The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
~ Thomas Carlyle, Scottish poet
Water…    

We are surrounded by it. It covers over 70% of the earth’s surface and makes up approximately 60% of the human body. So why are so many people concerned about conserving it? Because, despite the fact there’s so much of it, less than 1% of that water is accessible and safe for human consumption. An average American uses 80-100 gallons daily, primarily for toilet flushing. Each U.S. region has its own unique “water story,” as do we in the Crescenta Valley.

I’ve been thinking a lot about water lately; and it is not without good reason. Only .20 inches (not 20 inches!) of rainfall has reached the ground for the 2017-18 rain season. Normal is almost three inches. Last year’s total seasonal rainfall was only slightly above average. After a five-year period of drought followed by heavy rains in northern California that filled most state reservoirs beyond capacity, many of us became lulled into a false sense of security, water-wise. After reading the following in the LA Times, it easy to understand why one would have such feelings!

Apr 7, 2017 – After years of history-making drought levels and a steady recovery in 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown officially stated Friday that California’s drought is over.

So, according to both our governor and the LA Times, our worries are now over. Hmmm … the CV Weekly (including me) does not concur. Also, contrary to the above statement, the National Weather Service’s Monthly U.S. Drought Outlook on Nov. 22 designated our area of California as a “Moderate Drought” zone. Should we worry about water usage? Always.  Like the native peoples 12,000 years ago, the CV people of today live in a semi-desert region. Drought goes with the territory and water is precious. (You can read CVWD’s “Capturing Rainwater to Increase Water Supply” on page 11 in today’s CV Weekly. Thank-you, Tom Love, general manager at the CVWD, for the information.)

Here’s “the good, the bad and the ugly” 10-day weather forecast:

The Montrose Christmas Parade will be under clear skies.

There is no rain except for a 10% chance predicted for Monday.

Nothing “ugly” to report as mild weather and beautiful sunsets become intermingled among gusty NE breezes.
Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick