How Did Sierra Madre’s Water Crisis Come to Be?

This story was posted by Craig Clough. It was written by Natalie Rivera. 

The city of Sierra Madre is currently facing a water shortage that has residents worried over how they will meet water conservation requirements this summer. 

Residents are being asked to cut their water usage by 20 percent, a number that may increase in time after it was revealed earlier this month that the city’s first well may shut down in three months.

Click here to read about the special city council meeting that was called Tuesday to discuss the issue. 

Sierra Madre’s water shortage has the city council discussing possible alternatives as to how to obtain more water for its population of over 10,000 people. The water shortage has caused the council to charge a penalty of double the cost of every water unit overused.

These penalties and regulations are the result of an issue that has been growing the past year. According to the city council, Sierra Madre obtains its water from its underground water aquifer. The aquifer supplies 90 percent to 95 percent of the city’s water. Due to the groundwater levels, the city has been forced to reduce its water pumping by 47 percent.

Regulations that have already been implemented last month include prohibiting watering sidewalks, driveways and patios. Water used for decorative fountains are also prohibited and restaurants are only allowed to serve glasses of water if asked by the customer.

Sierra Madre’s ongoing water shortage continues to be an issue and further action as to how to deal with this is in discussion. Costs and time management is taken into consideration as the city council continues to come up with alternatives.