LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 4, 2002 -- Despite a relatively dry winter in the eastern Sierra, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Thursday reported there will be adequate water supplies to meet customer demands for the coming year, based on its final snowpack survey of the season.
With runoff levels from the eastern Sierra projected to be 76 percent of normal, Department officials encouraged customers to continue to use water sensibly.
"We had two months of unseasonably dry, warm weather this past winter that sent the snowpack to below-normal levels," said Gerald A. Gewe, LADWP assistant general manager, water. "Even though the runoff forecast is below average, the LADWP will continue to supply safe, reliable high-quality water to the residents of Los Angeles. However, there is a need for our customers to continue to use water wisely."
LADWP relies on a number of sources to provide quality drinking water to customers: runoff from melting snow in the eastern Sierra, which is brought to Los Angeles via the LA Aqueduct; local groundwater; and purchases of water from the Metropolitan Water District.
Approximately 50 percent of the city's water comes from the eastern Sierra surface water runoff, making it the primary source of water for the city. When runoff levels are below normal, LADWP depends on conservation and water purchases. Each winter, LADWP hydrographic crews provide the data needed for forecasting by conducting snow surveys.
"By measuring the depth of snow and amount of water content in the snow at specific locations over a period of many years, our team of hydrographers can accurately predict the amount of runoff each year," Gewe added.
Over the last decade, LADWP has invested more than $100 million on conservation programs, including such measures as financial incentives for the installation of ultra low-flush toilets and water-efficient washing machines.
"Although we have sufficient supplies to meet demands, we encourage our customers to participate in practical water management," said David Wiggs, LADWP general manager. "By monitoring water use, our customers will save money and allow water supplies to be extended for future use."
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles and was established 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's businesses and residents.
