Avalon, CA (Catalina Island) - Page 2

Leo the Dog · #21 Posted **Dec 10, 2011, 5:24 PM**

Great job and what a beautiful place!

This might be a dumb question, but where does all the fresh water come from to irrigate the landscaping and for drinking?? Is there a pipeline from the mainland or do they have a natural spring?

OhioGuy · #22 Posted **Dec 10, 2011, 5:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo the Dog

Great job and what a beautiful place!

This might be a dumb question, but where does all the fresh water come from to irrigate the landscaping and for drinking?? Is there a pipeline from the mainland or do they have a natural spring?

According to Wikipedia, Catalina Island was the site of California's first permanent water desalination plant in 1991. I'm not sure how they obtained fresh water before 1991, but I would presume the desalination plant is a big factor now.

mity1021 · #23 Posted **Dec 10, 2011, 5:51 PM**

Great shots of an awesome looking place!

xzmattzx · #24 Posted **Dec 13, 2011, 3:24 PM**

Great pictures!

pwright1 · #25 Posted **Dec 21, 2011, 5:11 AM**

One of the most enjoyable picture threads EVER!!! I've been there when I visited Los Angeles but have yet to get out there now that I live here. I will get back out there real soon. Absolutely beautiful.

ethereal_reality · #26 Posted **Dec 21, 2011, 5:19 AM**

Wonderful thread!

Policy Wonk · #27 Posted **Dec 21, 2011, 7:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo the Dog

Great job and what a beautiful place!

This might be a dumb question, but where does all the fresh water come from to irrigate the landscaping and for drinking?? Is there a pipeline from the mainland or do they have a natural spring?

I can't find a decent picture of it but Wrigley Reservoir provides most of the potable water along with the Middle Ranch Reservoir. Avalon also conserves water with separate water lines and wells that provide sea water for sanitary use and fire fighting. This can be a nuisance so many people enlist a crooked plumber to hook up their toilet to fresh water.

This is Middle Ranch Reservoir

http://www.ecatalina.com/admin/article_images/sm/1975_1.jpg

For the first time in years I don't think Avalon is under water restrictions.

Policy Wonk · #28 Posted **Dec 21, 2011, 7:31 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioGuy

According to Wikipedia, Catalina Island was the site of California's first permanent water desalination plant in 1991. I'm not sure how they obtained fresh water before 1991, but I would presume the desalination plant is a big factor now.

No, it is only used in emergencies. It only has a capacity of 27.5 million gallons a year.

Quote:

Catalina Island derives its primary water supply (totaling 512 acre-feet in 2005) from a system of wells, springs, and reservoirs. According to Southern California Edison the desalination plant was designed to produce an additional 85 acre-feet annually, but in times of emergency can produce more by reducing scheduled maintenance. Excluding water production from the desalination plant, Catalina Island has a Commission-approved safe annual yield of 515 acre-feet.

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/published/Agenda_resolution/74424-01.htm