Myth or Fact: Earth Month Edition

Hi friends! Do you think you know everything about wetlands? Let’s test your knowledge! In the spirit of April Fool’s Day and to get you excited about IEUA and the City of Chino’s 16^th annual Earth Day celebration on April 17, we’re busting some common myths about wetlands and water conservation. You may be fooled, but don’t worry—Wally’s here to set the record straight!

Myth #1: Wetlands are just big puddles with stinky water.

April Fools! Wetlands are one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. They serve as nature’s water filters, flood protectors, and wildlife havens. There are four types of wetlands that serve different ecosystems around the world—swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens! In 2007, the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park was open to the public with the help of staff, partners, experts, and local volunteers. The Park was designed to use recycled water to sustain native plants, birds, and aquatic life while naturally improving water quality.

Myth #2: Recycled water is not clean.

Gotcha! Recycled water undergoes rigorous treatment and purification before it ever reaches our wetlands. It’s safe for irrigation, habitat restoration, and sustaining ecosystems. Using recycled water also helps conserve freshwater. When visiting our Park, you can find recycled water designated by purple pipes!

Myth #3: Wetlands don’t do anything to help with climate change.

Wrong again! Wetlands are powerhouses for carbon storage. They absorb and store carbon dioxide, help cool urban areas, and prevent soil erosion. By protecting and restoring wetlands, we take a huge step forward toward building climate resilience! Water recycling and wetlands work together to create a sustainable future.

Myth #4: One person can’t make a difference in water conservation

Not true! Small changes like fixing leaks, reducing runoff of pollutants, and planting native plants add up to big impacts. Every drop counts, and when communities work together, we can secure tomorrow’s water today.

If you were fooled by any of these myths, don’t worry, Earth Day is the perfect occasion to learn the facts and take meaningful steps toward environmental stewardship. Join us at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park on Thursday, April 17, from 4-7pm for a day of hands-on activities, environmental exhibits, animal encounters, and more!

See you there!

Wally

Happy Groundwater Awareness Week 2025

Greetings, friends! I’m so excited to be back with you all, especially during this time of year. As we transition further into the month of March, we begin to wave goodbye to winter and start welcoming spring! Not only is spring around the corner, but so is a very important week for water – Groundwater Awareness Week. Come join me as we take a deeper dive into Groundwater Awareness Week!

What is Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW)?
Groundwater Awareness Week usually takes place during the second week of March. Throughout this week, the National Ground Water Association and water agencies like IEUA promote the development, management, and use of groundwater. The main goal of GWAW is to educate the public about the importance of groundwater, advocate for the testing of water systems, and encourage safe water practices to preserve the overall quality of groundwater. That’s why I am here with you today!

Fun fact: A majority of the water that is used throughout the entire United States comes from the ground. Did you know that according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, one in three people who live in the U.S. obtain their drinking water from the ground?

What is groundwater?
In the simplest of terms, groundwater is water located beneath the earth’s surface in areas between soil and rock. To be exact, groundwater comes from precipitation or snowmelt that falls to the ground and flows into the soil and rock. Groundwater is held in aquifers and can be pumped through wells. This water can also be accessed naturally! Groundwater can rise through a spring or dispense water into streams or lakes. The process begins when rain or snow falls to the ground. Once that water lands on the ground, some of that water runs off the surface as surface water, while some may be used by plants and released back into the atmosphere.  Another portion of that water may also evaporate into the atmosphere, while the remaining water percolates into the ground and fills the spaces between the rock and soil.

Why is groundwater important?

Groundwater is a critical resource that supports ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies worldwide. Furthermore, groundwater is the main source of drinking water for a large portion of the global population. Not only does groundwater serve the global population, but it also contributes to agriculture through irrigation, refills surface water (such as rivers and lakes), and helps maintain ecosystems! My friends at IEUA actually maintain 46 basins throughout the region used for groundwater recharge. Groundwater is a vital resource for the environment and human life.

Another fun fact: Did you know that according to the United States Geological Survey, groundwater provides drinking water for 90% of the rural population?

Share with your friends the important role water plays in sustaining a beautiful planet, especially groundwater. Also, check out my water friends at @ieuawater on social media as they will be posting more cool facts about GWAW—you won’t want to miss it.

That’s all for me, friends!

Stay water-ful,
Wally

Read Across America Week 2025: Water in Mind

Hello, water-wise friends! Did you know this week is Read Across America Week? To celebrate this week with water in mind, I invite you to explore the shelves of your local library for thought-provoking reads about our valuable water resources. We’ve compiled a short list of suggestions inspired by Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC). Whether you’re interested in history, the environment, or the social challenges surrounding water, these selections offer some insight into the vital role that water plays in shaping our world and our communities.

There are many ways to be a water steward and one of them can start at home, at a local library, or bookstore.

1.      Where I Was From by Joan Didion

In this reflective memoir, author Joan Didion takes us on a journey through her California roots to explore the region’s history, politics, and natural beauty. Through insightful essays, she shares her personal take on the complexities of the American West and what "home" means in an ever-changing world. It’s acclaimed to be a must-read for those interested in the cultural and environmental fabric of California.

Genres: Non-fiction, History, Memoir, Essays, 21st Century America

Ideal Audience: Adults

Published 2003, 226 pages

 

2.      A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

This heart-wrenching story follows two children with unique circumstances. Author Linda Sue Park blends space and time to deliver a story of two characters both struggling with the scarcity of water. A quick but powerful read that highlights resilience, survival, and the importance of clean water. It can be an enjoyable read for young adults and anyone interested in historical fiction with real-world impact.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, War

Ideal Audience: Young Adults (12-18)

Published 2010, 128 pages

 

3.      The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California by Mark Arax

Mark Arax dives deep into California’s long-running battle over water. From the Gold Rush to modern-day droughts, this book blends history, personal narrative, and investigative journalism to explore how water shaped the State’s culture and economy. It may be a compelling read for those interested in the environment, climate change, and California’s history.

Genres: Non-fiction, History, Memoir, Climate Change

Ideal Audience: Adults

Published 2019, 576 pages

4.      Water is for Fighting Over: and Other Myths about Water in the West by John Fleck

John Fleck’s exploration of the American West’s water issues can be seen as both informative and thought-provoking. He uncovers the myths around water use and rights in the region by tackling tough questions about conservation and policy. This book is recommended for readers interested in the complexities of water rights and the future of our essential resource.

Genres: Non-fiction, History, Conservation

Ideal Audience: Adults

Published 2016, 264 pages

We hope you celebrate Read Across America week with water top of mind. Interested in more? Check out the full book list on SCWC’s reading list blog.

Bonus tip: Consider reading a book on your own leading up to Earth Day or start a book club to celebrate Earth Month (April)!

Speaking of Earth Month, I invite you to experience environmental stewardship and the importance of water resources at IEUA’s Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 17 from 4-7 PM. Join us for interactive exhibits, food vendors, and free giveaways! Let’s celebrate Earth Day together and see how small actions can lead to big environmental benefits.

Catch you later,

Wally

Wally's Water Wisdom - Happy Engineers Week 2025

Hey there, water explorers! Have you ever wondered where your water comes from or where it goes after you use it? Behind the scenes, water engineers work hard to keep it clean, safe, and available to everyone!

This Engineers Week (February 16-22, 2025), we’re celebrating the amazing work of water engineers, especially those at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), who treat, recycle, and protect our water every day. Water engineers help keep our communities healthy, our environment clean, and ensure we have water for the future!

Let’s dive into what they do and how YOU can help protect this vital resource!

What Do Water Engineers Do?

The field of Engineering within the water industry varies depending on the location and specific role the engineers are hired onto. Generally, water engineers’ work helps manage and protect our water in many ways, including:

💧 Cleaning and Treating Water – They can design systems to remove pollutants from water, so our water ways are clean! (IEUA) (EPA)

🌱 Recycling Water – Instead of letting water go to waste, engineers play a role in ensuring clean water standards are met. Recycled water is used for parks, farms, and even groundwater replenishment! (Learn more about recycled water!)

🌧 Managing Rainwater – They can develop ways to capture and clean rainwater (often referred to as stormwater) to prevent flooding or polluted runoff into rivers and other bodies of water. (ASCE)

🔬 Inventing Water-Saving Technology – Engineers can use smart sensors, AI, and renewable energy to reduce water waste and create new sources of drinking water! (Water Research Foundation)

Meet a Real-Life Water Engineer!

At IEUA, our Engineers work on projects that treat and recycle water, protect local water supplies, and help our communities use water wisely.

This year, we’re featuring David, an Assistant Engineer, who helps keep our water resources safe and sustainable.

What inspired you to pursue a career in water engineering?

My initial point of inspiration for water engineering came when I took a field trip to a local wastewater treatment plant as part of my high school’s AP Environmental Science class. I was hooked when we toured the different treatment processes that took wastewater and turned it into recycled water.

How do you see the role of water engineering evolving with advancements in technology?

As technologies advance, it will allow for more efficient and automated engineering solutions to wastewater. Treatment technologies can come to the point where it will allow for wider applications of recycled water. 

What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in water engineering?

I highly encourage students to visit a public water agency and speak with the professionals that work there to get firsthand insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of an engineer. Don’t be afraid to send a message to water engineers on LinkedIn, too!

Why is water stewardship critical for future generations?

Instilling water stewardship in our youth allows them to have a sense of responsibility in preserving the precious resource that is water. Water demand continues to increase, especially in IEUA’s service area. Having a sense of responsibility for water as they grow older and passing this mindset onto the next generation will be crucial to how we approach water resource management in the future.

Engineers like David ensure we have clean, safe water now and for future generations!

How Can YOU Be a Water Steward?

Water is a precious resource, and even small actions can make a big difference! Try these easy ways to save water at home:

🌿 Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

🚿 Take shorter showers to save gallons of water!

🌊 Share water-saving tips with your family and friends!

Every drop counts, and YOU can help make sure we have water for the future!

Try These Fun Water Experiments at Home!

🔬 DIY Water Filtration Experiment – Learn how Engineers filter water using simple household materials!

-       Follow this link for full instructions and details on this DIY Water Filtration Experiment!

💧 Water Footprint Challenge – Find out how much water your family uses and discover ways to conserve more!

-       Follow this link to take the Water Footprint Challenge!

You can also find more fun at-home activities on IEUA’s website! Check them out here!

Want to Learn More?

If you love water and want to explore more, join us on Community Day during our Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 17 from 4PM – 7 PM at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park!

This free event includes:

🌿 Tours of the park

💡 Environmental exhibits

🎨 Educational activities

🐍 Animal encounters

🎁 Giveaways and more!

Don’t miss this fun-filled day of learning, exploring, and celebrating our planet!

Engineers help protect our future, and maybe one day, YOU could become one too! Keep learning, keep exploring, and most importantly—keep saving water.

Your Friend,

Wally