The new interactive exhibit by the San Diego County Water Authority at the San Diego County Fair.Built to Deliver: Water Authority at San Diego County Fair
Visitors to the 2026 San Diego County Fair can get an up-close look at the water infrastructure that helps sustain the region through a new interactive exhibit by the San Diego County Water Authority.
Located near the entrance to the fairgrounds, just outside the Ag-to-You Barn, the exhibit invites guests to explore the systems that deliver safe and reliable water to 3.3 million people, more than 4,000 farms and over 125,000 businesses throughout the San Diego region.
Connecting Water and Agriculture
The exhibit is the result of a partnership between the Water Authority and the San Diego County Fair aimed at increasing public understanding of the relationship between water and agriculture.
Drawing more than 800,00 visitors each year, the Fair offers an opportunity to reach a wide audience and help make the region’s water story more visible.
A six-foot section of large diameter pipeline wrapped with graphics highlighting the theme of the exhibit.
Step Inside the Water Story
At the center of the display is a six-foot section of large diameter pipeline wrapped with graphics highlighting the theme “Built to Deliver — Built for the Region.”
Visitors can walk through the pipe and discover facts about the infrastructure that delivers water throughout the county. Approximately 271,000 sections of this size pipe make up the Water Authority’s 308-mile pipeline system.
Guests can also explore a 40-foot timeline showcasing major milestones in the Water Authority’s history and the important relationship between water and agriculture in the San Diego region.
Water-Wise Inspiration
The exhibit also features an enlarged display of the Water Authority’s popular Nifty 50 plant guide along with a sampling of water-wise plants in an onsite garden.
Throughout the fair, Water Authority staff will periodically be on hand to answer questions and distribute Nifty 50 guides, helping visitors bring home ideas for creating beautiful, climate-appropriate landscapes. Water Resources Specialist, Debby Dunn, also plans to host presentations on the Garden Stage highlighting the Nifty 50 guide.
A selfie with Board Director Lois Fong-Sakai and SDCWA’s Angela Tomayko.
Visit the Exhibit
Fairgoers can share their experience on social media by using the selfie station located in front of the pipe. The “Built to Deliver — Built for the Region” exhibit will be open until the Fair ends on July 5.
