SoCal Water Resources

Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Avanzando el Futuro del Agua en California: Rutas de Implementación y Casos de Estudio Locales bajo el Plan del Agua de California 2023

October 15, 2025

By Esther N Lofton, Laura E Garza Diaz, Laljeet S Sangha

Los sistemas hídricos de California se encuentran en un momento decisivo. Las presiones del cambio climático, el crecimiento poblacional, la infraestructura envejecida y las persistentes inequidades en el acceso al agua convergen hoy para generar desafíos sin precedentes en la gestión hídrica. Al mismo…

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Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Why Groundwater Sustainability Agencies Should Pay Attention to a Drinking Water Lawsuit

October 14, 2025

By Laljeet S Sangha

IntroductionIn California, it’s easy to think of drinking water systems and groundwater management as two separate worlds. Cities and water districts set rates for tap water. Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) oversee aquifer health and pumping limits under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act …

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Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Advancing California’s Water Future: Implementation Pathways & Local Case Studies Under the California Water Plan 2023

September 23, 2025

By Esther N Lofton, Laura E Garza Diaz, Laljeet S Sangha

California’s water systems are at a pivotal moment. The pressures of climate change, population growth, aging infrastructure, and persistent inequities in water access are converging to create unprecedented challenges. At the same time, the state is moving forward with an ambitious, integrated vision…

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SoCal Urban Food Production Blog: Article

Comparative analysis of different biodegradable mulch uses in hill-side strawberry production

September 10, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton, Grant E Johnson

IntroductionPlastic film (PF) is widely used in crop production, yet global environmental concerns urge for reduced plastic waste. Biodegradable and bio-based mulches emerge as promising alternatives, potentially crucial for sustainable agriculture. This significance is emphasized by the hypothesis…

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SoCal Urban Food Production Blog: Article

Share Your Insights, Receive a Free Water & Nutrient Efficiency Checkup!

August 8, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Grant E Johnson, Esther N Lofton

UC Davis and UCANR, with support from the CDFA’s Water-Energy Technology Assistance (WETA) program, are inviting California protected agriculture growers—whether hydroponic, using drip irrigation, liquid feed fertilizers, or recycling water—to take a short survey on water and nutrient management. The 15–20…

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Los diseños y beneficios de los materiales permeables

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Materiales Permeables: Un Enfoque Sostenible para las Aguas Pluviales

July 28, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse

Las superficies impermeables, como el hormigón o el asfalto, han permitido el desarrollo urbano a gran escala en todo el sur de California al proporcionar cimientos estables para las estructuras de los edificios, facilitar el movimiento eficiente de peatones y vehículos, y transportar rápidamente el…

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Designs and benefits of permeable materials

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Permeable Materials: A Sustainable Approach to Stormwater

July 28, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse

Impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, have enabled large-scale urban development throughout Southern California by providing stable foundations for building structures, facilitating the efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and promptly transporting rainwater away from buildings and…

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Pure Water Matters - Your Essential Guide to Drinking Water Quality!: Article

Unsafe to Drink: Tackling Groundwater Nitrate Contamination and Rebuilding Trust

July 25, 2025

By Esther N Lofton, Monica Palta

Groundwater nitrate contamination poses a growing threat to public health, particularly in California’s low-income and rural communities that depend on untreated well water. While nitrate is a known cause of infant methemoglobinemia, newer research links long-term exposure to cancer, thyroid disease, and…

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Smart Water Living: Urban Water Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Smart Irrigation Month: A Call to Action for Water Efficiency in California

July 24, 2025

By Esther N Lofton

Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…

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Los Impactos del Cambio Climático en la Gestión de Aguas Pluviales

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

El Impacto del Cambio Climático en la Gestión de Aguas Pluviales

July 17, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton

El cambio climático está afectando a todos los parámetros del espectro ambiental y, por tanto, a todos los aspectos de la vida. En cuanto a la resiliencia del agua, los efectos persistentes del cambio climático juegan un papel importante en la limitación del acceso al agua, al tiempo que aumentan la demanda…

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The Impacts of Climate Change on Stormwater Management

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

The Impact of Climate Change on Stormwater Management

July 17, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton

Climate change is affecting all parameters of the environmental spectrum and thus, all aspects of life. Regarding water resilience, the lingering effects of climate change play a significant role in limiting access to water whilst also increasing demand for water supplies across the nation and most…

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Smart Water Living: Urban Water Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Proyecto de ley de la Asamblea (AB) 1572 (2023-2024): Comprensión de la Nueva Ley sobre el Uso del Agua y el Césped no Funcional

June 23, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton

AB 1572 es una ley de California que tiene como objetivo conservar el agua potable al prohibir su uso para regar césped no funcional en ciertas áreas. El césped no funcional se refiere al césped que no tiene un propósito real; no se usa para deportes, juegos o recreación, como el césped a lo largo de las…

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Smart Water Living: Urban Water Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 (2023–2024): Understanding the New Law on Water Use and Nonfunctional Turf

June 20, 2025

By Esther N Lofton

AB 1572 is a California law that aims to conserve drinking water (potable water) by prohibiting its use for watering non-functional grass (turf) in certain areas. Nonfunctional turf refers to grass that serves no real purpose; it’s not used for sports, play, or recreation, such as grass along roads, in…

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Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Árboles Urbanos y su Papel en la Gestión de Aguas Pluviales

June 4, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Erik C Porse, Esther N Lofton

Las copas de los árboles urbanos (UTC), es decir, las capas de hojas, ramas y tallos que cubren el suelo en las ciudades, son herramientas esenciales para gestionar las aguas pluviales, en particular en zonas urbanas densas como las del sur de California. En paisajes dominados por superficies…

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Urban Trees and Their Role/Benefits in Stormwater Management

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Urban Trees and Their Role in Stormwater Management

May 28, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse

Urban tree canopies (UTCs), i.e, the layers of leaves, branches, and stems that cover the ground in cities, are essential tools in managing stormwater, particularly in dense urban areas like those across Southern California. In landscapes dominated by impermeable surfaces such as pavements and rooftops,…

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SoCal Urban Food Production Blog: Article

Tertiary Treated Water: A Key to Sustainable Urban Farming

May 21, 2025

By Grant E Johnson, Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton

Tertiary treated water is a safe and sustainable option for irrigating crops in urban agriculture. It helps reduce reliance on freshwater while supporting healthy soil and crop growth. This post explains the treatment process, benefits, and best practices for using reclaimed water in farming.

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Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Celebrating Water Awareness Month: Why May Matters in California

May 8, 2025

By Esther N Lofton

Every drop counts, especially in California. That’s why May is officially recognized as Water Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the value of water in our lives, our landscapes, and our future.Why Water Awareness Month?Initiated in the early 1980s by the California Department of Water…

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SoCal Urban Food Production Blog: Article

Enhance Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency for Controlled Environment Agriculture

May 7, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Grant E Johnson, Esther N Lofton

UC Davis and UCANR are conducting a research study to enhance water and nutrient use efficiency in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities, focusing greenhouses and indoor vertical farms. This initiative, supported by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), will…

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Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Strengthening Drought Preparedness for Domestic Well Owners and Small Water Suppliers

April 22, 2025

By Laura E Garza Diaz, Laljeet S Sangha, Esther N Lofton

Droughts in California: A Frequent ChallengeSubject to severe short and long-term drought conditions, California has experienced two consecutive multiyear droughts in the past decade (Figure 1). The drought of 2012–2016, was considered one of the most severe on record, with…

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Los beneficios de los lardines de lluvia

Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Jardines de Lluvia: Una Solución Sostenible para la Gestión de Aguas Pluviales

April 18, 2025

By Daniel Gonzalez, Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse

Los jardines de lluvia son depresiones del terreno transformadas, diseñadas para almacenar e infiltrar el escurrimiento pluvial proveniente de superficies impermeables cercanas dentro de entornos urbanos. Disponibles en una variedad de formas y tamaños, los jardines de lluvia representan una solución…

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"Ensuring Water Quality, Efficiency, Security & Equity in Southern California"

Welcome to SoCal Water Resources

Welcome to the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) SoCal Water Resources, your comprehensive guide to understanding and managing water resources in Southern California. Our mission is to provide you with up-to-date information and resources on water quality, water use efficiency, water supply security, and water equity, specifically tailored for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Our Focus Areas areas are;

Water Quality: Learn about the quality of your drinking water and the environmental health of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Discover the measures in place to ensure safe and clean water and how you can actively participate in solutions to ensure that our water remains safe and clean for all residents and the environment.

Water Use Efficiency: Explore practical tips and strategies to enhance water use efficiency in residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. Together, we can reduce water waste and promote sustainable water use practices.

Water Supply Security: Stay informed about the current conditions of our water supply, future projections, and emergency preparedness plans. Understanding these factors helps us collectively safeguard our water resources against challenges such as drought and climate change.

Water Equity: Water is a fundamental right. We are committed to promoting water equity by ensuring fair access to clean and affordable water for all communities. Learn about the initiatives and programs in place to address water affordability and accessibility issues and how you can get involved.

Weather

For current data from the California Irrigation Management. Information System (CIMIS) weather stations. The station located at the University of California (UCCE & SC REC) is station 75. See the description bellow.

Click here to access the CIMIS Website

Irvine #75

Southern Region Office
South Coast Valleys Region
Orange County
Nearby city is Irvine
Data Available from 10/7/1987
ETo Reported
Reference Surface is Grass
Datalogger is CR1000

Geographic Information

Elevation: 410 Feet
Latitude: 33º41'18N / 33.688450
Longitude: 117º43'16W / -117.721180

Description of the station

DATE: 11-12-02
STATION#:75
STATION NAME: Irvine
ETO ZONE: 6
PREVAILING WINDS: W

LOCAL CHARACTER:

The station is located on the grounds of a University of California Field Station. The facility conducts research primarily in citrus fruit, turf grasses and other ornamentals. The field station is on the edge of a rapidly growing urban area and close to the El Toro naval air station runway.

DESCRIPTION OF STATION SITE:

The station is installed on a grass plot that is well maintained. Irrigation is accomplished with pop-up sprinklers and is mowed by facility personnel.

Zip Codes

92710 , 92707 , 92667 , 92650 , 92630 , 92623 , 92620 , 92619 , 92618 , 92616 , 92614 , 92612 , 92606 , 92604 , 92603 , 92602

Click here to access the CIMIS Website

Contribute for a Better Future

Make a Gift

Office Locations

South Coast Research and Extension Center

7601 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618-1201
United States

Phone

(858) 282-6737

8582826737

enmosase@ucdavis.edu

Personnel

Jose L Aguiar

Farm Advisor

Ingrid J Alarcon

Communty Education Specialist II

Alondra Alonso

CES II, UC CalFresh Healthy Living

Andrea Arellano

Angeles Arroyo

Nate Barton

Valerie T Borel

Horticulture and Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Jennifer H Borges

Coral Burciaga-Luquin

Community Nutrition and Health Educator

Cristian Burgos

Katelyn Bush

Guadalupe L Cabrera

Community Nutrition and Health Educator

Erika Cassio Madrazo

Ramya Chandrasekaran

Cynthia R Chavez

Community Education Specialist

Rita L Clemons

Denneigh J Denton

Master Food Preserver Coordinator

Saatvika L Deshpande

Hung K Doan

Small Farms and Specialty Crops Advisor

Sabrina L Drill

Natural Resources Advisor - Emeritus

Chutima H Ganthavorn

Cooperative Extension Advisor Emerita

Marlen Gaspar

CES II, UC CalFresh Healthy Living

Haris Gilani

Biomass & Bioenergy Advisor

Carmen Gispert

UC ANR Cooperative Extension Advisor, Emeritus.

Brittany Gore

Saidy Guerrero

Community Education Specialist II

Gabriela Guzman

Darrene Hackler

Watershed and Workforce Initiatives Manager, California Institute for Water Resources

Shahen Halebian

Project Policy Analyst, REC System

Deborah Hamlin-Karalun

Janet S Hartin

Area Environmental Horticulture Advisor

Hope Hauptman

Assistant Project Scientist

Darren L Haver

Director for REC System

James M Henry

Farm Advisor, Emeritus

Kayla M Hettinger

Kat Hicklin

Roy Hillstock

Computer Resource Specialist II

Donald R Hodel

Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Emeritus

Ashley M Hooper

Urban Community Resiliency Advisor

Md Sahadat Hossain

Brandon Hsu

Rita M Jakel

4-H Community Education Specialist Program Coordinator 4-H

John N Kabashima

Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Emeritus

Jonathan Kaplan

Dohee Kim

Director of Media Outreach and Advocacy Liaison

Judith Kingston

4-H Youth Development Advisor

Douglas R Kuney

Area Extension Poultry Farm Advisor, Emeritus

David Landis

Constance Lexion

Family and Consumer Science Advisor

Kiska Ljungberg

Community Health Specialist 1

Esther N Lofton

Urban Watershed Resilience Advisor

Jazmin Lopez

Therese A Lowrie

Melissa Mabuchi

Business Manager, Supporting the RECS

Susie McDaniel

Chris J McDonald

Inland and Desert Natural Resources Advisor

Benjamin Melendrez

CalFresh Healthy Living Program Supervisor

Yu Meng

Youth Family and Community Advisor

Javier F Miramontes

Community Nutrition and Health Supervisor

Maddy G Morataya - Rodriquez

Amrita Mukherjee

Urban Agriculture/Small Farms Advisor

Randy Musser

UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Keith C Nathaniel

County Director & 4-H Youth Development Advisor

Minh Nguyen

Beatriz E Nobua Behrmann

Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor

Princess Nola

Community Education Specialist 1

Esmeralda Nunez

CES III, UC CalFresh Healthy Living

Vianca Nunez

Community Nutrition Educator II, UC CalFresh Healthy Living Program

Margaret J O'neill

Master Gardener Coordinator, Environmental Education Supervisor

Rosa M Olaiz

Alejandrina Orozco

Community Nutrition and Health Educator

Cynthia Orozco

Program Representative I

Elle Overs

Staff Research Associate

Doug Parker

Director Emeritus, California Institute for Water Resources

Dennis R Pittenger

Area Environmental Horticulturist, Emeritus

Erik C Porse

Director, California Institute for Water Resources, and Associate Cooperative Extension Specialist

Jenifer Poulsen

Divya Prakash

Research Data Analyst 3

Natalie M Price

Community Nutrition and Health Advisor

Carla A Pryor

Lab Helper

Matthew Pryor

Niamh M Quinn

Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor

Aba J Ramirez

Community Nutrition and Health Educator

Sierra M Reiss

Leslie Rendon

4-H Youth Development Program Representative

Michael D Rethwisch

Field Crops University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Palo Verde Valley Vegetables

Matthew T Rogers

Angel Rubalcava

Camilo A Salcedo

Project Scientist

Rebecca Sanders

Administrative Assistant III

Deborah Schnur

Environmental Education Coordinator

Hossein Shayegani

Jennifer Shedden

Staff Research Associate

Naychi Shein

Noreen Shein

Executive Assistant III/Office Manager

Rachel M Shellabarger

Academic Coordinator

Christopher J Shogren

Environmental Horticulture Advisor

Anissa Soria

Daniel Swain

Climate Scientist (Associate Researcher)

Etaferahu Takele

Area Advisor Farm Management/Agricultural Economics

Siavash Taravati

Area IPM Advisor

Ralph C Thompson-Cantua

Suzanne Tippit

Office Assistant I Blythe-Palo Verde Valley

Lydia Tymon

Sarah M Unzon Gonzalez

Lab Assistant 2

Judith Valadez

Community Nutrition and Health Educator

Daisy L Valdez

CalFresh Healthy Living Program Supervisor 1

Whitney Wade

Philip Waisen

Vegetable Crops Advisor

Emily Watson

4-H Program Representative; CES 2

Edwina Williams

4-H Youth Development Advisor

Clara H Wilshire

EFNEP Family Nutrition Program Coordinator

Jessica A Yarger

UC Master Gardener Associate Program Coordinator

Hope M Zabronsky

Academic Coordinator II, Climate Smart Agriculture Program Lead

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower the residents of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure sustainable water management. We are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information on water quality, water use efficiency, water supply security, and water equity.

By fostering community engagement and promoting informed decision-making, we aim to protect and preserve our precious water resources for current and future generations.