You are now in Education Features category.

Vista fourth grade students Presley Regan and Cosette Kennedy display their award winning poster contest entries. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Talented Students Win 2025 Vista Irrigation District Awards

/in , /by

Vista Irrigation District (VID) selected three fourth-grade student artists from schools within its district as winners of its annual district-sponsored 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest, and awarded college scholarships to six graduating high school seniors at its May 7 board of directors meeting.

Vista fourth grade student Brylee Burton-Arner displays her award winning poster contest entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista fourth grade student Brylee Burton-Arner displays her award winning poster contest entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Students Depict Value of Water in Winning Artwork

Grapevine Elementary school student Cosette Kennedy received first-place for her entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District awards

Grapevine Elementary school student Cosette Kennedy received first-place for her entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Cosette Kennedy, a fourth-grade student from Grapevine Elementary School, received first-place honors from VID for her entry in the 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest. She received a $100 award.

Second place went to the poster entry by Brylee Burton-Arner from Lake Elementary School. Photo: Vista Irrigation District awards

Second place went to the poster entry by Brylee Burton-Arner from Lake Elementary School. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Brylee Burton-Arner from Lake Elementary School received second place and a $50 prize.

Third place went to Presley Regan for her artwork depicting the Earth as a turtle. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Third place went to Presley Regan for her artwork depicting the Earth as a turtle. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Presley Regan of Alamosa Park Elementary School placed third and received a $25 award.

The poster contest, which targets fourth-grade students, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”  The three winning posters were selected from 230 entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.

All three winners’ artwork will appear in the Vista Irrigation District 2026 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free for pickup at the district’s office in November 2025.

College Scholarships Awarded to Six Graduating Seniors

Vista Irrigation District college scholarship winners include (left to right) Hailey Ahmed, Nayleen Griffith, and Andrew Lee. Photo: Vista Irrigation District awards

Vista Irrigation District college scholarship winners include (left to right) Hailey Ahmed, Nayleen Griffith, and Andrew Lee. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District presented six $1,500 scholarships to the winners of its annual high school scholarship contest at its May board meeting.

The scholarship contest, open to high school seniors living or attending school within VID’s service area, aims to increase knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the district.

Twenty-two high school seniors submitted applications this year. Applicants were required to complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals.

Selection criteria also included community involvement or volunteer service and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.

Scholarships were awarded to Hailey Ahmed, Natalie Krahmer, Andrew Lee, and Nathan Sleeper from Rancho Buena Vista High School, Nayleen Griffith from Vista High School, and Christopher Rayo from Mission Vista High School.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to roughly 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.

For the fifth time, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District's 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility received statewide recognition from CWEA. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Named 2024 Plant of the Year

/in , /by

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (4S WRF) was named the statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (small division) by the California Water Environment Association at its recent annual conference in San Diego. The award recognizes the facility’s innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operation.

In addition to being named California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level in February from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

The 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is a repeat winner, winning this statewide recognition as Plant of the Year five times since 2019.

“There are over a thousand wastewater treatment plants in California, and our district is honored to have 4S WRF named as CWEA’s Plant of the Year at the state level for the second time in three years,” said Matthew R. Hahn, OMWD board president.

CWEA president Gilbert Barela (far right) presents the award to Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees John Onkka, recycled water program supervisor, and Jason Emerick, water reclamation operator. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility

CWEA president Gilbert Barela (far right) presents the award to Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees John Onkka, recycled water program supervisor, and Jason Emerick, water reclamation operator. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“The successful operation of the 4S WRF is a direct result of the support and collaboration across all areas of the District, including the Board of Directors, senior management, the 4S WRF operators, and all OMWD departments,” said John Onkka, Water Reclamation Facilities Supervisor at the 4S Water Reclamation Facility.

Innovation Drives High Quality, Saves Treatment Costs for Ratepayers

Innovative practices at 4S WRF over the past several years include the installation of monitoring equipment that makes immediate adjustments in the treatment process, which stood out to the CWEA judges. The equipment not only keeps the facility in regulatory compliance but also reduces treatment costs for ratepayers. In addition, to obtain higher water quality and reduce energy costs, OMWD installed a more efficient ultraviolet disinfection system.

OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water. 4S WRF can transform up to two million gallons of wastewater to recycled water each day. This alternative water supply reduces the use of drinking water for the irrigation of golf courses, parks, schools, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas.

OMWD Expands Access to Recycled Water in 2025

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Currently, OMWD is expanding access to its recycled water by identifying opportunities to connect more customers to its recycled water distribution system.

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. The completion of the pipeline extensions later this year will result in the conversion of 28 water meters from potable to recycled water, saving more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water annually.

Founded in 1928, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus wastewater industry professionals. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes safe and effective work practices.

 

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, reminds us of the many benefits that trees have to offer. Photo: Pixabay/Creative Commons

Celebrate Arbor Day: Discover How Planting More Trees in San Diego Supports Climate Resiliency

/in /by

Trees are among the most valuable investments in San Diego County’s landscape, including in your landscaping. No other plant plays a more significant role in fighting climate change, supporting sustainability, and maintaining a healthy watershed than trees.

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, reminds us of the many benefits that trees have to offer, with tree planting events planned throughout San Diego County.

Arbor Day 2025 Events

San Diego County residents can volunteer at several tree planting events on Arbor Day. Photo: City of San Diego

San Diego County residents can volunteer at several tree planting events on Arbor Day. Photo: City of San Diego

The City of San Diego celebrates Arbor Day on Friday with an official Arbor Day Ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by a tree planting event at Colina Del Sol Park in City Heights in partnership with Tree San Diego. Members of the public are invited to volunteer. For information and to register, go to the City of San Diego Arbor Day webpage.

Tree San Diego and the City of Chula Vista will host a tree-planting event for Arbor Day at Horizon Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers can register here.

The City of Lemon Grove hosts an Earth Day and Arbor Day Fair on Saturday, April 26, starting at 9 a.m. at 3200 Main Street.

Forever Balboa Park is also hosting an Arbor Day Event on Friday, April 25 with a morning tree planting event. Volunteers are asked to register and will be provided with the specific event location at its website here.

Tree Support Throughout The Year

Numerous nonprofit organizations offer support and tips on planting and caring for trees. Photo: Gabriel/Pixabay

Numerous nonprofit organizations offer support and tips on planting and caring for trees. Photo: Gabriel/Pixabay

Work with trees year-round by getting involved with the San Diego nonprofit Kate Sessions Trees. Its website provides information about the fundamentals of planting trees, environmental stewardship, and to ongoing watering and maintenance.

Throughout the year, City of San Diego residents can request a new street tree through Free Tree SD. This program allows residents and the City to work together by increasing San Diego’s tree canopy cover. Residents need to identify a space in the public right-of-way and agree to water the tree for three years. City arborists will evaluate the space and determine an appropriate tree selection.

To get started, fill out the Free Tree SD application form on the City’s website.

Tree San Diego works with all 18 incorporated cities, unincorporated areas of San Diego County, and tribal communities to support and monitor tree planting throughout the year. Urban Corps San Diego and volunteer groups also support tree planting projects throughout the year. Learn more at Tree San Diego.

Tips On Tree Health and Care

Trees provide numerous health benefits. Infographic: The Nature Conservancy Arbor Day

Trees provide numerous health benefits. Infographic: The Nature Conservancy

  • Depending on the tree type and size, water every three to six weeks.
  • The amount of water your tree needs depends. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering.
  • Focus on deep, infrequent watering, rather than frequent shallow watering. Aim to saturate the soil around the root zone to encourage deep root growth.
  • Young trees, even drought-tolerant ones, need routine watering. Most mature drought-tolerant trees can survive on rainwater plus infrequent, deep watering.
  • If rainfall is scarce, be sure to hydrate the trees with irrigation water.
  • Young trees are particularly susceptible to competition from turf grass. Remove grass from the trunk out to a foot beyond the drip line (the outer canopy of the leaves).

To help residents and businesses choose trees that will thrive in our climate and conditions, check out the San Diego County Water Authority’s recently updated “Nifty 50” and “Happy 100” plant lists. Learn more about the lists in this recent Water News Network article.

The Western Redbud tree (Cercis Occidentalis) is a favorite choice from the Nifty 50 plant list. Photo: Pixabay/Creative Commons

The Western Redbud tree (Cercis Occidentalis) is a favorite choice from the Nifty 50 plant list. Photo: Pixabay/Creative Commons

To learn more about trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation.

San Diego forestry and landscaping professionals work with the San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies to help protect our region’s trees.

Water Authority Provides Update on Supplies and Opportunities

/in , /by

Amid a rainy April 1, the San Diego County Water Authority held a news conference to inform the public about where the region stands when it comes to water supplies and the opportunities ahead.

“Despite a few rainy days this week, 2025 has had a drier-than-usual start. However, thanks to decades of strategic planning, the San Diego County Water Authority assures residents that the region has an ample water supply,” said ABC 10 reporter Madison Weil.

While San Diego’s rainfall total stands at less than half the yearly average, other parts of the state have seen levels much closer to normal, according to Water Authority Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez.

Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez addresses the media.

As CBS 8 reported, “Northern California has had a really rainy season so that has helped keep water levels in a good spot for the state. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is about 90 percent of the average. More snow is expected which could boost the levels slightly.”

“In San Diego County even though we’re happy to see rest of state is doing great, we don’t depend on natural hydrology like rain and snowpack,” said Lopez. “We have invested over the past 30 years on reliable drought proof supplies.”

With ample water supplies, the San Diego County Water Authority sees opportunity to help water scarce parts of the west through innovative water transfers, according to General Manager Dan Denham.

“While we can’t discuss the details of negotiations, it’s fair to say there is significant interest in buying some of our drought-resilient water – and that’s welcome news for San Diego County ratepayers,” said Denham. “Our goals are to maintain our water reliability for generations to come while at the same time controlling costs.”

As KPBS mentioned those deals “will eventually help local ratepayers. They’ve allowed the Water Authority to create a rate stabilization fund.”

“A rate stabilization fund is a mechanism for us to smooth out those rates over time. Because of the two wet years and lost water sales, we’ve had to use that rate stabilization fund to mitigate rates, or they would’ve been even higher,” Denham said.

ABC’s Weil noted “As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, maintaining a proactive approach to water management remains essential.”

Water Authority Seeks to Transfer Water and Lower Costs

/in , /by

Despite receiving roughly half of normal rainfall this water year, the San Diego County Water Authority not only has plenty of water to meet regional demand for the foreseeable future but is seeking to transfer a limited amount of supplies to areas of the West with greater water scarcity.

Selling or leasing water to other agencies will help offset the cost of multi-generational water investments by the region and address affordability challenges that are being felt by water agencies across the state and nation. By offering a limited amount of highly reliable water, the Water Authority can both retain water security for San Diego County and mitigate upward pressure on rates.

“The San Diego region’s investments in water supply reliability have given us an unusual opportunity to both help ratepayers and support other regions that have fewer water supply options,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “We are talking with potential partners in Southern California and beyond.”

In 2023 and 2024, the Water Authority saved San Diego County ratepayers $40 million with a series of complex transfers that helped raise the water level in Lake Mead, the keystone reservoir for the Colorado River system. While another similar deal is possible, the Water Authority is also negotiating with water-scarce areas about transferring drought-proof desalinated seawater for multiple years.

“We are in a new era in water management for San Diego County, an era marked by collaboration, creativity and efficiency,” Denham said. “The Water Authority is leading the way with strategic alliances that create multiple benefits for San Diego County and the Southwest.”

Such deals will take several months or even years to secure due to the complexities of water law. For instance, the Water Authority may be able to lease water to an agency in Arizona, using the Colorado River as the conduit for delivering those supplies. These kinds of exchanges and transfers help optimize water use, especially during droughts, and enable other users to benefit from a reliable water supply.

The Colorado River Basin provides essential water supplies to approximately 40 million people and 30 Tribal Nations, nearly 5.5 million acres of agricultural lands, and habitat for ecological resources across parts of several Western states (including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and Mexico.

“While we can’t discuss the details of negotiations, it’s fair to say there is significant interest in buying some of our drought-resilient water – and that’s welcome news for San Diego County ratepayers,” said Denham. “Our goals are to maintain our water reliability for generations to come while at the same time controlling costs.”

“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to promote affordability for our ratepayers. We’re committed to doing everything we can to ease the burden on ratepayers while protecting the water security we’ve worked so hard to build,” said San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano.

The more immediate good news for the region and state is that the California Department of Water Resources’ fourth snowpack survey of the year showed plenty of water in the Sierra to stretch through the summer and fall. While the San Diego region typically gets a small fraction of its water from Northern California, the health of the snowpack is important for the statewide economy.

DWR’s late March or early April measurements mark what is considered the peak snowpack each the year in the Sierra Nevada. On Friday, the agency reported the statewide snowpack is 90 percent of average.

The Colorado River Basin – which supplies about two-thirds of San Diego County’s water – also shows a healthy snowpack. Precipitation and snowpack are about average across the basin for this time of year. However, over the past two decades, a series of mostly dry years has strained the Colorado River. Most of the Water Authority’s water from the river is through conservation agreements in the Imperial Valley.

Formerly known as the Twin Oaks Reservoir Facility, it is now renamed the Ed Pedrazzi Water Storage Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Reservoir Renamed In Honor of Vallecitos Employee Ed Pedrazzi

/in , /by

The Vallecitos Water District honored its recently retired Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the district and its customers, re-naming the Twin Oaks Reservoir Facility as the Ed Pedrazzi Water Storage Facility.

Current and former Vallecitos Water District employees and supporters gathered for the dedication at the site to celebrate Pedrazzi’s career and legacy.

Pedrazzi was hired as a utility worker in the Construction Department in 1989. He was promoted five times from Water Systems Operator to Senior Operator, then Supervisor, and ultimately Operations and Maintenance Manager.

The new naming plaque for the Ed Pedrazzi Reservoir Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The new naming plaque for the Ed Pedrazzi Reservoir Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos General Manager James Gumpel said, “Ed’s career is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. Beyond his professional achievements, Ed’s true impact can be measured by the people he has mentored.”

Gumpel also noted Pedrazzi’s influence extends far beyond the Vallecitos Water District. “Ed has helped develop industry leaders and shape policies that improve water management across the region. His impressive list of certifications and qualifications, including his expertise in emergency response and hazardous materials management, reflect his dedication to safety, innovation, and progress.”

Accolades and Thanks for Pedrazzi’s Contributions

Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

Testimonial after testimonial offered tributes to Pedrazzi’s leadership role and the inspiration and motivation he provided through his long tenure at Vallecitos WD.

“Ed, if you look around at the people here, these are all people that you have made an impact on in some way or the other. That is a huge legacy, and you should be really, really proud,” said Vallecitos Board Vice President Jennifer Kerschbaum, P.E.

“You instilled your values of being so dedicated to the public, the public safety, the public’s best interest. You instilled your values of hard work into each of your team members, and you have guided your team along the way over many years. That’s why I’m so happy to see your name on this facility.

“This facility is the heart of our operations, and I really feel like you, Ed, are the heart of our district, and you’ve left a lasting legacy,” said Kerschbaum.

Pedrazzi Grateful For Recognition From Colleagues

Ed Pedrazzi was known for sending Minion memes with his emails to lighten the work day. Minion-themed cookies at the naming event commemorated Ed's unique leadership style. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Ed Pedrazzi was known for sending Minion memes with his emails to lighten the work day. Minion-themed cookies at the naming event commemorated Ed’s unique leadership style. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Pedrazzi thanked Gumpel and the board for approving the name change in his honor.

“It’s been one hell of a career … You guys made my job easy. You supported me through everything, and I just want to thank you all so much,” said Pedrazzi

“Ed, your leadership, your passion for mentorship, and your unwavering commitment to the safety and success of this district will not be forgotten,” said Gumpel. “Your name will stand as a reminder of excellence, service, and the impact that one individual can make on an entire industry.”

Ed Pedrazzi monitors Vallecitos Water District systems in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

Ed Pedrazzi monitors Vallecitos Water District systems in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

When Vallecitos WD Public Information Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins conferred with Gumpel about whether to mount the naming plaque on a building or on one of the monument boulders in front excavated from the worksite, Gumpel said there was only one choice.

“Ed, you’ve always been our rock, so your plaque will be placed on one of these rocks. On behalf of Vallecitos Water District, your colleagues, and the countless individuals you have mentored, we thank you. Congratulations, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”

Women in Water Conference Sells Out For Second Year in 2025

/in , /by

The popular Women in Water Conference achieved a sellout for its second straight year with its eighth annual full-day event on March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College.

The in-person event welcomed high school and college students, along with industry veterans. Under this year’s theme, “Riding Your Career Wave,” attendees took advantage of the opportunity to network and learn from peers and leaders in the water industry.

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“It’s been very organic the way it’s grown,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a management analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority. “People hear about it, and they talk about it.

“One thing we really try to do is have every speaker tell their own story. No matter what topic they’re speaking to, everybody has a story. How did you get to where you are? It makes it more personal, and you can connect more with them,” said Rose.

Presenters and Topics For All Career Levels

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talk about advancing in your career at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talks about career advancement at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Speakers represented multiple disciplines, discussing a variety of topics from the water industry’s history in San Diego County to current career opportunities and career paths. Rose said the Women In Water Conference works hard to have something for everyone.

“We try to touch on what’s going on and what’s relevant at that time. What are we going through as a community? What would be of interest to us? What are we missing? We want to have topics that touch a variety of levels, but touch everyone as a woman, so that when they leave, they feel connected and they feel like a part of something,” said Rose.

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Presenters represented the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District and Santa Margarita Water District.

Panel discussions included “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges”, “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions” and a review of the county’s current potable reuse programs, including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority Principal Water Resources Specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region's water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority principal water resources specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region’s water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, a principal water resources specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, presented a popular session to start the day, discussing the San Diego region’s water history.

“A lot of people assume that everybody in the water industry knows that, but many don’t,” said Rose. “There’s quite an interesting history here in San Diego, and it’s something that connects all of us there, how water was first brought to San Diego. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to start the day.”

Positive Feedback From Participants

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Positive feedback is already being received and will help guide next year’s event. Among the comments:

“I felt honored to participate and be a part of this special event, which showcases the accomplishments of women and where we can grow.”

“This event highlights women’s collective power to make changes in the water industry, despite the climate on the outside, and we can speak to the things that are left unsaid and inspire those in the future.”

Wide Diversity In Career Opportunities

Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Lisa Marie Harris, CFO and Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

The Water Authority created updated Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists to help homeowners and builders select plants for their projects. Photo: Water Authority plant list

New Plant Lists Help Homeowners Create A Beautiful, Sustainable Garden

/in , /by

Deciding to undertake a landscape makeover involves many choices. Choosing your new landscape plants is one of your most enjoyable tasks. But walking into your local nursery can present so many choices that it’s overwhelming. What plants work best in the San Diego climate regions, and which ones use water efficiently?

San Diego County Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn created two convenient plant lists homeowners can use to help them choose plants that will thrive and look beautiful in your new landscape with minimal irrigation.

Nifty 50 Plant List Gets A Makeover

The Nifty 50 is all new with update plant choices and helpful information. Photo: Water Authority plant list

The Nifty 50 is all new with update plant choices and helpful information. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 Plant list has helped San Diegans pick good plants for our climate for many years. It was recently updated with new choices. “Not only do the style of plants change over time, like many things do, but some plants become less hearty due to pests and disease,” said Dunn.

“Feedback from local nurseries and state mandates regarding non-functional turf led Water Authority staff to update the list. We focused on low- and very low-water plants. Half of the plants on the new list are native, and 98%  invite pollinators.”

The Nifty 50 list offers care tips and a checklist to help you make the right choices for your project. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 list offers care tips and a checklist to help you make the right choices for your project. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 list includes a 10-step checklist for plant selection and care tips to help your new plants thrive.

Happy 100 Plant List Addresses Commercial Designs

Superb Grevillea is featured on the Happy 100 list. It's a great choice for year-round, eye-catching flowers with lush, evergreen foliage. It grows quickly in well-draining soils. Good for cut flowers, and attracts birds, bees and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority plant list

Superb Grevillea is featured on the Happy 100 list. It’s a great choice for year-round, eye-catching flowers with lush, evergreen foliage. It grows quickly in well-draining soils. Good for cut flowers, and attracts birds, bees and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

The State of California has new regulations banning commercial turf grass in areas where it is ornamental or “nonfunctional.” To help commercial landscapers adhere to the new guidelines, Dunn and the Water Authority staff created a new, more comprehensive plant list called the Happy 100 Plant List.

The list actually contains 103 low and very low-water using plants, with specific information about  each plant.  These plant choices are well suited to landscapes for homeowner association common areas, public parks, and commercial buildings.

Bonus List For Black Thumbs: The Sturdy 30

Beautiful Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a "Sturdy 30" list choice. The evergreen shrub has soft green/gray to silvery fragrant foliage with spring flowers. Its flowers and seeds attract birds, bees,butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

Beautiful Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a “Sturdy 30” list choice. The evergreen shrub has soft green/gray to silvery fragrant foliage with spring flowers. Its flowers and seeds attract birds, bees,
butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

To help gardeners who need easygoing plants that will tolerate a little neglect, Dunn created a special list from the Happy 100 named the “Sturdy 30.” By sorting the online Happy 100 database, the 30 suggested plants sort into their own list.

The Happy 100 plant database can be sorted by plant common name, plant botanic name, light requirements, size at maturity, bloom color and bloom season, and which plants are native to California. Pruning and maintenance information helps homeowners care for their plants as they mature.

Prioritizing Pollinators In Your Landscaping 

Prioritizing pollinators with your plant choise such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) provides healthy habitat. Photo: Water Authority

Prioritizing pollinators with your plant choices, such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), provides healthy habitat. Photo: Water Authority

Numerous plants support the life cycle of butterflies, including the threatened monarch butterfly. Plant several in the garden to help the larvae and caterpillars as well as the full-grown, nectar-seeking adults. The Happy 100 notes which plant choices attract pollinators and which pollinators favor each plant choice.

Choosing pollinator-friendly plants allows checks and balances in a garden. You can attract insects and creatures, which will help maintain the health of a garden without pesticides.

“Lush, water-wise, pollinating plants in our landscapes cool and clean the air, invite and feed pollinators, enhance the beauty of our homes and businesses, and lift our spirits. Consider adding a few (dozen) to your landscape today,” recommended Dunn.

Dunn has worked with thousands of people seeking gardening advice and realized they need detailed plant lists to help create water-wise, year-round blooming gardens that would fit their visual preferences and maintenance needs. Dunn sought input from dozens of local landscape professionals in the nursery and design field, ultimately making a list that anyone can use and enjoy the results.

The Nifty 50 Plant List

The Happy 100 Plant List 

 

Inspiring Future Water Leaders at the Festival of Science

/in , /by

On March 1, the San Diego County Water Authority connected with thousands of future water leaders at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering at Petco Park. The annual event provided the Water Authority with a great opportunity to engage with students and their families about the science behind water management.

Water Authority staff at their booth at the 2025 San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.

More than 21,500 children and their families attended the free festival – 4,000 more than the previous year. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from 160 different organizations about a myriad of topics, from what the universe looks like through VR goggles to more utilitarian topics like how water gets cleaned before arriving at their homes.

The Water Authority’s interactive booth drew a large crowd of kids who were eager to learn more about everything the Water Authority does – from the miles water travels to reach their tap to what happens after it’s used – to keep our region’s supply safe and reliable. The Water Authority team played a game with the kids that sparked conversations about where our water comes from, the incredible infrastructure that keeps the water flowing, and the people who make it all work.

Martín Fuentes, father of two, told the Union-Tribune, “it’s important that [the kids] get to know that there’s many things out there for them to learn.”

Both kids and their parents left with a greater understanding of the complex world of water management in our region, and some inspiration to pursue careers they didn’t know were possible. Events like this are an important way to inspire the next generation of leaders in science and engineering fields.

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering advocates for investments in STEM education as a way to build a secure socio-economic environment for everyone regardless of their background.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week. Fix-A-Leak-Week reminds consumers to check for leaks and repair them promptly. Photo: NithinPA/Pexels

Find and Fix Leaks During Fix-A-Leak Week 2025

/in , /by

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual “Fix A Leak Week” program focuses on the importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and other commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers, as well as in the home.

In 2025, Fix a Leak Week will take place March 17 – 23. It is supported by the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 22 member agencies and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Fix a Leak Week was created in 2009 by the EPA’s WaterSense program. It offers a reminder annually to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

Southern Californians Leaders In Water Savings

Bathroom plumbing and fixtures are common sources of household leaks. Graphic: EPA

Bathroom plumbing and fixtures are common sources of household leaks. Graphic: EPA

According to a recent report to the California legislature, Southern Californians have reduced their per-person potable water use by 45% since 1990, a decline driven by the region’s commitment to embracing a conservation ethic led by its residents who have adopted a conservation ethic.

Total per capita water use in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area has dropped from over 220 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) to less than 120 GPCD in FY 2023. During this timeframe, potable water use fell by over 30 percent, even though the region’s population grew by about 17 percent.

Since 1991, the Water Authority’s water-use efficiency programs and initiatives have cumulatively conserved more than one million acre-feet of water. These savings were achieved through various measures, including incentives on water-efficient devices, legislative efforts, and outreach programs.

Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a significant cost in water and energy bills.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week, while a showerhead leaking ten drips per minute wastes about 10 gallons per week. Worn-out washers or loose connections are common culprits. Turn off the water, replace old washers, and tighten any loose fittings.

Be Alert For Leaks By Following These Tips

  • Listen and look for unexpected water use indoors and outdoors, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors.
  • Don’t wait for a high water bill to find problems. Read water meters during off-peak hours when water use is lower. If the meter continues to show high use, there may be a leak.
  • During the colder months, check your water usage on your water bill. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, you may have a leak.
  • Check your water meter after two hours when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Contact your water agency immediately. If you aren’t sure how to read your meter, this video will help
  • Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • If your garden hose leaks during use, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and use pipe tape and a wrench to ensure a tight connection to the spigot.

The EPA offers a helpful checklist to ensure you identify and find any possible sources of leaks.

Rebates and Incentives Water Authority customers who implement efficient water technologies and practices can take advantage of a range of rebates and incentive programs. These include rebates on irrigation devices, turf replacement, high-efficiency clothes washers, and toilets. These programs have helped hundreds of thousands of residential, commercial, and agricultural water users improve their water efficiency.

Audits and Surveys. Programs offering residential, commercial, and agricultural customers free, on-site water-use evaluations that identify specific measures to save water are great resources.

Learn about the residential, commercial, and agricultural programs and rebates available to help residents and businesses conserve water and save money.