Policy Updates
Restoration ahead!
In December, the Department of Water and Power released its draft implementation plan for stream and waterfowl habitat restoration. The plan pulls the Water Board's various restoration directives since 1994 into a single administrative document that specifies timelines and procedures for implementing restoration. In essence, the implementation plan serves as a workplan for DWP--and a guiding document for the Committee to watchdog progress and contribute directly as needed. It is encouraging to see dates set for things such as channel rewatering, revegetation, aerial photography, and the web page that will make real-time monitoring data available on the Internet in 1999. The Committee is currently submitting comments on the plan.
USFS tests water use at
County Ponds
This past summer and fall, the Forest Service experimented with filling County Ponds as freshwater habitat for migrating birds. The County Ponds were identified in the recent State Water Resources Control Board decision on restoration as an important area to rewater for waterfowl habitat.
County Ponds are natural depressions on Mono's north shore, part of a prediversion lagoon system to the east of Black Point. Historically, excess irrigation water from the DeChambeau Ranch (water diverted from Mill Creek) was directed down to these depressions. When the lake level dropped and when irrigation ceased, the ponds dried up.
The Forest Service opened ditches and installed temporary pipes to improve and control water delivery to the two ponds. The west pond filled easily; the east pond proved more difficult to fill. Water intended for the east pond seeped underground and appeared again in a marsh area lakewards of the pond.
The results of these tests will help the Forest Service determine what, if anything, needs to be done with the ponds to make them serviceable for waterfowl. This fall, ducks were observed using the ponds.
If the Forest Service finds a way to fill both County Ponds, it will bring the number of freshwater ponds in the area up to six.
Wiser washers
Washing machines have become the single largest user of water in homes today. While energy- and water-efficient washing machines have been in use in Europe for years, they are relatively new to the United States. These machines--also called horizontal access washers--are said to be softer on your clothes, saving on wear and tear as well.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is offering a $300 rebate to its customers who buy the new machines. The Department expects the washers to use half the water and notably less energy than their older counterparts. Other water agencies are likely to follow suit, particularly if they start hearing from their customers. If you are in DWP's service area, call 800-544-4498. If not, call your water agency and ask for their conservation program officer and put in a request for a rebate program.
Return to Winter 1999 Newsletter
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