FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Published: October 29, 2026
District Grants Fund Local Projects to Reduce Water Loss and Improve Water Efficiency
Azusa, Calif. – The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has awarded $200,000 to support water conservation and water system improvements in Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre. The funding will help cities reduce outdoor water use, detect underground leaks and improve monitoring of local water infrastructure.
Approved by the District’s Board of Directors on October 12, 2026, the grants provide $50,000 to each member city through the fiscal year 2026-2027 Member Cities Grant Program. The annual program supports locally developed projects that advance conservation, water-use efficiency and water system reliability.
“Our member cities know where these investments can make the greatest difference,” said SGVMWD General Manager Jose Reynoso. “We’re committed to supporting their work with funding that helps them conserve water, improve infrastructure and provide reliable service to their communities.”
In Alhambra, funding will support improvements at Gateway Plaza, replacing water-intensive landscaping with drought-tolerant plants and trees, upgrading irrigation, and adding features that capture stormwater and support groundwater recharge. Educational signage will highlight the project’s conservation benefits.
Azusa will use its grant to help commercial, industrial and institutional customers replace non-functional turf. The program will fund professional landscape assessments and turf replacement rebates of $1 per square foot, up to $5,000 per customer or property.
Monterey Park will establish a proactive leak detection program using acoustic sensors, remote monitoring and data analysis to identify underground leaks earlier. The program will help staff prioritize repairs and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost before it reaches customers.
Sierra Madre will purchase meters and registers equipped with pressure and temperature sensors. The equipment will improve leak detection, help staff monitor distribution system conditions and support maintenance planning and water quality response.
The awards build on the District’s ongoing investment in member city water projects. In fiscal year 2025-2026, the District awarded $50,000 to each city for Alhambra’s Water Master Plan update, Azusa’s Water Efficient Civic Center Demonstration Project, Monterey Park’s Business District Smart Irrigation Controller Retrofit, and an extension of Sierra Madre’s Acoustic Leak Detection Program.
The District is committed to helping its member cities protect local water supplies and maintain reliable water systems. These annual grants put that commitment into action, providing funding for city led projects that conserve water and address each community’s needs.
About the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is a public agency that provides reliable supplemental water to Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner. The District also supports its member cities through water conservation programs, public education and investments in water infrastructure. For more information, visit sgvmwd.gov.
Contact:
Albert Lu, External Affairs, SGV Municipal Water District
info@sgvmwd.com
