% of water use occurs outdoors. Historically, as people relocated to Southern California, they landscaped like they did "back home." However, we live in an arid desert region where we use more water than nature provides.
Using California Native Plants (drought-tolerant vegetation) is the smartest way to reduce water use while maintaining a beautiful yard.
Contact Us
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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