Strong Snowfall in the Eastern Sierra Coupled with Record Rainfall and Stormwater Capture in the LA Basin Boost Water Supplies
Each year, LADWP conducts snow surveys from February to April at five snow courses in the Eastern Sierra, where snowmelt feeds into the Los Angeles Aqueduct which delivers water to Los Angeles. Pictured (from left) LADWP Hydrographers Clay Boyd and Gary Reiser. Photo by David Westphal.
LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2024) — Following the final snow surveys for the 2023-2024 winter season, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) today announced that the Eastern Sierra snowpack measured 103% of normal, providing ample supplies through the City’s most cost-efficient water supply from the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
This year’s snowpack this, while initially underwhelming compared to the record-breaking measurements in 2023, increased significantly in February and March and ended up exceeding expectations with above-normal conditions.
“While our reservoirs are full following two wet winters, we are still seeing the impacts of climate whiplash across the state,” said LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Adams. “We know we have to stay focused on our investments in local water supply projects as LADWP continues to evolve and balance the needs of our customers with the challenges associated with extreme weather patterns, more than anything else, we encourage our customers to stay vigilant in their water wise practices, which have helped keep water conservation citywide near record highs.”
Snow surveys gauge snow amounts and water content of the snow by taking real-time measurements of snow course depth and water content. The collected data is crucial for calculating spring and summer water runoff and water supply projections from the Los Angeles Aqueduct. A typical runoff season lasts anywhere from May to June.
After the record snowpack and runoff from 2023, LADWP reservoirs are full, allowing supplies from the Los Angeles Aqueduct to meet approximately 70% of L.A.’s annual water demand, securing the most equitable and affordable source of water for Angelenos. That amount translates to 114 billion gallons of water and is equivalent to supplying more than 207,000 households annually.
The remaining water supply comes from groundwater sources, recycled water, and purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California which delivers water from the State Water Project and the Colorado River.
The consistent winter storms Southern California experienced this year also helped to boost the lake level of Mono Lake – the official April 1 elevation reading was 6,383.7 feet, which is an increase of over 5 feet since 2022.
“While the improved water supply is welcome, recognizing that California’s weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable, makes water resources management an ongoing priority,” said Senior Assistant General Manager Water System Anselmo Collins. “LADWP is doing everything possible to prepare for the intensifying swings in hydrological conditions by the expansion of local water supplies and pushing forward numerous water conservation programs and stormwater capture projects.”
LADWP continues to turn record snow and rainwater capture into a secure sustainable water supply source. Since last Fall, LADWP estimates 30 billion gallons of stormwater was captured, enough to meet 20% of the City’s annual water demand.
LADWP has implemented ambitious conservation initiatives that have paid off: over the past 30 years, Angelenos have cut water usage by 44%, even as the City’s population has increased by one million people. To encourage our customers to save even more water, LADWP asks Angelenos to keep consistent with their water-saving efforts and use water-efficient appliances in their homes and businesses. LADWP offers generous rebates for replacing water-thirsty lawns with sustainable and drought tolerant landscaping. All customers can receive $5.00 per square foot of turf for up to 5,000 square feet for residential and 50,000 square feet for commercial or multi-family customers. Single-family residential customers can also take advantage of free classes and design services to create beautiful waterwise landscapes.
Visit LADWP.com/save for a complete list of residential water conservation and energy efficiency rebates. For commercial rebates and programs, visit ladwp.com/CWR.
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