“When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Did we really have a wet winter? Within a week’s time, our winter weather skipped over a season and landed into summer. Last Sunday the temperature reached 90 degrees. Within a few days the first day of spring arrives, so it was not forgotten. A few thoughts come to mind as our rainy season gradually approaches its final days. Is the drought over? What are the realities and concerns for our area?

Read the following in regard to water conservation in the Crescenta Valley. One could easily assume it pertained to last year’s drought conditions. I even checked the date, thinking perhaps the information had not been updated. No, not the case; these words were found on Crescenta Valley Water District’s website www.cvwd.com yesterday, March 15:

EXTRAORDINARY is defined as an Extraordinary Conservation Alert, when Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is pulling water from most of its storage programs to meet demands. Extraordinary conservation is called for from customers. Customers are requested to minimize indoor water use and water outdoors no more than three (3) days per week. Outdoor irrigation will be permitted only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., for a period of no more than seven (7) minutes per station.

The statement reads as if we are still in a drought. After six years our water local ground waters (wells, aquifers, etc.) remain low. Many years of good rainfall are needed to replenish them. To assume this will happen would be unwise. This year, northern California got the “lion’s share” of the rain, their overflowing reservoirs and record-breaking snow pack standing as proof. Hopefully they will have a bit to spare! We may need it.

Most of Southern California is considered a desert region; climatically, drought is the norm. Rainy years are really the exception to the rule. With the state’s primary water sources up north and the greatest population in the south, water will remain a precious resource. Importing extra water has supplemented our needs, but thoughtful and diligent water usage is the ultimate answer. So water conservation, drought-tolerant plants, fewer lawns and watering days become blended into “life in Southern California!” Not a bad trade-off; we got the weather!

The 2016-17 rainfall total, thus far, stands at 26.08. Beyond the month of March, another inch or two may fall; but that’s it. June marks the end of rainfall season. The average annual precipitation for La Crescenta is approximately 24 inches. Current data looks good … for now.

Here comes the rain, again. Low pressure allows for cooling accompanied by fog and clouds to move in beginning Saturday. Early next week, widespread rain and mountain snow is forecast. This first storm appears to be the first of many, as the jet stream has shifted south once again. Timing and amounts upcoming.

“Top o’ the mornin’ to ya,” the spry leprechaun muttered, while shutting off his sprinklers.
Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.