About the San Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley lies in eastern Los Angeles County, Calif., at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. It covers an area of approximately 200 square miles. Once a primarily agricultural valley, it is now highly developed, and is mostly urban and suburban in nature. Around two million people call the Valley home, and they create a huge demand on water resources.
The Main San Gabriel Basin (also known as the Main Basin, San Gabriel Basin or Upper San Gabriel Basin) is the largest of the three basins, produces the most water and has the most widespread pollution sites.
SGV Topography
The Valley is bordered by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the San Rafael Hills and the Crescenta Valley to the west, the San Rafael Hills and the Puente Hills to the south and the Chino Hills and San Jose Hills to the east. The mountains are characterized by their deep, steep-sided canyons. The San Gabriel River, after which the Valley is named, runs through the center of the Valley from San Gabriel Canyon.
SGV Demographics
The Valley, home to a rich blend of people and industry, is known as one of the most diverse regions in the country. There are around two million people in the Valley and the population is largely composed of Hispanic/Latino and Asian Americans. Due to the broad range of opportunities and resources available, from science and technology to art and faith to education and commerce, almost every culture, creed and class is found in the Valley.
Water Sources
The Valley's water needs are served by a number of private water companies and public water agencies. In any given year, as much as 80% to 85% of the water supply comes from groundwater sources, making local groundwater a precious resource that must be carefully managed and protected. The remaining demand is met by importing surface water from the State Water Project and the Colorado River.
Groundwater
The water-bearing deposits of the Valley consist mostly of alluvial sands and gravels, interleaved with silt and clay lenses in some areas. There are three important groundwater basins, as shown in the groundwater resources map above. The Main San Gabriel Basin is the largest, and is separated from the Raymond Basin to the northwest by the Raymond Fault, which serves as a partial barrier to groundwater flow. The Puente Basin is a shallow basin that underlies the Puente Valley and is tributary to the Main San Gabriel Basin. These three basins are managed separately.