Underconstruction

CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

FUTURE WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY

One of the major goals of the CBWCD is to educate the public in matters related to water issues. One issue, which the recent drought brought to the forefront, is water supply system reliability.

Interestingly, within the State, 14 of the past 22 years have been below-normal years of precipitation. Although most people have heard about the “Dust Bowl” drought of the 1930’s, few are probably aware of a study of tree rings, conducted by the University of Arizona for the California Department of Water Resources. This study indicates that California experienced a 60-year drought from 1760 to 1820! In fact, looking at 360 years of data, it can be seen that the recent period since 1890 has generated an abundance of rainfall for California. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the water needs in California have grown substantially since the 1890’s, while development of new water supply projects has been virtually at a stand-still during the past 25 or more years.

To assure that the local area continues to maintain a reliable water supply, the CBWCD actively participates in programs to recharge the ground water basin. Presently most of the water used for recharge purposes comes from local rains and mountain storm water flows. The CBWCD captures and stores these waters within several local Recharge Basins. Once the water is captured it is allowed to seep naturally into the ground and become part of the vast underlying groundwater reserve. Located northerly of and adjacent to the CBWCD Demonstration Garden is one the many Recharge Basins belonging to the CBWCD.

CBWCD believes that education and conservation are key elements in providing for water supply reliability and in protecting and preserving an ample water supply for our future generations.