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Water Authority Wins Budgeting Award from National Organization

January 8, 2026/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

For the 30th consecutive year, the San Diego County Water Authority earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) — along with a special commendation for its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

GFOA’s award is the highest recognition in governmental budgeting, while the Water Authority’s CIP is critical to maintaining the region’s liquid lifelines.

“This recognition proves that the attention to detail, commitment to transparency and focus on affordability the Water Authority puts into its budget process make the agency a national leader in public finance,” said Director of Finance Lisa Marie Harris. “Kudos to our staff and our Board for all the effort that to ensure we provide reliable water at the lowest possible cost.”

Over the years, GFOA Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for governments throughout North America, reflecting the commitment of the governing boards and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

With a two-year budget of over $1.9 billion, the Water Authority’s finance team is entrusted with the fiscal health of an agency responsible for delivering safe and reliable water to 3.3 million residents across the region. More than 90 percent of the budget is for water purchases and treatment, capital improvement and debt service.

While the era of expansive infrastructure projects is over for the Water Authority, the agency continues to invest in CIP projects that maintain its aging infrastructure. The agency operates 308 miles of large-diameter pipelines, 1,600 structures and more than 100 flow-control facilities, most of which are decades old.

Annual Report FY2025: Building Trust, Delivering Results

January 5, 2026/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

For the Water Authority, Fiscal Year 2025 was about building trust with our communities and delivering improved results for our region. To achieve those goals, we had to stop doing things the way they have always been done, all of which is highlighted in the FY2025 annual report.

To learn more about the achievements and impact of the Water Authority in FY2025, click here to read the annual report in full. Below are highlights from a significant year in Water Authority history.

Water Authority, MWD End Lengthy Legal Dispute

Signaling a new era of collaboration, the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in June announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the terms of an exchange agreement between the agencies.

At a news conference in San Diego, leaders from two of the state’s largest water agencies hailed the conclusion of all pending litigation, highlighting their commitment to fostering greater teamwork on a range of issues that affect nearly 19 million Southern California residents. The settlement dismissed all pending appeals. It included provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.

Starting in 2010, the Water Authority repeatedly challenged the price Metropolitan charged for transporting its water, with both sides winning important legal judgments over more than a decade.

Under the settlement, the Water Authority will pay a fixed price to Metropolitan for delivery of the exchange water, adjusted annually for inflation. The price is no longer tied to Metropolitan’s rates, which was a source of dispute and litigation. In addition, the Water Authority is able to offer that water to other Metropolitan member agencies and to Metropolitan.

“This agreement will allow San Diego to take advantage of our past investments in diverse water supplies to benefit regional ratepayers while addressing water reliability challenges more broadly,” Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham said. “We look forward to building on the foundation of collaboration laid today.”

Partnerships Propel Future Wave of Water Workforce

To expand access to jobs in the water industry and address critical workforce needs, the Water Authority in February hosted a first-ever tour of the region’s water education programs, attended by educators and water professionals from across Southern California. The tour highlighted the region’s statewide leadership role in workforce development, in partnership with the Water Energy Education Alliance, San Diego County Office of Education, Cuyamaca College, and the Metropolitan Water District.

The Education to Workforce Tour supported early career exploration to ensure a steady talent pipeline for the water industry during a critical workforce transition period. An estimated, one-third of water utility operators will become eligible to retire in the next decade – what some have called the industry’s silver tsunami.

During the fiscal year, the Water Authority also won a grant from The Hans and Margaret Doe Charitable Trust that will advance workforce development efforts through continued collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education.

Water Supplies Secure as Dry Times Return

As drought crept across the Western U.S. in early 2025, the Water Authority ensured sufficient water supplies to meet regional water demands. While the water year got off to a wet start, by summer 2025 it was clear that La Niña conditions were growing, along with the ever-present threat of making the Southwest hotter and drier.

Between the seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad, the nation’s largest water conservation-and-transfer project, and a laser focus on maintaining critical water infrastructure, the San Diego region remained insulated from ongoing drought conditions on the Colorado River and smaller snowpacks that continue to be impacted by climate change.

Water Authority Wins Golden Watchdog Award

At the 2024 Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the Water Authority won a Golden Watchdog Award for deploying “Scanny,” an innovative pipeline inspection device. Designed and patented by Asset Management Manager Martin Coghill, this high-tech surveillance tool uses lightweight cameras on a mobile chassis to safely monitor large-diameter pipelines (4-9 feet) without requiring specialized rope and rigging support teams.

“Scanny” paid for itself in just two deployments compared to hiring outside specialists. With 308 miles of transmission pipelines across hilly terrain, the Water Authority inspects about 30 miles annually. Proactive maintenance can extend pipeline lifespans by more than 50 percent, providing significant cost savings. Replacing one mile of large-diameter pipeline costs about $10 million versus approximately $100,000 in maintenance per decade.

Gary Arant Retires After Decades of Service to Valley Center Municipal Water District

December 31, 2025/in Achievements, Features, Uncategorized /by Jordan Beane

After more than 52 years in the water and wastewater industry, Valley Center Municipal Water District’s long-serving General Manager, Gary Arant, is retiring. Arant led the District as General Manager for nearly 37 years. Since March 1989, he guided the District through countless challenges, including multi-year droughts, wildfires, freezes, state-mandated water cutbacks, economic recessions, countywide blackouts, and notably, an emergency in-house repair of a 42-inch transmission main. This exemplary record reflects a leader who consistently faced complex challenges head-on. A tireless and vocal advocate for effective and prudent local government and regional, state, and federal water policy, Arant has left an indelible mark on the District and the broader water community.

After graduating from California State University, Fullerton in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Arant began a long, dedicated career in the water industry. In 1973, he joined the Walnut Valley Water District in Los Angeles County as an Administrative Assistant and steadily advanced while continuing his education, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton in 1978. Arant was ultimately promoted to Assistant General Manager, overseeing Walnut Valley’s Diamond Bar operations until 1980, when he relocated with his family to San Diego County.

Arant next served as General Manager for the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District in Escondido, located in northern San Diego County from 1980 to 1989. While at Rincon, he developed and financed a Capital Improvement Project program, adding significantly to Rincon’s water storage, supply and transmission capacity. Arant also oversaw the expansion of Rincon’s Fire Department to add a second station, provide paramedic service and assisted in the negotiation of the eventual fire merger with the City of Escondido.

In addition to over four decades of day-to-day water agency management, Arant actively engaged in local and state associations, boards and committees always with the goal of ensuring water agencies had a seat at the table where the decisions that affect our communities are made.
Arant was a member of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, from 1983 until 1997, appointed by Governor Deukmejian and reappointed by Governor Wilson, serving in the positions Member, Vice Chair and Chair. Arant also previously served on the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission, Special District’s Advisory Committee from 1981 to 2020.

Arant has been the District’s appointed representative to the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) Board of Directors since 2006. He is currently Vice Chair of the Water Authority’s Administrative and Finance Committee and serves on the Engineering and Operations Committee. As former Chair of the Administrative and Finance Committee, Arant guided the Water Authority through multiple challenging budget and rate cycles and served as a strong and effective voice for the priorities of local member agencies.

As the Valley Center community has historically been rooted in agriculture, the District has long been an active member of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Throughout the years Arant has led numerous regional efforts to promote water rate stability for local farmers. In 2019, in response to the one-two punch of rapidly increasing wholesale water costs and state-mandated water cutbacks facing local farmers, Arant joined the Farm Bureau’s Water Committee to lend his expertise in navigating local water policy. Arant’s efforts helped secure water rate relief for local farmers through the Water Authority’s Permanent Special Agriculture Water Rate program. For his continued efforts supporting San Diego County agriculture, the Farm Bureau awarded Arant the Friend of Agriculture Award in 2017 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2025.

Active in the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) since 1973, Arant has chaired ACWA’s Energy, Local Government and Communications committees and served multiple terms on ACWA’s Board of Directors over a span of more than 20 years. In 2000, Arant participated in the development of ACWA’s grassroots outreach program and served as the first Co-Chair of the Outreach Task Force. ACWA’s outreach program has been instrumental in advocating for common sense legislation and regulations impacting water agencies. In 2007, due to his commitment to advance and advocate for effective California water policy, Arant received the ACWA Emissary Award. Under Arant’s direction, the District received the ACWA Region 10’s Outstanding Outreach Participation Award in 2011 and 2015 and Top Outreach Agency in 2017 and 2021. In December 2024, Arant received ACWA recognition in appreciation for his notable and invaluable contributions to ACWA’s Board of Directors, regions and committees.

Arant’s other notable achievements working with ACWA include assisting in the production of PBS’ “California’s Water” television series and serving on the “No Time to Waste – A Blueprint for California Water” workgroup. Arant also participated in various workgroups producing guidelines for transparent and prudent local government, including “Guidelines for Conduct – a Primer for Public Water Agency Officials,” “Open and Accessible: A Public Guide to Communication and Transparency” and “ACWA Policy Principles and Guidelines to Protect Property Tax and Reserves Funds”.

Arant has worked diligently throughout his career to advance regional, state and federal water policy and mentor the next generation of water leaders. One would be hard pressed to find a Southern California water manager that has not worked alongside Arant on the tough issues facing water agencies. From advancing regional infrastructure projects benefitting not just Valley Center, but the whole of San Diego County, to supporting statewide efforts to secure reliable water supplies, we have all benefitted from Arant’s vast water expertise and knowledge. A true public servant, Arant has shown how dedication and passion can have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

In retirement, Arant will remain engaged in the water community and continue to serve as the District’s representative on the San Diego County Water Authority Board. As an avid guitar player and active member of his church, Arant looks forward to playing in the church band and spending more time with his three sons and grandchildren. And what he most looks forward to is a restful night’s sleep knowing the agency and community to which he dedicated nearly four decades are in good hands under the leadership of the District’s new General Manager, Lindsay Leahy.

Article courtesy of the Valley Center Municipal Water District.

The Otay Water District participated in the Chula Vista Holiday Parade. Photo: Otay Water District

Member Agencies Give Generously to Nonprofits During Holidays

December 18, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2025, benefiting a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Agencies Support Water For People Fundraising Effort

The Padre Dam MWD team enjoyed putting these baskets together. (L to R): Michelle Revilla, Accounting Specialist/Payroll Specialist-AWP, Marie Southwick, Administrative Assistant, Adrienne Borden, Financial Analyst, and Ben Brugman, Accountant. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Employees of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District assembled fundraising gift baskets for the nonprofit CA/NV AWWA-Water for People nut basket fundraiser. Proceeds from basket sales raise funds to help provide clean water and sanitation to people in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Padre Dam employees prepared 100 gift baskets for the Water for People San Diego Chapter this year. Once sold, the gift baskets prepared by Padre Dam employees will raise $2,200.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees and other Water For People volunteers give their time and talent in support of Water for People. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees have supported Water for People fundraising for two decades. Olivenhain employees have also volunteered abroad, helping to set up water and sewer systems with the agency’s full support.

“Access to clean, safe water is essential, and supporting this cause is incredibly meaningful,” said Tom Bloomer, Engineer at Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Water for People Fundraiser Organizer. “Each year, our staff looks forward to assembling these fundraiser baskets, knowing that every basket helps deliver the vital gift of water to the communities who need it most.”

Olivenhain employees volunteered on weekends to assemble nut baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. OMWD also sold baskets to the public as holiday gifts. A total of 204 baskets were sold through OMWD’s efforts, accounting for $5,100. It also facilitated sales and collected money for 365 baskets for a total of $9,125 in sales to support the nonprofit, a record-breaking number.

Lucy with donations for the San Diego Humane Society from Olivenhain MWD employees. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

In October, OMWD employees collected donations for the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need during the holiday season. Employees also gathered supplies to create 20 Meals on Wheels senior care packages for delivery during the holidays.

Otay Water District Boosts Food Bank and Water For People Fundraising

Otay Water District employees display some of the 200 baskets they assembled in support of Water for People fundraising this holiday season. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Water District employees volunteered to assemble 200 baskets in support of fundraising efforts for Water for People, adding to the impressive effort from San Diego County water agencies with its contribution. The effort was led by Engineering Manager Beth Gentry, P.E., and Engineering Department Assistant Mary Lee Wanamaker.

Otay Water District staff also collected 315 pounds of non-perishable food donations, along with diapers, pet food, and feminine hygiene products, for the San Diego Food Bank’s holiday drive to help families in need. The donated food will provide 263 meals for Food Bank clients in need.

Again, the Otay Water District participated in the Chula Vista Holiday Parade. Staff decorated a service truck bringing smiles along the miles of the parade route with their creativity.

Leonardo Lopez, Utility Worker II (left) and Mario Ballejos, Utility Worker I (right) along with Eileen Salmeron, Communications Assistant, decorated the truck and the two utility workers drove the parade. It took three hours to decorate the vehicle. Photo: Otay Water District

Helping Hand From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees stepped up to lend the Salvation Army a helping hand this holiday season. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for more than two decades.

Each year, Sweetwater Authority partners with the Salvation Army to host its own Angel Tree initiative. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the item and brings it back to the office unwrapped. The Salvation Army delivers the donated toys.

This year, staff stepped up in a big way, generously donating gifts and helping bring joy to children and families throughout the community.

Generous Escondido Employees Brighten the Holidays

City of Escondido Utilities employees
Emma Potratz, Environmental Programs Specialist, and Gio Cortes, Recycling Programs Specialist, play Santa Elves with holiday donations from city employees. Photo: City of Escondido

As they have for several years, City of Escondido employees hosted a food drive for the Salvation Army Escondido Corps, and supported efforts by the Escondido Senior Center to provide gift bags to 150 recipients this holiday season. Thanks to their efforts, employees donated 600 pounds of food items to support the Salvation Army’s food boxes.

Employees collected toiletries, small household items, snacks, food gift cards, batteries, and socks to stock the Escondido Senior Center gift bags. For the recipients, it may be the only holiday gift they receive this year.

Toys for Tots Drive at Helix Water District

The Helix Water District collected 366 toys for the Toys for Tots program at drop-off locations at its La Mesa administration office and the Water Conservation Garden. Photo: Helix Water District

The Helix Water District is a longtime supporter of the Toys for Tots annual campaign through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Individuals were encouraged to drop off donations at the administrative offices in La Mesa, and the Water Conservation Garden, making it easy for the community to come together and bring smiles to local children with 366 donated toys.

Urban Water Management Plan-Water Authority-Primary photo-Colorado River Aqueduct

California Commits to Conservation, Collaboration in New Colorado River Framework

December 16, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

California’s water, tribal, and agricultural leaders today presented a comprehensive framework for a durable, basin-wide operating agreement for the Colorado River and highlighted the state’s proposal for conserving 440,000 acre-feet of river water per year.

At the annual Colorado River Water Users Association conference, California underscored the state’s leadership in conservation, collaboration, and long-term stewardship of shared water resources that inform its approach to post-2026 negotiations.

California takes a balanced approach, relying on contributions from the upper and lower basins to maintain a shared resource. California supports hydrology-based flexibility for river users, with all states contributing real water savings. Any viable framework would need to include transparent and verifiable accounting for conserved water, along with several other elements outlined in the California framework.

State leaders also noted that they are willing to set aside many of their legal positions to reach a deal, including releases from Lake Powell under the Colorado River Compact, distribution of Lower Basin shortages, and other provisions of the Law of the River, provided that there are equitable and sufficient water contributions from every state in the Basin and the country of Mexico.

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.

Constructive California

“California is leading with constructive action,” said JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California. “We have reduced our water use to the lowest levels since the 1940s, invested billions to modernize our water systems and develop new supplies, partnered with tribes and agricultural communities, and committed to real water-use reductions that will stabilize the river. We are doing our part – and we invite every state to join us in this shared responsibility.”

Despite being home to 20 million Colorado River-reliant residents and a farming region that produces the majority of America’s winter vegetables, California’s use of Colorado River water is projected at 3.76 million acre-feet in 2025 – the lowest since 1949.

That achievement comes on top of historic reductions in water use over the past 20 years, led by collaborative conservation efforts. Urban Southern California cut imported water demand in half while adding almost 4 million residents. And farms reduced water use by more than 20% while sustaining more than $3 billion in annual output. Tribes also have made critical contributions, including nearly 40,000 acre-feet of conserved water by the Quechan Indian Tribe to directly support river system stability.

Going forward, California is prepared to reduce water use by 440,000 acre-feet per year – in addition to existing long-standing conservation efforts – as part of the Lower Basin’s proposal to conserve up to 1.5 million acre-feet per year, which would include participation by Mexico. When conditions warrant, California is also committed to making additional reductions to address future shortages as part of a comprehensive basin-state plan.

CRB Vice Chair and SDCWA Director Jim Madaffer at the 2025 CRUWA conference.

“The path to resiliency requires innovation, cooperation, and every Basin state’s commitment to conservation. The San Diego County Water Authority supports an approach that provides flexibility to adapt to changing climate conditions,” said CRB Vice Chair and SDCWA Director Jim Madaffer. “That means developing a new framework that allows for interstate water transfers to move water where it’s most needed and incentivizes the development of new supplies for augmentation.”

The state’s history of conservation illustrates what can be accomplished through collaboration, and all Colorado River water users in California are preparing to contribute to these reductions – agricultural agencies, urban agencies, and tribes.

Framework for a Post-2026 Agreement

In addition to conservation contributions, California provided a framework of principles for the post-2026 river operating guidelines to advance a shared solution for the seven Basin States, the tribes and Mexico. More specifically, California outlined the following key components for a new framework:

Lake Powell releases – California supports a policy of hydrology-based, flexible water releases that protects both Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Flexibility must be paired with appropriate risk-sharing across basins, avoiding disproportionate impacts to any one region.
Upper Initial Units (Colorado River Storage Project Act) – Releases should be made when needed to reduce water supply and power risks to both basins.
Shared contributions – The Lower Basin’s proposed 1.5 million acre-feet per year contribution to address the structural deficit, including an equitable share from Mexico (subject to binational negotiations), is the first enforceable offer on the table. When hydrology demands more, participation by all seven Basin States is essential.
Interstate exchanges – Interstate exchanges need to be part of any long-term solution to encourage interstate investments in new water supply projects that may not be economically viable for just one state or agency.
Operational flexibility – Continued ability to store water in Lake Mead is vital to maintain operational flexibility. California supports continuation and expansion of water storage in Lake Mead as a long-term feature of river management and to encourage conservation. We also support Upper Basin pools for conservation, allowing similar benefits.
Phasing of a long-term agreement – California supports a long-term operating agreement with adaptive phases. Tools like water storage in Lake Mead and Lake Powell need to extend beyond any initial period due to significant investments required to store conserved water in the reservoirs.
Protections and federal support: Any agreement should be supported with federal funding and any necessary federal authorities, allow agriculture and urban areas to continue to thrive, protect tribal rights, and address the environment, including the environmentally sensitive Salton Sea.

“There are no easy choices left, but California has always done what is required to protect the river,” said Jessica Neuwerth, executive director of the Colorado River Board of California. “We have proven that conservation and growth can coexist. We have shown that reductions can be real, measurable, and durable. And we have demonstrated how states, tribes, cities, and farms can work together to build a sustainable future for the Colorado River.”

The Water Lantern Festival comes to Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve in December. Photo: Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve

2025 Community Holiday Activities at San Diego Reservoirs

December 1, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer special holiday season events through 2025 and host winter activities during the region’s cooler months.

Holiday Spirit at Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts the Winter Lantern Festival on Saturday, December 13 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family-friendly festival encourages people to reflect on the year and set intentions for the year ahead by releasing personalized lanterns onto the lake. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch.

The Festival requires an entry ticket with multiple options for families, date nights, and VIP experiences. Purchase in advance here to receive a discount price.

A full list of additional holiday events, including Saturday Paint and Sip events, Gingerbread House making, and visits with Santa, is listed on the Santee Lakes website.

Take advantage of San Diego County’s mild weather with a stay at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Campground space is available. A three-night minimum stay is required, but you won’t want to leave.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a nationally recognized Park of the Year, hosting over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include camping, cabin rentals, fishing, boating, playgrounds, walking trails, facility rentals, special events, and approximately 230 bird species.

Trout Fishing Season Opens for San Diego Fishing Enthusiasts

This Lake Jennings angler shows off his catch in mid-November: one 3.74 pound trout and one 3.04 pound trout, both caught at Sentry Cove. Photo: Lake Jennings/Instagram

Recreational fishing surged in popularity during the pandemic, and it hasn’t slowed down since then. San Diego County is known for its inland freshwater fishing at its lakes and reservoirs, and its mild winter weather adds to its appeal. Fishing permits are required, so check with staff at each location.

As reported by the City of Poway, the number of fishing permits sold at Lake Poway over the last few years continues to increase. One of the most anticipated days of the year at the lake is trout season opening day.

Lake Poway starts stocking trout on Friday, December 5, and will stock 19,000 pounds of trout through April 16, up 500 pounds from last year.

The fishing experts at Lake Poway share a few tips on its webpage, and it will post monthly fishing reports as the winter season continues.

Starting the week of November 30, trout stocking will take place at Lake Wohlford, Lake Murray, and Chollas Park Lake every two weeks until through April.

Lake Jennings Open For Winter Fun

Lake Jennings opened its annual trout fishing season on November 15 and is open daily except on Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 7. The lake will be restocked regularly every two weeks through April 27 with a total of 19,000 pounds of trout.

New moon fishing takes place on December 20 at Lake Jennings. Photo: Lake Jennings/Instagram

The lake will be open for its New Moon Fishing event on Saturday, December 20, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, sunset watching, stargazing, and firepit rentals. Get more information about activities at https://lakejennings.org/

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during the winter months for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.

Sweetwater Reservoir Winter Birdwatching

Vermillion Flycatcher at Sweetwater Reservoir in December 2024. Photo: RodgerBPhoto/Instagram

The range of habitats at the Sweetwater and Loveland Reservoirs supports diverse bird populations. Their proximity to the Pacific Flyway means many migratory species are passing through on their way to warmer areas, making the winter months an ideal time to enjoy birdwatching and wildlife walks to work off holiday meals.

Over 250 bird species have been documented at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Sweetwater Authority welcomes birds and other wildlife as part of its stewardship of the natural watershed, which helps keep reservoir water quality high and supports the balance of human and environmental needs.

View birds from public access areas at the Sweetwater Reservoir or Loveland Reservoir. Bring binoculars, a bird guide, and a notebook, or just enjoy the view.

(L to R) Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Park Supervisor Jeff Anderson, volunteer Keith Kelly, rangers Jonathan Zeller and Shawnn Schaub, volunteers Walter Haslop and Pure Excellence winner Mike Dzurko, Escondido Creek Conservancy Land Manager Donna Leon, and volunteers Rich Riemer, Debbie Matsumoto, and Marvin Valverde at Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Announces 2025 Pure Excellence Awards

November 24, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) recognized the winners of its 2025 Pure Excellence Awards at its November board meeting. The winners were honored for their positive impact on OMWD and local communities.

OMWD Board President Matthew Hahn said, “We are grateful for the efforts of our award winners for their partnership in delivering excellent service to OMWD customers and our communities.”

2025 Pure Excellence Awards winners: Front row (L to R): Olivenhain Fire Safe Council board members Jennifer Bishop, Jeff Dasch, and Sara Lifton; Beverly Weber, and Cass Arrieta President Wes Wise. Back row (L to R): OFSC board member Hector Paredes, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Fire Chief McQueade, OMWD President Matthew Hahn, and RSFFPD President James Ashcraft. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

2025 Pure Excellence Awards Winners

Businesses of the Year: B Weber Consulting and Cass Arrieta. For providing exceptional customer service and responsiveness during urgent situations.

Nonprofit of the Year: Olivenhain Fire Safe Council. OFSC has shared wildfire prevention and preparedness information through its “Neighborhood Ambassador” program and at community events, such as OMWD’s open house and emergency preparedness event.

Teresa Chase10:54 AM (3 minutes ago) to me 😊 Representatives of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District speak with community members about fire safety at OMWD’s emergency preparedness open house in September.

Representatives of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District speak with community members about fire safety at OMWD’s emergency preparedness open house in September.

Community Outreach of the Year: Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. OMWD and RSFFPD collaborated on many media events, press releases, state legislation, and joint water- and fire-wise landscape workshops and emergency preparedness community meetings in 2025.

Volunteer of the Year: Mike Dzurko. Dzurko welcomes visitors at the interpretive center at OMWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, familiarizing the public with the Reserve and its natural habitat. He has volunteered for 84 shifts over the past 24 months.

NOTE: The Coast News Group named the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve its “Best Place to Volunteer” in its 2025 Best of North County Awards after an online vote that included 18 other candidates.

Water Authority Supports Farm Economy with Rate Discount

November 20, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today voted unanimously to renew the Permanent Special Agriculture Water Rate (PSAWR) Program, ensuring discounted water remains available to the region’s farmers in the coming years.

The extension of the program, which began in its current form in 2020, was backed by the San Diego County Farm Bureau. San Diego County is home to more farms than any county in the nation, making the discount water rates program vital to the continued success of the local agricultural sector. More than 1,000 farmers across 11 retail water agencies are enrolled in the program.

“The Water Authority has worked closely with San Diego’s ag community to sustain a program that is valuable to farmers while also benefitting the entire region,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “This is a win for our region’s economy and residents, supporting jobs and a way of life that is part of San Diego County’s identity.”

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Farmer watering crops in San Diego County. Photo: Water Authority

PSAWR was designed to provide qualified agricultural customers the benefit of discounted water in exchange for an interruptible, lower level of service during times of water supply shortages or emergencies. The program is valuable to non-farm customers because it helps maintain water sales and spreads fixed costs over larger volumes of water that otherwise would be paid by non-farm customers.

PSAWR rates were already in place for 2026. Today’s action by the Water Authority Board creates a framework for extending the program in 2027.

“The Authority has long been – and clearly remains – a dedicated supporter of the region’s 5,000 farms and farmers,” San Diego County Farm Bureau President Jimmy Ukegawa said in a Nov. 4 letter to Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano urging the renewal of the ag rate program. “The Farm Bureau sincerely appreciates the time, effort, and thoughtful attention the Board and staff have devoted to this critical issue.”

Debby Dunn’s Fab 4: A look Inside SDCWA’s New Water-Smart Garden

November 4, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority recently completed a redesign of its landscape at its Kearny Mesa headquarters to promote native vegetation. Originally laid out in 2008, the garden received an upgrade in 2017 and now, 8 years later, has gotten another major update. Spearheading the project was the Water Authority’s Senior Water Resource Specialist, Debby Dunn, who has over two decades in water conservation and sustainable landscapes. Drawing on her expertise, Debby selected a vibrant array of California native and other colorful, water-wise plants. Below, she shares her Fab 4 picks featured in the new garden. These beauties, along with the plants on the Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists, are wonderful options for residential and commercial landscapes across Southern California. Here are four great additions for your garden:

Debby Dunn, Sr. Water Resources Specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority and Master Gardener.

Debby’s Fab 4 Plant Recommendations

Common Name: Cleveland Sage

Botanical Name: Salvia clevelandii

Cleveland Sage

An evergreen, California native shrub that forms a dense, upright mound. Gray-green leaves are soft, quilted, and delightfully fragrant. Upright stalks carry tiered whorls of two-lipped flowers in violet-blue, which make fabulous cut flowers for bouquets or sachets. Heaviest blooms in spring and fall. The flowers and seeds attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

While some say it grows 3’-5’ high and wide, garden proof shows it can get 4’-6’ high and wide. Only trim it back one-third at a time or risk losing the beautiful plant.

Common Name: Superb Grevillea

Botanical Name: Grevillea ‘Superb’

A fast-growing shrub with a plethora of large, spidery-shaped flowers that go from red to orange to yellow. The green leaves are large in profile but finely dissected and fern-like. Given the space, Australian native can get up to 5’ – 6’ hide by 6’ – 8’ wide. Superb offers year-round delightful flowers that invite bees and create a hummingbird party. Debby says, “no garden is complete without a Grevillea Superb!”

Plant in well-drained soil in full or part sun and irrigate occasionally as this plant is tolerant of extended dry periods once established. Do not fertilize this plant, just talk to it and say, “Hey Beautiful!” This will cause Superb to bloom more and provide you with flowers that create a beautiful bouquet.

Common Name: Toyon

Botanical Name: Heteromeles arbutifolia

Toyon, also known as Christmas Berry, is an evergreen, native shrub or tree. They do fine in sun or shade and tolerate most soil types. In the summer, Toyon produces fragrant, white flowers and in the winter red berries the birds like to eat. Given the space, it can grow 8’ to 12’ high and wide. It can be pruned to a shrub or tree shape. Once established, this is one of the Sturdy 30 plants listed on the Happy 100 plant list.

Common Name: Arabian Lilac

Botanical Name: Vitex trifolia ‘Purpuirea’

Arabian Lilac

A fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree growing 5 to 10 feet high by 10 to 15 feet wide with distinctively colored leaves that are green on top and curl, highlighting their purple underside. This full sun plant produces small lavender-colored flowers. Vitex is good for slopes, screening or hedging, and attracts butterflies and bees. Shape when young to fit its environment.

More Resources for Upgrading Your Garden

Whether you’re planning a full landscape redo or just looking to add a few new plants to your backyard, Debby’s Fab 4 are a great place to start. Not only are they beautiful, but also low-maintenance and built to thrive in our Southern California climate. With smart plant choices, it’s easier than one may think to create a garden that is both welcoming and water conscious. For more resources on creating a landscape of your own go to www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation

New water intake and discharge facilities in and adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant.

Ratepayers Save $29 Million on Desalination Plant Upgrades

October 28, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

San Diego County ratepayers saved $29 million on newly completed state-mandated upgrades at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, and some of the savings will lower the cost of water from the plant for years to come. The project benefitted from $19 million in federal grant funds and more than $10 million in savings on construction.

“This project does three vital things – it protects our drought-proof water supply, it protects the environment, and it protects ratepayers,” Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano said. “Every time we achieve savings like this, we’re living up to our responsibility to deliver safe, reliable water in the most cost-effective way possible for San Diegans.”

Energy demand-Flex Alert-desalination-pumped storage

The plant also uses energy recovery devices that save an estimated 146 million kilowatt-hours and reduce carbon emissions by 42,000 metric tons every year. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The multi-phase project included the installation of new water intake and discharge facilities in and adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon to comply with the California Ocean Plan Amendment. The total project cost was approximately $286 million, and work concluded with more than $10 million left in the account established at the beginning of the project to cover potential unforeseen conditions during construction.

This week, the project also received recognition from Engineering News-Record (ENR) West, a go-to publication for large-scale infrastructure, when it was named the top water/environment project in the annual West Best Projects awards. ENR West noted the project was “completed within budget and on schedule … (and) the new intake and discharge facility’s dual-flow screens improve sustainability, keep the lagoon productive and comply with the California Ocean Plan Amendment.”

The Water Authority will apply project savings to reduce near-term water purchase costs and to reduce the price of water from the desal plant starting in July 2026. Since its completion in December 2015, the facility has produced more than 132 billion gallons of high-quality water and helped the region avoid water-use cutbacks during two major droughts.