🧭 What Is the Watermaster?

The Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster is a public agency that oversees groundwater use in the San Gabriel Valley. Think of it as a guardian and referee for underground water rights.

🛡️ Key Roles:

• Tracks groundwater levels to prevent over-pumping.
• Allocates water rights fairly among cities, water companies, and private users.
• Coordinates replenishment by importing water from sources like the State Water Project.
• Protects water quality by monitoring contamination and cleanup efforts.

📊 Why It Matters to Valley View

Valley View Mutual Water Company pumps water from the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin, so Watermaster’s decisions directly affect:

• How much water Valley View can pump
• How much it pays in replenishment assessments
• Long-term sustainability of Baldwin Park’s water supply

🧠 Fun Facts About Watermaster

• 🏞️ The basin serves over 1.5 million people in the San Gabriel Valley.
• 📜 The Watermaster was created by a court judgment in 1973 to resolve disputes over groundwater rights.
• 💧 Replenishment water is often imported from Northern California or the Colorado River.
• 🧪 They also manage cleanup of contaminated groundwater, especially from industrial pollution in the 20th century.