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Artist Hailun Zhou works on her plein air painting at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Artists Share Vallecitos Water District Sustainable Garden Through Artwork

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Since its opening in 2010, the Vallecitos Water District Sustainable Demonstration Garden has become a well-rounded resource for the community. Originally designed by Palomar College Environmental Architecture and Design students and developed largely through donations from area businesses and community organizations, the demonstration garden offers multiple features to educate and inspire people to adopt their own sustainable practices.

Recently, a talented group of North County-based plein air painters visited the Sustainable Demonstration Garden to create artwork depicting the garden’s beauty and showcasing its sustainable practices.

Plein air artist Kathy Fortenberry paints palm trees at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Plein air artist Kathy Fortenberry paints palm trees at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Group leader Lorraine Marie Cote says plein air painters are artists who create their work outdoors in the natural environment. “It gives us an opportunity to introduce our viewers of the artwork to the world around us in an authentic way,” explained Cote.

Cote says the group wasn’t aware of the garden. “As an artist, I didn’t know, and even as a community member, this garden existed until one of our members connected with the district. It was really kind of Vallecitos to invite us out,” said Cote.See an interview with Cote.

Learn more about the artists’ work at the garden.

Sustainable Demonstration Garden Becomes Community Gathering Place

In 2013, the garden was recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and a Certified Earth-Friendly Garden by the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. The garden was named an Ocean Friendly Garden by the Surfrider Foundation in 2017.

In 2023, Vallecitos installed a Little Free Library stocked with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle. In 2024, Vallecitos partnered with the San Diego Audubon Society to create a California Native Plant Seed Library to ensure the region’s botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other wildlife.

“As artists, we do have an opportunity to showcase our environment, to show everyone the beauty of it, and hopefully inspire everybody to want to contribute to keeping it beautiful and keeping it sustainable, and if we can help with education in any way, then that’s what we want to do,” explained Cote.

“As homeowners, we also care about our gardens, and seeing this demonstration garden gives me some ideas for my own home about what I can do and how it can still be beautiful while being very water conscious,” added Cote.

Sustainable Garden Grows As Resource

A closer look at Kathy Fortenberry's finished work. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

A closer look at Kathy Fortenberry’s plein air artwork. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“It’s rewarding to see the garden become a gathering place for the community. Whether someone visits to learn about native plants, borrow a book, collect seeds, or paint outdoors, the garden offers opportunities to connect with both nature and one another,” said Chris Robbins, Public Information/Conservation Supervisor with the Vallecitos Water District.

“The artists captured something we see every day in the garden — the beauty that emerges when native plants, wildlife, and sustainable water practices come together. Their work helps tell that story in a unique and meaningful way.”

Cote invites local artists to join the Tuesday plein-air painting group via her social media or website.

The Sustainable Garden is located in San Marcos and is open for visits and guided tours. Click here for more information, email, or contact the Vallecitos Water District Conservation Department at (760) 744-0460.

Financial Literacy-Financial Wellness-San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Board Approves 2027 Wholesale Rates

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The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today approved a 3% wholesale water rate increase for 2027 following a public hearing. The approved rate is below the national rate of inflation and down sharply from both earlier projections and recent years, highlighting the bottom-line benefit of two long-term water transfer agreements executed this spring.

“This is the lowest adjustment this Authority has brought forward in recent memory, and it is materially lower than what was projected last year and even several months ago,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “This is the product of all the work this agency has done to prioritize affordability for ratepayers and reduce financial pressures across San Diego County. The Water Authority will continue to keep its word on finding creative solutions to support the financial well-being of the 3.3 million residents, thousands of small farms, and countless businesses across San Diego County.”

After ending litigation with the Metropolitan Water District in June 2025, the Water Authority spent the past year rebalancing its water portfolio. That led to two water supply agreements with Riverside County water agencies that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues over the next two decades. These agreements were key to keeping the 2027 rate increase at 3%, with similar adjustments expected through 2032.

The Water Authority sets wholesale water rates annually, while providing periodic guidance to its retail member agencies about future years so they plan accordingly. The cost of water at the tap is a combination of costs from wholesale and retail water agencies. Homes and businesses feel the impact of rates differently, based on their water use and how local retail water agencies handle costs.

“Smooth and predictable rate increases ensure the Water Authority can provide the water we all depend on,” said Dan Denham, Water Authority General Manager. “I’m pleased to keep this rate increase under the rate of inflation, and the Water Authority will continue to assess opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with other communities in the years ahead.”

As the region’s wholesale water agency, 91% of the Water Authority’s costs are driven by just three things: water purchases and treatment, debt service, and infrastructure projects to ensure the reliability and safety of water deliveries. Continued efforts to protect regional infrastructure investments are crucial in an era of increasing climate volatility that’s impacting water sources throughout the West.

To balance affordability and reliability, the Water Authority is breaking new ground in water management. The agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and agencies in Arizona and Nevada designed to create an interstate water transfer partnership program. This program – the first of its kind – would offer another way to improve water supply management and support local ratepayers.

Built to Deliver: Water Authority at San Diego County Fair

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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.

Seven talented photographers were named as the winners of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest. Photo Collage: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Honors Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Amateur Photo Contest Winners

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The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors congratulated the winners of the 2026 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Amateur Photo Contest at its June meeting. Photographers submitted a variety of photos featuring landscapes and wildlife on EFRR’s 784 acres.

“The quality of the photos that contestants submit each year truly impresses us,” said OMWD board president Matthew Hahn. “This contest brings awareness to and promotes a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship for our area’s natural landscapes.”

This year’s winners reflect a wide range of perspectives.

2026 EFRR Amateur Photo Contest Winners

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Best in Show - “Pollination” by Keith Kelley

Best in Show – “Pollination” by Keith Kelley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Scenic View - “Last Light in Elfin Forest” by Benjamin Woo

Scenic View – “Last Light in Elfin Forest” by Benjamin Woo

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Water Scenery - “Open Flow” by Bowie Moldovan

Water Scenery – “Open Flow” by Bowie Moldovan

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Plants - “Spring Milkmaid” by Keith Kelley

Plants – “Spring Milkmaid” by Keith Kelley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Animals - “Flame Skimmer” by Atticus Williams

Animals – “Flame Skimmer” by Atticus Williams

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Youth - “Ducks” by Nathan Hainley

Youth – “Ducks” by Nathan Hainley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: People’s Choice - “Solitude in Peace” by Kyan Starr

People’s Choice – “Solitude in Peace” by Kyan Starr

The board presented each winner with prizes such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, and California Wolf Center; a canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging; outdoor equipment from REI; and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Winning Photos On Display in July at EFRR

EFRR visitors can view the winning photos at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty beginning July 2026. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Visitors can check current hours of operation by calling 760-632-4212.

Located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in the community of Elfin Forest, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation. The 784-acre open space reserve was developed by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the US Bureau of Land Management.

The 2026 Helix Water District's landscape contest winning homeowners made use of local resources to research their design plan and plant choices. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Selects El Cajon Project as 2026 WaterSmart Landscape Contest Winner

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Helix Water District selected the El Cajon entry by Mark and Terri L. as its 2026 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner.

The couple transformed their yard into a water-efficient landscape with pops of yellow and purple. Coast Live Oak, Southern Live Oak, and an olive tree will provide shade and habitat when mature.

“We love the look and water efficiency of the yard and are enjoying all the birds, butterflies, lizards and other animals that visit,” Mark and Terri wrote on their application.

Winning homeowners Mark and Terri L. receive their 2026 Landscape Contest award from Helix Water District board members (L to R): Andrea Beth Damsky, Division 2; Mark Gracyk, Division 3; Kathleen Coates Hedberg, President; Joel A. Scalzitti, Vice President; and Daniel H. McMillan, Division 1. Photo: Helix Water District

Winning homeowners Mark and Terri L. receive their 2026 Landscape Contest award from Helix Water District board members (L to R): Andrea Beth Damsky, Division 2; Mark Gracyk, Division 3; Kathleen Coates Hedberg, President; Joel A. Scalzitti, Vice President; and Daniel H. McMillan, Division 1. Photo: Helix Water District

Renovation Inspired by Limestone Feature

Terri and Mark have owned their home since the 1990s and had grown tired of their brick façade. They also needed to address a drainage issue and tree roots buckling their driveway. Inspired by the limestone fireplace in their living room, Mark and Terri decided to carry its color and patterns outside.

In the spring of 2025, they replaced the driveway and had a custom block-style sidewalk poured in place.  The sidewalk provides a welcoming entrance to the house, which was lacking in the past when guests approached from the driveway.

The new design includes a dry riverbed. Photo: Helix Water District

The new design includes a dry riverbed. Photo: Helix Water District

Before the renovation, they had already let their grass die. As part of the hardscape work, two truckloads of dirt were hauled away, and the front yard was recontoured. In the process, all the roots from the prior grass were removed, and weeds have not been a problem.

The couple added a dry riverbed to cover the pipes from the French drains, which are around their house.

Research Assists In Final Design and Planting

Terri did the floral design for the new landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

Terri did the floral design for the new landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

Aside from the hardscape and having contractors dig the holes for the trees, Terri and Mark did all the planting and designing themselves.

“My wife does floral design and has a good eye for that; certain shapes, textures, and colors,” said Mark. “I did the extra research to make sure everything she wanted would grow well.”

Mark drew the yard on his computer, and the couple experimented with different designs. They also searched for inspiration. They are members of the Water Conservation Garden and asked questions at the Cuyamaca College Horticulture Department’s nursery.

They also checked out Helix Water District’s award-winning low-water landscaping, located at its administration office on University Avenue in La Mesa.

Native Plants Mix With Mediterranean Favorites

Mark and Terri's new landscaping received an appreciative visit from a Great Egret, commonly seen at Santee Lakes or Lindo Lake County Park in Lakeside. Photo: Helix Water District

Mark and Terri’s new landscaping received an appreciative visit from a Great Egret, commonly seen at Santee Lakes or Lindo Lake County Park in Lakeside. Photo: Helix Water District

The plant palette included a wide variety of natives, Mediterranean, Australian and succulents. Lantana, yarrow, sages, and kangaroo paws provide flowers and color, while grasses and agaves provide structure.

Before planting, they brought a soil sample to City Farmer’s Nursery, which tested it for free and recommended soil amendments based on the types of plants. For example, the Leucadendron, also known as conebush, required pumice added to its planting hole to improve drainage.

They planted in fall 2025. “Once the weather warmed up and the spring rains arrived, everything took off,” said Mark.

The landscape is irrigated with drip tubing on a smart controller. The bare soil is covered with gorilla fur mulch.

Photos of Terri and Mark’s garden will be showcased at landscapecontest.com, alongside other regional winners, and on Helix Water District’s website at hwd.com

The WaterSmart landscape Contest runs from January through mid-May each year. To learn more, visit the Helix Water District’s website, Facebook.com/Helix Water, or X at @HelixWater.

Innovative Strategies Secure San Diego Water Supply

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An innovative approach to water management is positioning San Diego County as a national leader in drought resilience while creating opportunities for financial relief to local ratepayers.

Western states that rely on the Colorado River are facing worsening drought conditions. The river is currently at 30% capacity, its lowest level in history, threatening water and hydropower for 40 million people and 30 tribes. Yet, through decades of forward-thinking investments, the San Diego region has abundant water supplies.

“The Colorado River, I think you know it’s probably the worst that it’s been in the history of the river,” said Dan Denham, San Diego County Water Authority General Manager. “The weather is not going to wait for us any longer.”

Speaking recently to a meeting of the Albondigas San Diego Political Society, an informal civic organization, Denham outlined how an innovative mindset is ensuring water supply reliability and affordability.

Creative Solutions to Manage Water and Control Costs

With regional population growth leveling off and conservation lowering demand, Denham explained the Water Authority is finding new ways to manage its surplus water and generate a return on past investments.

A major turning point occurred when the agency resolved a 15-year litigation with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This successfully repaired vital relationships and allowed the Water Authority to focus on consensus-building and collaborative transfers.

“Moving forward, we are fully engaged with Metropolitan in a different way, not questioning things just to question them, but to build consensus and find a path forward for Southern California,” said Denham.

This collaborative spirit led to 21-year agreements with two retail water agencies in Riverside County, stabilizing sales and bringing approximately $660 million to the Water Authority over the course of the contracts.

The financial return from these transactions has the potential to reduce costs for business and residential customers in San Diego County. Denham said at the July board meeting, he plans to recommend a three percent wholesale water rate increase to the Water Authority board of directors.

“We made generational investments that are absolutely paying off, and now we are being flexible with those generational investments,” said Denham.

He emphasized that the agency’s primary goal is to keep future wholesale increases aligned with inflation, providing essential breathing room for the region’s retail customers and ensuring the regional economy remains strong.

Water Authority Preparing for New Challenges Ahead

Looking ahead, the Water Authority recently signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and water agencies in Arizona and Nevada. This pilot program would allow the Water Authority to move conserved water to drought-stricken states throughout the Southwest.

This concept requires no new infrastructure. Conserved water from the Imperial Valley that would normally travel into San Diego will instead remain in Lake Mead and be directed to Arizona or Nevada. This landmark arrangement will generate revenue to allow reductions in future rate hikes.

“Everyone has a different idea of what affordable is, every single person in this room, every constituency,” said Denham, but he noted that San Diego has plenty of water and can optimize its resilient water portfolio for many years to come.

Denham anticipates the next major challenge for the water industry will be water quality; specifically, the treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals.

Denham said meeting these challenges will require the same innovative spirit that has defined the Water Authority in recent years. Denham credits the Board of Directors for fostering a culture of experimentation and empowering staff to act.

“They come to me with ideas, and it’s ‘Why not, let’s try it,’” said Denham.

By maintaining this solutions-oriented approach, the Water Authority is ensuring San Diego County remains ready to secure reliable water supplies for ratepayers while holding the line on costs well into the future.

The finished Emerald Heights HOA landscape makeover. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Emerald Heights HOA Benefits From Rebates and Assistance

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The Emerald Heights Homeowners Association in San Marcos joins the growing list of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) benefitting from available incentives and rebates, allowing them to convert their nonfunctional turf into a sustainable landscape.

Through a partnership between the County’s Watershed Protection Program, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the Metropolitan Water District, residences and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County are eligible for enhanced water-use efficiency rebates for turf replacement.

The Emerald Heights HOA landscaping before the redesign and replacement of non-functional turf. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Emerald Heights HOA landscaping before the redesign and replacement of non-functional turf. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The County provides a Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offering technical assistance to owners of large-scale landscaping projects. The program helps applicants, such as HOAs and commercial properties, navigate requirements and maximize their rebate eligibility.

Approved commercial landscaping companies assist customers with their turf renovation projects and assist with rebate eligibility and processing.

See the Emerald Heights HOA transformation.

 

Many HOAs, including Emerald Heights, have existing landscaping designed 20 to 30 years ago that no longer serves their current needs and are ready for upgrades. But most HOAs are run by residents who live in the complex, who may not have the time or expertise to undertake the complexity of these large projects.

California’s Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, and common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs). Non-functional turf is defined as turf not being actively used for recreational activities, community events, or play areas for pets and children.

Turf can still be part of a landscape design where it supports activities like play areas for kids and pets or recreational use. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Turf can still be part of a landscape design where it supports activities like play areas for kids and pets or recreational use. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Tony Gonzalez, Account Manager at O’Connell Landscaping, explains that many HOAs, including Emerald Heights, have large areas of non-functional turf.

The new landscape design replaced turf areas with low-water-use plants and a functional dry river bed feature. “It’s a nice aesthetic look,” said Gonzalez.

As non-functional turf was replaced with large shrubs, 500 sprinkler heads were replaced with drip irrigation to improve watering efficiency.

“When you do a turf conversion, and you install drought-tolerant plants, you’re going from watering grass five to seven days a week to maybe two to three days a week,” notes Gonzalez.

“Grass needs more frequent irrigation due to its shallow roots, while water-wise plants have deep roots that need infrequent but deep watering, which can make a difference in water management.”

Residents Reap Multiple Benefits

Riverbed features and new plants offer benefits to the Emerald Heights HOA. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Riverbed features and new plants offer benefits to the Emerald Heights HOA. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“Over the past decade, we have completed several turf conversion projects at Emerald Heights, removing most of our grass from medians and common areas and significantly reducing overall water use,” said Don Cannon, Emerald Heights HOA Landscape Chairman.

“The rebate programs have made a real difference. Without them, we likely would not have been able to take on this level of change. We appreciate the support and remain committed to doing our part to use water wisely.”

Sustainable landscapes provide multiple benefits, including enhancing habitat with plants that invite and feed pollinators, increasing stormwater retention, and decrease stormwater run-off.

 

Charlotte Ngo – Fourth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Students Create Award Winning Art in Padre Dam MWD Poster Contest

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Winners of Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s “Being Water Wise Is…” 2026 Student Poster Contest were recognized at the district’s May board meeting. The winning students, along with their families and their teachers, joined the Board of Directors to admire the artwork on display.

Every year, students attending schools within the District’s service area are invited to create posters that promote the value of water.

In their artwork, students explored themes of wise and efficient water use. Student artists are in grades from kindergarten to fifth grade at Pepper Drive Elementary School, Rio Seco School, Boulder Oaks Elementary School, Carlton Oaks School, and Hill Creek School.

This insightful artwork reminds us of the value of water and the importance of protecting our most precious resource for future generations.

Award-Winning Art Selected for 2026

2025 Student Poster Art Contest Winner Luna Venegas – First Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School.

Luna Venegas – First Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Award winning art: Payson Duda – Second Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Payson Duda – Second Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Award winning art: Julian Barnett – Second Grade, Rio Seco School

Julian Barnett – Second Grade, Rio Seco School

Award winning art: June Polte – Third Grade, Pepper Drive Elementary School

June Polte – Third Grade, Pepper Drive Elementary School

Award winning art: William Creed – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

William Creed – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Sydney Naylor – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Sydney Naylor – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Avery Wymss – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Avery Wymss – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School

Austyn Kelly – Third Grade, Hill Creek School

Austyn Kelly – Third Grade, Hill Creek School

Rachel Parker – Third Grade, Hill Creek School

Rachel Parker – Third Grade, Hill Creek School

2026 Student Poster Contest Winner: Amelia Tuniyants, 4th Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School.

Amelia Tuniyants – Fourth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Charlotte Ngo – Fourth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Charlotte Ngo – Fourth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Clementine Abraham – Fifth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Clementine Abraham – Fifth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School

Contest Winners Advance to Regional Competition

The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2027 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.

The Student Art Calendar was created 37 years ago. It selects student art submitted from grades K through 12 to help convey vitally important water conservation messages. Member agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions.

In 2026, the winning artwork created by fourth-grade student Maddy Clements from Carlton Oaks Elementary School in Santee was selected for the September 2026 page. The previous year, Kenziee Bowen, also a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represented the Padre Dam Municipal Water District in the calendar. Both students were from teacher Amile Sicat’s class.

 

1st Place: "Limas al Sol" by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11 Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest

Talented High School Photographers Win Sweetwater Authority Photo Contest

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Seven local high school students were recognized for their award-winning photographs during the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) May board meeting.

The winners were selected from 85 photo entries submitted by 78 students representing high schools throughout the South Bay for the Authority’s annual High School Photo Contest.

“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to the continued involvement and creativity of our local high school students,” said Board Chair Ditas Yamane.

Depicting Water In Daily Life

The High School Photo Contest challenges students to creatively showcase and celebrate the many ways water supports, sustains, and enhances our daily lives through photography.

The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities.

The winning photographs are currently on display in a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center and can also be viewed online at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest.

“We are continually impressed by the talent and photography skills of students throughout our service area and encourage the community to visit the exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.”

Winning Student Photos

Color Category:

1st Place: "Limas al Sol" by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11 Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest

  • 1st Place: “Limas al Sol” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

2nd Place: "Plant in Water" by Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11 Sweetwater High School Photo Contest

  • 2nd Place: “Plant in Water” by Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

2nd Place: "Splashing" by Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10 Sweetwater igh School Photo Contest

  • 2nd Place: “Splashing” by Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

3rd Place: "Morning Dew" by Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9

  • 3rd Place: “Morning Dew” by Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9

Black and White Category:

1st Place: "A Moment of Life" by Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11 Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest

  • 1st Place: “A Moment of Life” by Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11

2nd Place: "Wet Clover" by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

  • 2nd Place: “Wet Clover” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

3rd Place: "The Pour" by Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12

  • 3rd Place: “The Pour” by Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12

Two additional students received Honorable Mention awards for their outstanding submissions.

Color Category: " Life Across the Basin" by Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12

  • Color Category: ” Life Across the Basin” by Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12\

Black & White Category: "Game Time" by Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

  • Black & White Category: “Game Time” by Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present in everyday life, from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities. Photographers may enter their work in two categories: color photography and black-and-white photography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six talented students won the 2026 Otay Water District Poster Contest with their depiction of water conservation themes.

Otay Water District Poster Contest Winners Create Art With A Message

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Six students have been selected as winners of the Otay Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for their creative artwork highlighting the importance of water-use efficiency.

Every year, K-12 grade students attending schools within the District’s service area are invited to create posters that promote the value of water. Although there were no high school submissions this year, winners were selected in the elementary school and middle school categories.

“It is encouraging to see the level of creativity that students showcased this year to promote the significance of water conservation and stewardship,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “This program helps inspire younger generations to better understand the importance of protecting our water resources every day.”

The student winners will be recognized during the District’s Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, July 1. Each winner will receive a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.

2026 Otay WD Student Poster Contest Winners

Category: Elementary School
Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: First Place: Gabriel M., Fifth Grade, Liberty Elementary School

First Place: Gabriel M., Fifth Grade, Liberty Elementary School

Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: Second Place: Kathlyn Clarie M., First Grade, Liberty Elementary School

Second Place: Kathlyn Clarie M., First Grade, Liberty Elementary School

Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: Third Place: Julianna R., Fourth Grade, Sweetwater Springs Elementary School

Third Place: Julianna R., Fourth Grade, Sweetwater Springs Elementary School

Category: Middle School

Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: Third Place: First Place: Chloe K., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

First Place: Chloe K., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: Third Place: Second Place: Delilah T., Seventh Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

Second Place: Delilah T., Seventh Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

Otay Student Poster Contest Winner: Third Place: Zoe C., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

Third Place: Zoe C., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School

Contest Winners Advance to Regional Competition

The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2027 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.

Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan Water District calendar the past four years, including Zhaoyu Zhai, a ninth grader at Otay Rank High School in 2026; Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.

For more information about the contest, visit otaywater.gov/poster-contest.