LADWP Hydrographers Report 91% of Normal for 2025 Final April Snow Survey
LOS ANGELES (April 7, 2025) — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced that the Eastern Sierra snowpack measured 91% of normal, ensuring reliable water supplies through the City’s most cost-effective source, the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
This year’s snowpack presents a promising outlook for water supply, which is anticipated to meet over half of the City’s annual water demand. This translates to 81 billion gallons of water – enough to supply about 62,000 households for an entire year. LADWP is committed to implementing safe, resilient water management strategies that balance environmental needs while ensuring affordable access to water for our customers.
“The Los Angeles Aqueduct, local water supply investments, and our customers’ continued water conserving ethic all help to ensure a secure water future for all Angelenos,” said LADWP CEO and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones. “As we face more frequent and extreme natural disasters, it is essential that we remain focused and strategic – preparing now for any challenges ahead.”
In addition to our annual snow surveys, the yearly lake level measurements at Mono Lake provide key data to guide decisions on water exports in the region. The official surface elevation reading of Mono Lake was 6,383.3.
LADWP conducts snow surveys annually from February to April at five snow courses in the Eastern Sierra, measuring snow depth and water content. The data collected helps estimate runoff, which projects water supply from the Los Angeles Aqueduct. A typical runoff season lasts from May to June.
On average the Los Angeles Aqueduct meets approximately 40% of L.A.’s annual water demand, securing the most affordable source of water for Angelenos. 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.
Since last fall, LADWP estimates 6.6 billion gallons of stormwater were captured, enough to meet 4% of the City’s annual water demand.
“LADWP is fully committed to preparing for fluctuations in hydrological conditions driven by California’s unpredictable weather and urban challenges,” said LADWP Senior Assistant General Manager of the Water System Anselmo Collins. “Our teams are working to overcome these challenges by expanding local water supplies, implementing new stormwater capture projects, and advancing water conservation programs. Achieving a resilient water future requires strategic investments and active participation from the public to adapt to this new era of water planning.”
Purchased imported water, including rising costs and fluctuating allocations to Los Angeles from the Colorado River has prompted LADWP to pursue a more localized approach to supply its water portfolio. Pure Water Los Angeles, a water supply and resiliency initiative collaboratively developed by LADWP and Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) to design, build, and operate an advanced water purification system, aims to produce up to 230 million gallons of purified recycled water per day, supporting the City’s transition to a 70 percent local water supply.
This approach, successful in other parts of California and the nation, will significantly increase local drinking water supply. As the program grows, the foundational source from the Los Angeles Aqueduct will remain a vital part of the City’s water portfolio.
Thanks to L.A.’s successful conservation efforts, Angelenos use less water today than 50 years ago despite a population increase of one million people. Our customers are encouraged to continue their water-saving efforts by using water-efficient appliances in their homes and businesses. As LADWP works toward developing effective water management strategies, our communities are urged to stay engaged and participate in upcoming opportunities, including input on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.
For more information:
Visit LADWP.com/save for residential water conservation and energy efficiency rebates. For commercial rebates and programs, visit LADWP.com/CWR.
Read more on Pure Water Los Angeles at LADWP.com/PureWaterLosAngeles.
To learn more about the history of LADWP snow surveys visit LADWP.com/snowsurvey.
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