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Volunteers participate in the City of San Diego's Arbor Day tree planting event in 2023. Photo: City of San Diego

Celebrate Arbor Day: Discover How San Diego’s Tree Planting Programs Combat Climate Change and Save Water

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With climate change creating new challenges for managing safe and reliable water supplies, trees are increasingly recognized and relied on for their importance in helping mitigate weather extremes and contributing to water conservation efforts.

Trees are among the most valuable investments in San Diego County’s landscape – including your own waterwise landscaping. No other landscape plant plays a more significant role in fighting climate change and managing a healthy watershed.

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, presents an opportunity to call attention to the benefits of planting trees. Several Arbor Day promotions and ongoing programs in San Diego County offer support for planting trees, including rebates and volunteer events that let you contribute to the effort to provide more trees.

New Tree Rebate Program Launched By Metropolitan Water District

Carefully selected trees are the most valuable addition to your sustainable landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District landscape trees

Carefully selected trees are the most valuable addition to your sustainable landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California launched a new rebate program in March, offering residents and businesses $100 for each eligible tree planted in their yards to replace thirsty grass for more sustainable landscaping.

Metropolitan’s new “tree-bate” provides incentives for up to five trees in residents’ and businesses’ turf replacement projects. The district partnered with TreePeople and local water agencies to identify and recommend trees with lower water use that are appropriate for Southern California’s climate.

Learn about this new rebate and existing rebates at the Be Water Wise website.

SDGE Community Tree Rebate Program

San Diego Gas & Electric offers a tree planting guide through its rebate program. Photo: SDGE arbor day

San Diego Gas & Electric offers a tree planting guide through its rebate program. Photo: SDGE

The San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDGE) Community Tree Rebate Program for Residential Customers allows qualifying residential customers throughout the region to plant trees that provide environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Qualifying customers can receive a $25 rebate for planting or potting a one-gallon tree, a $35 rebate for a five-gallon tree, and a $50 rebate for a 15-gallon tree. Customers can apply for up to five rebates annually. Customers do not need a yard to qualify. Trees can be planted in large containers on outdoor balconies or patio areas.

City of San Diego Arbor Day Event

Volunteers are needed for an Arbor Day event to help plant trees at Memorial Community Park. Photo: City of San Diego

Volunteers are needed for an Arbor Day event to help plant trees at Memorial Community Park. Photo: City of San Diego

On Arbor Day, the City of San Diego’s Urban Forestry Program hopes to plant 100 new trees at Memorial Community Park in Logan Heights. It needs volunteers to help with planting, prepping soil, spreading mulch, and cleanup. Learn more and sign up using this link.

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. Fill out the Free Tree SD application form on the City’s website to get started.

City of Escondido Celebrates Arbor Day 2024

The City of Escondido needs volunteers to help plant 120 trees for Arbor Day on Saturday, April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 795 N. Rose Street. Trees will be planted from Oleander Place to Fern Street between Lincoln Avenue and Mission Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and are asked to wear comfortable clothing for getting dirty, close-toe shoes, and a hat. Sunscreen is highly recommended. Register on the City website.

City of Vista Residential Tree Giveaway Program

The City of Vista now offers a new Residential Tree Giveaway Program. This initiative is available to Vista residents who own property or have permission from the property owner to plant a tree on the premises. The program is first-come, first-served, and available as long as the funds last. Increasing the local tree canopy on private properties enhances wildlife habitat, mitigates the effects of climate change, and supports the City’s Climate Action Plan goals.

Applications are available now. Since this is a pilot program, it is only available as long as funds last. It was funded through a $50,000 year-end fund balance request, approved by the City Council at the end of 2023. The application form is on the City of Vista website.

County of San Diego Tree Planting Program

The County of San Diego surpassed its goal of planting 10,000 trees in 2023 by adding 11,010 trees, including 5,744 new trees planted at County parks and facilities, 1,637 trees planted through non-government organizational partnerships, and 3,629 trees planted by incorporated cities. The Board of Supervisors has budgeted funds to plant 4,000 trees through spring 2024.

The County has a tree plotter to help staff track tree inventory and plantings regionwide. Residents can participate by reporting trees they plant on their own. Visit the County’s Tree Plotter web page to get started.

The Role of Trees In Preventing Climate Change

Healthy trees fight climate change and cool our cities, provide habitat, and improve the health of our neighborhoods. Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels

Healthy trees fight climate change and cool our cities, provide habitat, and improve the health of our neighborhoods. Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels

The hydrological cycle heavily relies on trees to absorb water in the atmosphere. Trees act as water reservoirs, taking in water from the soil and releasing it through their leaves, a process known as transpiration. The added moisture in the air leads to rainfall and the continuation of the water cycle.

Tree root systems filter and remove pollutants and slow down water absorption into the soil. This process helps to prevent erosion and reduce the risk of over-saturation and flooding.

Trees provide cooling to increasingly hot neighborhoods and cities, and they are among the most efficient tools for removing harmful carbon dioxide that fuels global warming.

San Diego forestry and landscaping professionals work with the San Diego County Water Authority and its 23 member agencies to help protect our region’s trees while conserving water. Find more resources at the Kate Sessions Trees website.

Vallecitos Water District intern Phlavia Oryem works in the testing lab as part of the program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District internship program

Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District Internship Program Develops Water Workforce

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A partnership between Palomar College’s Water Technology Program and the Vallecitos Water District’s workforce development program gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore water and wastewater industry jobs and increase their career readiness.

Vallecitos Water District intern Ben Crane works as part of the collections department. Photo: Vallecitos Water District internship program

Vallecitos Water District intern Ben Crane works as part of the collections department. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College professor Jacob Shiba and Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins first discussed the idea in 2019. “We talked about having the interns spend time in each department so they would get the full depth and breadth of our employee roles,” said Robbins. “I also explained to Jacob that it would need (leadership support). I put him in touch with board member Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, and she became the force behind getting approval.”

The District’s leadership and board supported the program’s development, but its implementation was delayed due to the pandemic. It is now underway, with five students accepted into the program.

See a video about the internship program here.

Internships invaluable for Palomar students

The internship is open to any Palomar College students who have taken a water technology course. Participants are selected through a competitive interview process.

Shiba says the objective is to ensure Palomar students are ready to enter the workforce. “Palomar’s partnership with Vallecitos Water District is invaluable, and it’s really helped our program increase the number of workplace learning opportunities for our students so that they are as career-ready as they can be when they complete our program.”

Ben Crane learned about the internship opportunity from Shiba and he decided to go for it. He also applied for and received a scholarship from the Vallecitos Water District. “I learned a great deal about our water distribution system and how our water is treated.”

Crane spent two days in each department, working alongside Vallecitos water and wastewater professionals. He said he enjoyed learning how to work in teams and was encouraged to ask questions, and everyone gave him insight on how he should approach his career.

Among his highlights was spending time with general manager James Gumpel, who was assistant general manager at the time. “He helped me understand what it’s like to be upper management. He gave me some insight from a seasoned guy who has been in the industry a while,” said Crane.

Interns experience a wide variety of careers

Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford assists with residential water meter readings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford assists with residential water meter readings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College student Logan Crawford is currently working his way through the internship program. He said he’s improved his skills working with his hands, joining field crews in the meter department, and practicing his public speaking skills.

Crawford advises participants to keep an open mind. “You go through pretty much every department the district has to offer. It may not be something you think you’re interested in, but you might find yourself falling in love with (the job), and you had no idea. Keeping an open mind really helps. Every day I come to the internship, it’s a new experience.”

After completing his internship, Palomar College student Evan Fox found full-time employment. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

After completing his internship, Palomar College student Evan Fox found full-time employment. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Intern Evan Fox successfully found full-time employment with the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority after his internship.

Crane, who is continuing his education as a geography major at Cal State San Marcos, encouraged other students to apply. “It’s a great opportunity. If you’re still pursuing your education … If you’re thinking of pursuing in the water industry, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door.”

Developing skilled workforce of the future

Learning to work as part of a team is a vital takeaway from the Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District internship program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Learning to work as part of a team is a vital takeaway from the Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District internship program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Shiba praised the partnership for giving students the opportunity to increase their career readiness “so that they are ready to enter the water workforce to become a future water and wastewater specialist.” Shiba notes the importance of workforce development is what allows customers “to wash our hands, flush the toilet and take a shower 24/7.”

“It’s been a great success,” said Robbins. “Some of my favorite moments are when an intern realizes he or she likes a department more than they expected. The mechanical electrical department is often a surprise for students. They had not thought of all the pumps and motors we must maintain.”

 

 

A pioneering education partnership inspires students regionwide to pursue careers in the water and wastewater industry. Photo: San Diego County Office of Education

Education Partnership Inspires Future Water Leaders 

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The San Diego County Water Authority and San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) have embarked on a pioneering education partnership to inspire students regionwide to pursue careers in the water and wastewater industry. This new program is the latest initiative in a long history of regional education outreach reaching hundreds of thousands of students in the last two decades.  

At the Innovation Center in Linda Vista, SDCOE hosts groups of students, many of whom come from underserved and underrepresented communities, for weeklong innovation programs. These programs are designed to help students identify their individual strengths through an assessment, which highlights several strength areas: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E), and Conventional (C).

Priority Career Sectors Critical to Region’s Economic Future 

Students are grouped into teams that have complementary strengths to work together on water-related activities and learn about possible water industry career paths. Photo: San Diego County Office of Education education partnership

Students are grouped into teams that have complementary strengths to work together on water-related activities and learn about possible water industry career paths. Photo: San Diego County Office of Education

“At the Linda Vista Innovation Center, we aim to inspire kids to find their strengths, interests, and values and match those with San Diego Workforce Partnership priority sector careers,” said Dr. Matthew Tessier, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation at the San Diego County Office of Education. “Partnerships with organizations like the San Diego County Water Authority are crucial to our mission, and we look forward to working together to build a brighter future for all.”

These programs give students a glimpse into the opportunities available in various industries, many of which are on the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s priority list. The industries on the list are critical to the region’s economy and will need to hire substantial numbers of capable new employees in the foreseeable future.  

Education Partnership Informs Students About Water Industry Careers 

The Innovation Center also supports SDCOE’s goals to significantly reduce the number of students living in poverty and reduce overall unemployment in the region over the next decade. By matching students with potential career paths and inspiring them to lean into their strengths early on, thousands of students from elementary to high school leave the program knowing about opportunities that they may not have known about otherwise.

Organizations like the Water Authority and its member agencies benefit from generations of students becoming interested in water-related careers, which are essential to the region’s economy and quality of life.  

The Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Fairways HOA Achieves Savings Through Landscape Optimization

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A Lake San Marcos homeowners association successfully upgraded its community landscape to achieve water savings and cost savings with assistance from a joint program offered through a partnership between the San Diego County Water Authority and the County of San Diego.

The original Fairways HOA landscaping included large areas of unused grass. Photo: Vallecitos Water District savings

The original Fairways HOA landscaping included large areas of unused grass. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offered through the Waterscape Rebate Program is a technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.

Members of the Fairways Homeowners Association (HOA) in Lake San Marcos within the Vallecitos Water District recently took advantage of this program to facilitate a water-saving landscape makeover project. Upgrades replaced large grass areas with attractive low-water-use plants inside the property. Drip irrigation was upgraded, and swales act as a water retention feature.

Learn more about the Fairways HOA transformation in this new video.

Saving Costs, Saving The Environment

Fairways HOA president Terry Brown said her community was introduced to the program about 18 months ago.

“We removed 23,000 square feet, and then we got three dollars for each square foot that we removed, plus we got 40 cents for the drip irrigation system. We’re going to receive one dollar per square foot for at least 10,000 square feet of California native plants. So, we did all of that. And we’re pleased with everything that has happened,” said Brown.

New landscaping includes low-water use plants, decorative dry riverbeds and low-water use plants along small areas of grass for walkers and pet owners. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

New landscaping includes low-water use plants, decorative dry riverbeds, and low-water use plants along small areas of grass for walkers and pet owners. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

While rebates defrayed the initial costs, the real savings will be realized in the years ahead on one of the HOA’s major expenses. “Within ten years, we’ll save $40,000 on water,” said Brown.

Maggie Knol, chairperson of the Landscape Committee, is also a Master Gardener. She understood the need to balance the needs of everyone in the community while planning their landscape makeover.

“We saw certain areas that weren’t really being used where we could definitely have some waterscape landscaping,” said Knol. Now, irrigation water is better managed and used only where needed.

“We have no water in the gutters. That makes us feel better about what we’re doing for our environment,” said Knol. “I would encourage any subdivision or any area to go ahead with it. It’s a wonderful program.

Still Room for Thoughtful Use of Grass 

Grass can still be a useful part of a low-water use landscape. Photo: Vallecitos Water District savings

Grass can still be a useful part of a low-water-use landscape. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Makeovers don’t require eliminating all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical. For the Fairways HOA board members, this meant accommodating the many residents who like to walk their dogs in the neighborhood and wanted to retain some grassy spaces for them to enjoy with their pets.

“We have tried to be sensitive to the dog owners in the neighborhood because we have a lot of dogs,” said Knol. “When we mapped this out, we left certain areas that could be definitely used as little rest spots for the dogs and the owners as they walk around. They all realize that the water crisis is going to continue and not get better.”

“This project is an ideal example of balancing community needs to create a thoughtful landscape design that saves water but allows room for retaining grass areas when there’s a practical purpose for them,” said Vallecitos Water District Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins.

The completed Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The completed Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

As part of the program, LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.

The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns. In addition to offering technical assistance to upgrade larger landscapes on multifamily and commercial properties, a cost-share is available for agricultural growers to make water-saving upgrades.

More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here, or contact your member water agency for details. The program is actively recruiting new participants.

 

Fix a Leak Week is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks. Graphic: EPA

Fix-A-Leak Week 2024 Brings WaterSense To Work

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Water leaks don’t happen just in the home. This year, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix-A-Leak Week 2024 program focuses on the importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers.

Fix-A-Leak Week was created in 2009 by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program. It serves as a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

In 2024, Fix-A-Leak Week takes place March 18 – 24. It is supported by the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 23 member agencies and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Leaks can account for six percent of average water use and be the greatest source of water waste within a facility. Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills.

Be alert for leaks at work. Here are some ways to help find and fix leaks in your workplace:

Water leaks in the workplace can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills. Photo: Pixabay/CC fix-a-leak week 2024

Workplace water leaks can add up quickly and become a significant cost in water and energy bills. Photo: Pixabay/CC

  • If you see a leak in the restroom, kitchen, or outdoors, report it to your maintenance staff.
  • During Fix-A-Leak Week, challenge employees and tenants to find leaks and report water waste.
  • Post signs in restrooms, kitchens, and other high-water-use areas to encourage everyone to look for leaks and report problems. Include information on who to contact.
  • Listen and look for unexpected indoor and outdoor water use, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors or grounds.
  • Don’t wait for a high water bill to find the problem. 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. Submeters and temporary flow meters can also monitor specific areas or pieces of equipment to detect problems quickly.

Water leaks add up fast, so water use needs to be periodically verified to make sure the fixture is still performing correctly. Get a handle on your facility’s water use to identify and fix leaks before they become a big problem and expense.

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

Regional water agencies help customers save water, save money

The Vallecitos Water District added a new video for 2024 to its award-winning series, helping customers find and fix leaks to save water and money.

In an effort to help customers save water and money, Sweetwater Authority (Authority) is offering a rebate of up to $100 for customers who find and fix leaks at their homes or businesses. Though available year-round, the Authority is highlighting this special offer in celebration of the national Fix-A-Leak Week.

In addition to its special rebate on leak repairs, the Authority offers customers a $75 rebate to replace or install a new pressure-reducing valve at homes. These valves help to address high pressure that can cause increased wear on fittings, making them more prone to leaks. A rebate of up to $100 is also available for qualifying leak detectors and flow monitors, which can alert customers to potential leaks on a smartphone app. Information on all the Sweetwater Authority’s water-efficiency rebates is at www.sweetwater.org/rebates.

The Otay Water District also offers helpful tips to fix leaks and save water on its website and its social media, including a new video.

  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Visit otaywater.gov/how-to-read-your-meter to learn how to track your water use.
  • 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.
  • Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

Check WaterSmartSD.org for tips and more information about Fix-A-Leak Week.

The Water Authority’s WaterSmart spring Landscape Makeover Program classes are now open for registration. free landscape makeover classes

Register Now For Free Spring WaterSmart Landscape Classes

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Following a winter with generous rainfall, this spring is an ideal time for San Diego County residents to turn their water-thirsty landscaping into a beautiful, sustainable landscape ideal for the region’s Mediterranean climate.

The Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program’s classes are open for registration. The free WaterSmart landscaping classes offer several choices designed to give you the skills and knowledge to create a landscape that saves water and will thrive in our region.

With help from design professionals, learn to transform your landscaping into a beautiful, colorful space and use less water. Photo: Helix Water District free landscape makeover classes

With help from design professionals, learn to transform your landscaping into a beautiful, colorful space and use less water. Photo: Helix Water District

“The workshops are designed to help residents create and maintain their own beautiful and water-efficient outdoor spaces,” said Debby Dunn, a senior water resources specialist for the Water Authority. “Most of our residential water use is outdoors in our landscapes. This is why learning how to create water-efficient spaces is a great way for San Diegans to continue doing their part to use water efficiently.”

Choose from in-person or virtual workshops scheduled from March through June. The in-person five-class series will run each Wednesday starting March 20 from 2-5pm at the Water Authority’s headquarters at 4677 Overland Avenue in Kearny Mesa.

Workshops taught by design professionals

Workshops are taught with a do-it-yourself approach by local landscape design professionals. They cover landscape design and maintenance, soil identification and health, turf types, and removal tips, plant selection, rainwater catchment, irrigation retrofits, and project installation. Topics include:

  • Plan Ahead: Understanding Soil and Site Assessments
  • Design: Shape Your Space
  • Plants: Inspiring Choices for our Region
  • Water & Irrigation: Utilizing a Precious Resource
  • Installation and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Participants can attend individual workshops or all five. Participants who attend all five workshops and meet other program criteria can sign up for the Designer At Your Door program.

For more information and to register, visit sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/classes

Landscape makeover video series offers convenient tips

For a self-paced program or as a supplement to the workshops, the Water Authority offers short, educational on-demand videos with step-by-step advice. The topics mirror the workshops. To watch the videos go to sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/classes and click on the videos link.

Watch one of the videos below.

Since 2014, the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program has helped the region’s homeowners replace 1.5 million square feet of turf with sustainable landscaping, saving more than 51 million gallons of water per year.

San Diego offers the ideal climate for indoor-outdoor living. The Water Authority and its sustainability partners are committed to helping you design a garden to live in and support a healthy environment.

For questions about the Water Authority’s free WaterSmart Landscape classes, email

EPA WaterSense-Excellence Award-QWEL-water conservation

Women in Water Conference Speakers List Announced

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The speakers list for the 2024 Women in Water Symposium, “Empowering The Next Generation of Women,” is now set.

The event returns for its seventh year with a full-day event on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Cuyamaca College. Registration remains open.

Panelists representing a wide variety of disciplines at all levels will discuss career opportunities and paths. The full program is below the article.

 

Sarah Hargis, wastewater utility worker for the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, is a featured speaker. Photo: Sarah Hargis speakers list

Sarah Hargis, wastewater utility worker for the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, is a featured speaker. Photo: Sarah Hargis

“One of the biggest misconceptions about working in water may be that it’s solely about fixing pipes when in reality, it involves a wide range of roles requiring diverse skills such as engineering, science, management, IT, accounting, public outreach, and so much more,” said Sarah Hargis, wastewater utility worker for the Padre Dam Municipal Water District.

“The most rewarding aspect of working as a construction inspector for a municipal water/wastewater district is knowing that I make a direct impact on the community by improving  the longevity and quality of the water/wastewater infrastructure.”

Zoë Scott, marine biologist in the Ocean Monitoring Program at the City of San Diego, said people often imagine her job might be confined to a testing lab. Photo: Zoe Scott speakers list

Zoë Scott, marine biologist in the Ocean Monitoring Program at the City of San Diego, said people often imagine her job might be confined to a testing lab. Photo: Zoe Scott

Zoë Scott, marine biologist in the Ocean Monitoring Program at the City of San Diego, said people often imagine her job might be boring. “We participate in collaborations with other research entities to answer new and relevant research questions facing our oceans on topics such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastics. All this together means that our day-to-day can look very different; one day I could be at sea, the next at my microscope, the next at a research meeting, the next writing code to analyze our data and produce reports,” she said.

Specialist Debby Dunn poses with her "Groovy Garden" exhibit at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: Debby Dunn speakers list

Debby Dunn poses with her “Groovy Garden” exhibit at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: Debby Dunn

Debby Dunn, senior water resources specialist at the San Diego County Water Authority, said working for the public is especially rewarding: “By working in water efficiency, I get to create programs and projects that help residents and businesses use water wisely. This includes reducing leaks and helping people design waterwise wonderlands that are beautiful and invite birds, bees, and butterflies.”

Career discussions address varied experience levels

The event includes sessions that address career development, leadership, mentoring, interviewing and negotiation tips, diversity, and dealing with change. The day concludes with a networking opportunity at the Water Conservation Garden.

General admission is $35, but students, educators, and counselors can attend for free. Event registration is available online.

Event details and updates are posted at the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies website.

Wide diversity in career opportunities

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. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $77,890 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

 

Vermiculture and vermicomposting using earthworms to help you turn kitchen scraps into compost has multiple environmental benefits including the prevention of stormwater runoff. Photo: Sippakorn Yamkasikorn/PixabayCC

Worms Boost WaterSmart Landscaping

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One of the most valuable tools for managing water retention and avoiding stormwater runoff while improving your landscaping soil harnesses the power of worms – earthworks, to be specific.

Vermiculture and vermicomposting are eco-friendly tools using earthworms to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This process benefits gardeners and the environment.

In the San Diego region, spring’s mild weather is an ideal time to start vermicomposting. Moderate temperatures facilitate optimal worm activity and compost processing. During the hotter summer months, compost bins must be kept in cooler, shaded areas to prevent overheating and ensure worm survival.

Vallecitos Water District 2023 Landscape Contest winner Dean Williams of Carlsbad is a big believer in vermiculture and vermicomposting. In this video, he shows how easy it is to learn how to put worms to work in your landscaping.

Understanding Vermiculture and Vermicomposting

Vermiculture refers to the cultivation of earthworms. The normal activity of earthworms breaks down organic waste. The result is vermicompost, also known as worm castings, a highly nutritious form of compost.

Vermicomposting is the practice of using earthworms to convert organic wastes into high-quality compost and worm castings. This method is an efficient, odorless, and space-saving way to recycle kitchen scraps, keeping them out of landfills where they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

How Using Worms Works

Adding common kitchen food waste to your vermicomposting system keeps it out of our landfills where it produces greenhouse gases. Photo: Sarah Chai/Pexels

Adding common kitchen food waste to your vermicomposting system keeps it out of our landfills where it produces greenhouse gases. Photo: Sarah Chai/Pexels

As the video shows, setting up a vermicomposting bin is simple and can be done indoors or outdoors. The bin is stocked with material such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir and stocked with earthworms. When organic waste is added, such as food scraps, weeds, or plant trimmings, the worms digest this material and convert it into compost.

Recommended types of worms for vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and red earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus). Both thrive in compost bins and are efficient at processing waste.

Vermicomposting’s Environmental Benefits

Nutrient-rich compost produced by vermiculture helps soil retain rainwater in your garden, preventing it from picking up pollutants and washing them into stormdrains. Photo: Pixabay/CC

Nutrient-rich compost produced by vermiculture helps soil retain rainwater in your garden, preventing it from picking up pollutants and washing them into storm drains. Photo: Pixabay/CC

Vermicomposting helps protect the watershed and preserves soil in several ways.

  • Safe, Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendment: Vermicompost improves soil structure and enhances nutrient availability. It can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
  • Water Conservation: By improving soil structure and water retention, vermicompost helps conserve water.
  • Stormwater Runoff: Healthy, vermicompost-amended soils absorb water more efficiently. It lessens the amount of runoff washing pollutants into watersheds.
  • Waste Reduction: Vermicomposting diverts organic waste from landfills, helping avoid the production and release of greenhouse gases.

San Diego County Vermiculture Resources

Residents looking for more information and resources can visit the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation website. The Center also holds classes in vermiculture. Check the schedule for available classes.

The County of San Diego also offers information on vermiculture, and offers a compost bin discount program.

Smart Water Management

As vermicompost increases the ground’s capacity to absorb rainwater, it lessens the burden on stormwater management systems. With less water flowing into stormwater drainage systems, vermiculture helps diminish flood risks.

Vermiculture and vermicomposting offer a holistic approach to environmental stewardship for San Diego residents. It’s an easy, practical way for individuals to help preserve resources, enhance soil health, and support sustainable gardening. Vermiculture and vermicomposting offer simple tools to confront the challenges of climate change, including risks to our region’s long-term water supply.

Since the Water Authority’s formation in 1944, engineers have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the agency and its commitment to delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego County.

Water Authority Celebrates National Engineers Week

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The San Diego County Water Authority is celebrating National Engineers Week, February 18-24, by highlighting the agency’s engineers and the important work they do. Since the Water Authority’s formation in 1944, engineers have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the agency and its commitment to delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego County.

From designing and constructing regional water facilities to managing energy projects, our engineers are critical in keeping the water flowing for our region.

Emily Troike, Engineer I 

Emily Troike, EIT, is an Engineer I in the Engineering Department at the San Diego County Water Authority. National Engineers Week

Emily Troike is an Engineer I in the Engineering Department at the San Diego County Water Authority.

“As an engineer, my role is to solve problems. I design improvements to our regional conveyance facilities that balance innovation, constructability, maintenance, and cost,” said Emily Troike, engineer I at the Water Authority.

“Although my day-to-day mainly consists of creating construction drawings, writing specifications, and performing calculations, I also spend a lot of my time collaborating with my fellow engineers. I believe it is important to work as a team and share insights to provide a quality service.

“Here at the Water Authority, I am thankful to be surrounded by people who truly care about their work and about providing a safe and reliable water source for our community.” 

Peter Milligan, Engineer P.E.

Peter Milligan (right) is an Engineer P.E., in the Engineering Department at the San Diego County Water Authority.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is using engineering to maintain and improve the San Diego region’s water supply infrastructure,” said Peter Milligan, engineer P.E., at the Water Authority. 

Sami Sweis, Engineer P.E.

Sami Sweis is an Engineer P.E. in the Water Resources Department at the Water Authority.

Sami Sweis is an Engineer P.E. in the Water Resources Department at the Water Authority.

Engineer P.E., Sami Sweis also shares the most rewarding part of his job working in the water industry.  

“Working together as a team to accomplish our goals, typically a capital improvement project, and seeing the work we do benefit the San Diego region.” 

Karla Sanchez, Senior Engineering Technician

Karla Sanchez is a Senior Engineering Technician in the Engineering Department at the San Diego County Water Authority.

“As a senior engineering technician, I split my time between meetings, planning, reviewing documents, and maintaining a presence on a construction site,” said Karla Sanchez, senior engineering technician at the Water Authority.

“My favorite part of my role is being out in the field, monitoring construction, and working with various talented individuals in the water industry.” 

Choose a career in water 

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

For job openings, internships and education opportunities across the San Diego region’s water and wastewater industry, go to sandiegowaterworks.org.

The 2024 Women in Water Symposium welcomes everyone interested in exploring water and wastewater industry careers at all experience levels. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

2024 Women in Water Conference Fosters Workforce Diversity

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Registration is now open for the 2024 Women in Water Symposium. The event returns for its seventh year with a full-day event on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Cuyamaca College.

While open to all participants, the full-day, in-person program theme is “Empowering The Next Generation of Women.” It offers valuable opportunities for networking, education, and career growth. The program combines insightful panel discussions with dynamic speaker sessions.

The conference is designed to help participants develop new skills, connect with their industry colleagues, and make meaningful strides in their careers.

“Our Women in Water Symposium brings together exceptional women from all areas of the water industry, along with talented women in training and those interested in water industry career opportunities,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a management analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority.

“This annual symposium offers an unparalleled opportunity to listen and learn from your peers and leaders across San Diego County.”

Sessions address all experience levels

Attendees at the 2024 Women in Water Symposium on March 21, 2024 have an opportunity to speak with water and wastewater industry leaders. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Attendees at the 2024 Women in Water Symposium on March 21, 2024 have an opportunity to speak with water and wastewater industry leaders. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Planned sessions address career development, leadership, mentoring, interviewing and negotiation tips, diversity, and dealing with change. The day concludes with a networking opportunity at the Water Conservation Garden.

General admission is $35. Attendance is free for students, educators, and counselors. Event registration is available online.

Event details and updates will be posted at the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies website.

Explore career opportunities

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

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

Since 2017, the Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” campaign has highlighted nearly 200 employees in San Diego County across multiple water agencies and job types.

The informational campaign is designed to introduce the wide variety of career opportunities available at all skill levels with an emphasis on welcoming a wide-ranging talent pool of candidates, including women.

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. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $77,890 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.