Contest winner Jessica Wang, center with flowers, poses in front of the Rachel Carson Tunnel Boring Machine

alongside her third-grade classmates and teachers from Victoriano Elementary.

L to R: Metropolitan board Director Jeff Armstrong, Victoriano Elementary teacher Raissa Jeffery, Metropolitan GM Adel Hagekhalil, contest winner Jessica Wang, Metropolitan board Director Brenda Dennstedt and Metropolitan Chief Engineer John Bednarski

The Rachel Carson Tunnel Boring Machine will begin excavating the tunnel for the pipeline extension in early February, moving 30-40 feet per day. The pipeline currently delivers water to communities in western Riverside County. The new tunnel will expand the delivery of water to these communities.

“This student involvement reminds us that our future relies on the fresh ideas and innovation of our next generation. I applaud our youth for engaging with us and learning about the importance of their local water infrastructure,” said Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. “Through our infrastructure investments, Metropolitan is ensuring safe and reliable water for all, with no one left behind, while uplifting our communities.”

Read the press release.

Photo courtesy of DWR.

Following a relatively dry start to California’s water year, the Department of Water Resources conducted its first manual snow survey of the season at Philips Station. Results of the Jan. 2 survey revealed three inches of snow water equivalent, representing 30% of the annual average for this Northern Sierra location.

With strong El Niño conditions continuing in the Pacific and statewide reservoirs still at above-average levels following last year’s exceptionally wet winter, the outlook for the remainder of California’s 2024 water year remains uncertain.

“Though our state’s snowpack is below normal for this time of year, there’s still time in the coming months for additional storms to build a healthy snowpack,” said General Manager Hagekhalil. “But the reality that the weather whiplash can quickly swing us from a wet year to a dry year requires us to be prepared should 2024 remain dry.”

Read the full statement.

As part of an ongoing discussion on how to work together to achieve a resilient water supply for all of California with minimal impact to the environment, Metropolitan hosted representatives from the Delta Counties Coalition for a tour of current and future water projects in the Southland.

The delegation, which included Delta Counties supervisors, visited Diamond Valley Lake, the Grace F. Napolitano Pure Water Southern California Innovation Center in Carson and several other stops across Metropolitan's service area, from Jan. 16-18.

Photo courtesy of KBLA Talk 1580.

“This sponsorship reflects Metropolitan’s commitment to bring everyone across our diverse region into the conversation about water and the need to conserve and invest in this precious resource to ensure it is accessible to all communities,” said Metropolitan Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Liji Thomas.

Learn more about the climate justice campaign.