Weather Station Brings New Technology to Local Community

SAN BERNARDINO>> Through the partnership of local agencies, residents will now have access to free weather data information unique to the community. Along with the water savings potential for households, students at Beattie Middle School in Highland now have the opportunity to enhance their learning experiences with a new California Irrigation Management Information System weather station. East Valley Water District, Redlands Unified School District and the State of California Department of Water Resources collaborated to install a CIMIS station which will assist in the development of student interests in local STEM education programs. “The district’s partnership with Beattie Middle School will continue into the foreseeable future,” said Board Chairman Ron Coats. “Our staff is developing hands-on learning exercises that will engage students in science education and introduce them to the water industry.” The weather station was installed in Beattie’s recreational field, which provides a reliable environment for proper data collection and makes it accessible for student instruction. Students will learn about weather patterns, local and statewide water planning, irrigation efficiency, and water saving techniques. EVWD customers will benefit from evapotranspiration data produced by the CIMIS to identify the water needs of turf and plants. The district will use the data to accurately develop customer water budgets as seasons and weather change. CIMIS information is available 24 hours a day at no cost to the community by visiting www.cimis.water.ca.gov. CIMIS is a network of more than 150 automated weather stations located throughout California. The system is operated by DWR and is a free service assisting water suppliers to improve irrigation efficiencies needed for calculating water budgets. The result is improved water and energy management through efficient water irrigation practices. “We have created a tremendous opportunity to make technology available for water efficiency and educational uses,” said John Mura CEO/General Manager. “Through the multi-agency partnerships, we were able to have this CIMIS station located in a place where the public can see this statewide network in action.”