The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) was honored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for achieving re-accreditation with a “Transparency Certificate of Excellence.” SDLF recognizes organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote a transparent, well-governed public agency.
“This award is a testament to Vallecitos’ commitment to open government,” said Vallecitos Board President Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. “The Board of Directors along with district staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”
Government Transparency Requirements Met
The SDLF certification indicates the highest level of public transparency. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Special District Leadership Foundation Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer presented the formal certificate to the Board of Directors at its August meeting upon its successful completion of its essential governance transparency requirements.
The requirements include:
Conducting ethics training for all board members
Properly hosting open and public meetings
Filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner
The district also fulfilled 19 individual website information requirements, allowing members of the public easy access to important information including board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, the current Vallecitos Water District budget, and its most recent financial audit.
The final requirement in the certification process assessed the Vallecitos Water District’s community outreach effort and public engagement in the district’s governance, fulfilled through regular distribution of newsletters and public budget hearings.
SDLF Fosters Good Governance Practices Among Special Districts
Engineering Technician Alison Fisher is among the Vallecitos Water District employees providing transparent service to ratepayers. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and recognition programs.
To receive the recognition, the Vallecitos Water District website must post information meeting SDLF’s strict transparency requirements, including:
Election procedures and deadlines
Posted board meeting schedules and agendas
Current District budget
Recent financial audit
Compensation of Board members and staff (or link to the State Controller’s webpage)
The Vallecitos Board of Directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.
Beautiful scenery, wildlife, and native plants are featured in this year’s winning photos in the annual Lake Jennings 2024 Photo Contest.
The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District. The District Board of Directors recognized the top photographers at its July meeting.
Adult Category winners Scott Lagace and Loraine Moreno with the Helix Water District Board. (R to L): Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, Board President Dan McMillan, Scott Lagace, Loraine Moreno, Director Mark Gracyk, Director Andrea Beth Damsky, and Vice President Joel Scalzitti. Photo: Helix Water District
The District runs the contest each year as a fun way to connect with its customers and recognize their achievements.
Now in its 13th year, the contest drew entries from throughout San Diego County. This year’s entries depict the beauty of Lake Jennings, considered among the region’s most scenic parks. The contest was open for photos taken between April 1 and April 30, 2024.
Youth Category Winners
“Tranquil Family of Ducks,” Aaron D’ Souza
First Place: Aaron D’ Souza, San Diego – “Tranquil Family of Ducks”
“Overcast,” Lillian Heilpern
Second Place: Lillian Heilpern, El Cajon – “Overcast”
Adult Category Winners
“A Spring Day at Lake Jennings,” Scott Lagace
First Place: Scott Lagace, Santee– “A Spring Day at Lake Jennings”
“Entre La Lluvia,” Loraine Moreno
Second Place: Loraine Moreno, La Mesa – “Entre La Lluvia”
“Mountain Reflections at Sunset,” Cindy Luna
Third Place: Cindy Luna, Maricopa, Arizona – “Mountain Reflections at Sunset”
In the Youth Category, Aaron D’Souza won $50 for his first-place photo and Lillian Heilpern won a $25 Amazon Gift Card for her photo.
In the Adult Category, Scott Lagace received $100 for his first-place finish, Loraine Moreno received a $50 Amazon Gift Card and Cindy Luna received a Lake Jennings sweatshirt and hat. All top finishers also received a Lake Jennings day-use pass good for one year.
Lake Jennings is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California, offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lake-Jennings-2024-A-Spring-Day-at-Lake-Jennings-1080w.jpg6871080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-07-23 08:59:122024-07-23 08:59:12Helix Water District Recognizes Top Photographers in Annual Photo Contest
Ruby Dela Cruz from the City of San Diego and Raul Villalpando from the City of Escondido were two of eight individuals honored at the 95th Annual California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Awards.
Both have served their city for the past 23 years, and their awards recognize their contributions to enhancing California’s water environment.
Ruby Dela Cruz Named Electrical Instrument Person of the Year
Dela Cruz received the “Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year” award, celebrating her achievements as the city’s Instrumentation and Control Supervisor.
Dela Cruz is responsible for supervising, training, and participating in the maintenance of the control systems and instrumentation of the North City Pure Water Facility, Pure Water Pump Station, and Dechlorination Facility.
As a supervisor, she appreciates being challenged in her role while simultaneously passing on her expertise to others.
“I enjoy troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits because it sharpens my analytical thinking,” said Dela Cruz. “[And] I like imparting my knowledge and sharing my technical experience to my subordinates to help them achieve their aspirations and goals in their career.”
Yet, after over two decades of working for the City of San Diego, she acknowledges the people are what make the job.
“Everyone is treated as family,” said Dela Cruz. “Just like a family, nobody is perfect, but everyone is there for you when you need them. My superiors never fail to acknowledge my accomplishments and contributions to the group.”
Raul Villalpando Named Operator of the Year
City of Escondido winner Raul Villalpondo (center) with (L to R) Keith Hobson, Vice President, Water Environment Federation (WEF), FOX Strand; Victor Corrales, City of Escondido; Wastewater Operations Manager; Villalpondo; Kyle Morgan, City of Escondido Assistant Director of Utilities Wastewater; and Chuck Greely, CWEA past president, Dudek. Photo: CWEA
Similar to Dela Cruz, Raul Villalpando values the opportunity to pass along his knowledge and expertise to his newer colleagues. This attribute led his supervisors to push for his “Operator of the Year” award.
“He’s really been the main guy that’s been kind of passing along his knowledge, not just of wastewater, but of the plant itself,” said Victor Corrales, wastewater operations manager for the City of Escondido. “He’s setting an example to those newer operators of the value of staying at a place, watching and helping it grow.”
As a senior wastewater operator, Villalpando is one of four lead operators in charge of overseeing the City of Escondido’s wastewater plant. Every day, he works alongside electricians, mechanics, and other plant operators to ensure business runs smoothly. While he wears many hats around the plant, he considers this award a group effort.
“This award that I was lucky enough to win as an individual is for everyone on this team,” said Villalpando. “I oversee all those people, but those people worked hand-in-hand with me to win that. To be able to find a good core group of people to work with is the hardest and best thing to find, and I’m lucky to say I’ve found that.”
CWEA Awards Recognize Exemplary Efforts
Founded in 1927, the CWEA is a not-for-profit association of 9,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of the water environment.
For the past 95 years, the CWEA awards program has honored exemplary efforts of individuals and agencies throughout the state who are leaders in engineering, wastewater operations, collection systems, laboratory work, and pretreatment programs.
For more information about the California Water Environment Awards, visit awards.cwea.org
Four photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors for their winning images in its 17th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest.
The winning photos feature the natural beauty of the 784-acre reserve near Escondido.
“We are grateful for the stunning contest photos received this year. Countless individuals will see the views offered by our 11 miles of trails,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio.
OMWD received over 200 entries submitted in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). The contest was open to photographers of all ages.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook followers selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite of 19 entries posted online.
This year’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest winners
“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley – Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley – Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Quack” by Keith Kelley – Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores – Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago – Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, People’s Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
San Diego Zoo, California Wolf Center, and EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary donated tickets as prizes. Prizes also included a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.
Beginning in July 2024, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.
The Interpretive Center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation can be obtained by calling 760-632-4212.
The Jamacha Park Homeowners Association in Rancho San Diego is the region’s latest showcase for low-water landscaping after receiving one of four One Water Awards from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Accessible walkways bring residents closer to nature as part of its new landscaping. Photo: MSE Landscape
The awards recognize large-scale improvements to facilities and landscapes that achieve significant water savings. The four projects honored in early May are expected to save 200 million gallons of water annually. Projects are also recognized for technology innovations, environmental stewardship, and their focus on water sustainability.
Jamacha Park is a 64-home community. The HOA worked with MWD, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the County of San Diego’s Watershed Protection Program to replace 58,000 square feet of grass with sustainable landscaping, including climate-appropriate plants.
(L to R): Debby Dunn, San Diego County Water Authority; Mike Seymour, MSE Landscape; Brian Faris, Monarch Environmental; Scott Norris, County of San Diego; Matt Davenport, Monarch Environmental; Chad Praul, Environmental Incentives; and Tenille Otero, Otay Water District. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
“I hope the project that we have done will show other communities what is possible. There is a way to get water savings and still have a beautiful landscape everyone can enjoy,” said Jamacha Park HOA Board President Mary Kay Sieckman.
The HOA board, community residents, and landscape professionals worked together on the landscape makeover. The newly beautified community spaces are accessible to all residents while reducing water use.
Jamacha Park leaders achieve a long-time goal
Sieckman said the HOA learned about these programs through its property management company. “When the board members heard about it, they jumped at it. They were very excited because it would be a step forward toward a long-time goal we knew needed to be done.”
See a video featuring Jamacha Park HOA Board President Mary Kay Sieckman describing the landscape makeover process.
The project has been so successful that the HOA plans to replace additional turf, eventually removing a total 100,000 square feet of grass for a potential water savings of 4 million gallons annually.
The Jamacha Park HOA received funding and assistance through MWD’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program available through the Water Authority and the County’s Landscape Optimization Service. Working with the County’s Watershed Protection Program, residences and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County can be eligible for enhanced water-use efficiency rebates.
The Jamacha Park HOA achieved significant water savings with its landscape makeover project. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California/Screenshot
“We have accomplished something with the help of all these agencies. It shows to the community you can save water and still have a beautiful landscape. You don’t have to rely on grass for everything,” Sieckman said.
County Landscape Optimization Service can assist customers with landscape upgrades
The Jamacha Park community’s landscaping before its makeover. Photo: MSE Landscape/Screenshot
To make the process of applying for rebates easier and maximize the return on investment, the County added a Landscape Optimization Service (LOS), a unique technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects. It is part of the Waterscape Rebate Program, which helps residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in unincorporated areas to make landscape upgrades that improve the region’s climate resilience and reduce the flow of pollutants into waterways.
The project has been so successful that the HOA plans to replace additional turf, eventually removing a total 100,000 square feet of grass for a potential water savings of 4 million gallons annually. Phoro: MSE Landscape
County of San Diego Land Use Environmental Planning Manager Scott Norris says the LOS program helps applicants navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers to participation, and maximize their eligibility. “Often HOAs just need a bit of help to get started. We have worked with more than a dozen HOAs and more than half are coming back to complete additional turf removal projects because they see the value for their communities.”
Multiple benefits from sustainable landscapes
Dry riverbeds help manage stormwater runoff. Photo: MSE Landscape
Sustainable landscapes produce multiple benefits including reduced water use, enhanced biodiversity, increased stormwater retention, and decreased run-off.
IMPACT:
58,000 square feet of turf removed
270,000-gallon reduction in irrigation runoff annually
12% savings in water use in the first year
$232,000 in utility incentives
New landscape features include boulders framing walkways. Photo: MSE Landscape
Water customers in unincorporated San Diego County can determine their eligibility at SanDiegoCounty.gov/WatershedRebates. More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here. The program is currently recruiting new participants.
The Waterscape Rebate Program helps to protect local waterways by reducing pollutants that enter storm drains. When irrigation systems overflow from landscaping, runoff may carry pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into the storm drain system and cause the same negative effects as runoff from rainfall. Reducing turf helps reduce irrigation use and runoff. HOA landscapes are potentially significant contributors.
The County Watershed Protection Program is currently seeking new applicants. Photo: MSE Landscape
The program includes outreach and education to commercial, industrial, and residential properties in unincorporated areas of the county. In addition, the County is offering rebate programs for upgrades, including rain gardens, gutters, permeable pavement, and regular septic system pumping.
Learn more about the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program at its website.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jamacha-Park-HOA-After_5920-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-05-13 00:21:212024-05-13 00:21:21Jamacha Park HOA Wins Award For Landscape Makeover Project
The International Commission on Large Dams presented the San Diego County Water Authority this week with a prestigious international engineering award for its innovative construction technology used to raise the historic San Vicente Dam. The project helps ensure regional water security for generations to come.
Commission leaders made the presentation to the Water Authority at its annual conference in Guangzhou, China. It cited a special type of construction called roller compacted concrete, or RCC. Applying this method to the San Vincente Dam project simplified construction, saving both time and money. The completed dam structure is capable of withstanding a 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
Dr. Malcolm Dunstan of MAD & Associates accepts the San Vicente Dam Raise award from International Commission on Large Dams officials. Photo: International Commission on Large Dams
“This award is a reminder that the San Diego region has a long history of strategic investments to
protect our most important natural resource,” said Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz. “The
San Vicente Dam Raise was a landmark project and one that inspires us as we seek solutions to
current and future challenges.”
The Water Authority sent a video message to the conference. View it below.
San Vicente Dam Project Increases Water Storage Capacity
Completed in 2014, the dam raise project increased the height of San Vicente Dam by 117 feet, the equivalent of adding a 12-story building atop the original structure. It more than doubled the capacity of the San Vicente Reservoir by adding 152,000-acre feet of water storage capacity, enough to serve more than 450,000 households for a year.
San Vicente Dam has been owned and operated by the City of San Diego since it was built in 1943. Capacity in the enlarged reservoir is shared by the city and the Water Authority, which also share the cost of operating the reservoir.
“Raising the San Vicente Dam was a massive feat of engineering and it’s recognized as the world’s tallest dam extension using roller compacted concrete,” said Water Authority Engineering Director Neena Kuzmich. “More importantly, it was the final major element of the Water Authority’s $1.5 billion Emergency Storage Project, a system of reservoirs, pipelines and pumping stations designed to secure a six-month supply of drinking water for the San Diego region in case a natural disaster such as an earthquake or a prolonged drought interrupts imported water deliveries.”
State-Of-The-Art Method Shortens Construction Time
The San Vicente Dam Raise, completed in 2014, added more than 157,000 acre-feet of regional water storage capacity – the largest increase in San Diego County history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Work to prepare the original dam and foundation for the expansion began in 2009. Using RCC for the expansion was a key design element. Unlike conventional wet concrete, which is poured, RCC uses less cement and water to create a cookie dough or clay-like texture. Equally as strong as wet concrete, RCC is placed in layers one on top of the other and compacted. The placement process resembles road construction.
This state-of-the art application method significantly shortens construction time while meeting
all technical requirements. Expansion was completed in 2014. The San Vicente Reservoir is located just outside of Lakeside and now stands 337 feet tall.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SV-Award-0-845X450.jpg449845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-12-06 10:36:502023-12-06 10:36:50San Vicente Dam Raise Wins Global Award
The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) and the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) recognized the San Diego County Water Authority’s leadership and support of setting training standards and establishing training programs for water and wastewater industry professionals.
Chuck Greely, president of CWEA, and Sue Mosburg, executive director of CA-NV-AWWA, presented the Advanced Water Treatment Champion award at the November Board of Directors meeting.
“Your involvement from the very beginning of the Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification program has allowed CWAA and California-Nevada AWWA to train and certify hundreds of California’s best operators, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to produce the cleanest water possible,” said Greely.
“Thank you for what you’ve done in California. Thank you for bringing the water operator professional to the next level,” added Mosburg.
To date, 60 water industry professionals have completed the AWTO training and received certification.
Training Opens Career Opportunities In Water Reuse Field
The Advanced Water Treatment Champion award presented to the San Diego County Water Authority for its leadership in developing the Advanced Water Treatment Operator training certificate. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Prompted by calls in 2014 from water utilities, water professionals and the California State Water Board, a diverse set of stakeholders and experts including the Water Authority contributed their perspectives on the development of the certification. They were supported by CWEA and CA-NV AWWA staff and experts in exam development. Observers from the California State Water Board participated throughout.
Over 100 volunteers from CA-NV AWWA and CWEA were involved in planning, subject matter expert workshops, exam development, marketing and administering the new program. After four years, the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ (AWTO®) certification was launched in 2020.
The Future of Water is Now
AWTO certification allows water and wastewater operators to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and qualify for new career opportunities at high-tech water reuse facilities. As California and Nevada expand water reuse, AWT operators are expected to be in high demand. There are currently 11 advanced water treatment facilities permitted and operating in California. Seven more are currently awaiting approval in the State of California’s permitting process.
Water and wastewater operators can get ready for these new career opportunities by getting AWTO certified today.
“As more potable reuse facilities start up in San Diego and across the state, this is a watershed moment in California history. We are securing water supplies for generations to come,” said Greely.
“We are well into the next decade of water and wastewater operations, and everyone in our industry plays an important role leading the way toward sustainability,” said Mosburg. “We are building the future now. We need this new supply and a new way of thinking about water before the next drought hits.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Water-Champion-Award-2-845X450.jpg451845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-12-04 17:30:522023-12-04 17:30:52Water Authority Recognized For Leadership In Training Industry Professionals
The Helix Water District received the 2023 San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) Golden Watchdog Award in Municipal and Educational Services for the District’s Tunnel Hill tanks project. The project resulted in a $6.3 million cost savings for its customers.
“It’s a mindset at Helix,” said Helix Water District Board Vice President Dan McMillan. “From the board to our frontline workers, we all keep an eye on cost control. We are good stewards of public funds.”
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association bestows its Golden Watchdog award for cutting-edge resourceful solutions using public funds. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
SDCTA’s annual Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards recognize the best and worst in local government decision-making, public spending, and efficiency.
“The winner and finalists this year reflected creative and innovative tactics when dealing with ongoing challenges and our homelessness crisis,” said Haney Hong, president and CEO of the Association. “Ultimately, the Awards Committee applauded cutting-edge resourceful solutions while criticizing poor planning and use of taxpayer dollars.”
Project Extends Lifespan of Water Tanks, Reduces Maintenance Costs
The Helix Water District’s Tunnel Hill storage tank rehabilitation project took approximately two years to complete. Photo: Helix Water District
The original estimated cost to replace the Tunnel Hill tanks was $10 million. Rehabilitating the tanks instead was priced at $3.7 million. Alongside the cost savings, the project brought the Tunnel Hill tanks into compliance with new seismic standards. The improvements will extend the useful life of the tanks for another 50 to 60 years and reduce future maintenance costs.
The pair of tanks are located above Interstate 8 near the Los Coches freeway exit. These tanks play an important role in the water infrastructure system by storing and providing water to thousands of Helix Water District customers in Lakeside and El Cajon.
The larger steel Tunnel Hill water tank received a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. Photo: Helix Water District
The project took two years to complete in several phases. The first phase of the project involved stripping the exterior of the smaller and newer, reinforced concrete tank. The new, natural concrete finish does not require paint and will reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Next, the larger steel tank received new paint and a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. The height of the tank was extended by five feet to improve the tank’s performance and safety in an earthquake, especially to protect nearby neighborhoods. The exterior of the steel tank was recoated.
Both tanks received new interior coatings to prevent corrosion and were replumbed with flexible fittings to prevent breaks and keep the tanks connected during an earthquake.
Watch video of the Tunnel Hill Tank rehabilitation project in progress.
Vital Roles In Water Infrastructure
Tanks are the most visible parts of water infrastructure and play a vital role in supplying water for the daily needs of residents and businesses, as well as for emergencies. The Helix Water District operates and maintains 25 tanks across its 50-square-mile service area. Proactive rehabilitations are less expensive than the construction of a new tank.
Eight additional water storage tanks were inspected and repaired in 2022. In addition, as part of its proactive maintenance, crews replaced 11,560 feet of cast-iron pipeline and surveyed 14,728 feet of pipeline route for design.
“We are proud of our employees and the work we do every day. This (Tunnel Hill tanks) project is just one example,” Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti said to community and business leaders and elected officials when accepting the award at the Golden Awards event on behalf of the district.
(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Helix-Watchdog-2023-845X450.jpg451845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-11-20 14:35:522023-11-20 14:35:52Helix Water District Receives Golden Watchdog Award for Tunnel Hill Tanks Project
San Diego County and Southern California water industry leaders commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), cited as a model of collaboration, relationship building, and voluntary conservation efforts among Southern California’s water agencies.
The QSA is a historic set of water agreements enabling California to live within its Colorado River apportionment, helping provide reliable water supplies for all users. Speakers at the commemoration event highlighted how the QSA continues to meet its goals while protecting agriculture and addressing the environment.
Learn more about the significance of the historic QSA in this video presentation.
QSA Partnership Called ‘Game Changer’
San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) Board Chair Mel Katz described the positive change in water management ushered in by the QSA as “a set of more than two dozen agreements that represent the dawn of a new era in water management in San Diego County and the Southwest – an era of water efficiency and supply reliability despite climate extremes.” Katz recognized the conservation efforts of the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Imperial Valley farmers.
San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz speaks at the Quantification Settlement Agreement 20th Anniversary celebration. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
IID Board President Alex Cardenas reported Imperial County agriculture has conserved 7.5 million acre-feet over the 20 years of the agreement, while still enabling agriculture to succeed. The Valley’s agricultural economy has grown from $1.8 billion in 2003 to $2.6 billion in 2023. according to the latest crop reports.
Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham said the Water Authority, IID, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), and the Coachella Valley Water District continue to work together to ensure flexibility in how the river is managed and the needs of each agency are met. “We are getting to a place where we can be creative and do things differently.”
MWD General Manager Adel Hagekhalil called the QSA a great success and a great lesson. “We all came together. It was tough, but it was important.”
California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot congratulated the QSA partners on their achievement via a video message, calling it a “game changer” that remains as important today as it was 20 years ago. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla also offered his congratulations via a video message, crediting the leadership of all partners for their efforts to sustain the QSA.
Invited guests listen to water industry leaders and elected officials recognize the 20th anniversary of the Quantification Settlement Agreement. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
San Diego Assemblyman David Alvarez told those gathered it was important to celebrate what was accomplished through the QSA. “The significance to me of the QSA is the listening that occurred,” he said, noting that the QSA brought agencies together to listen to each other as partners to create a set of mutually beneficial agreements.
Colorado River Board of California Vice Chair and Water Authority board member Jim Madaffer said the QSA provides a model of flexible river management, calling it a lesson “that we are so much better when working together than separately.”
Looking toward the challenges ahead on the river, water industry leaders noted the QSA must be a part of critical water discussions as agencies seek collaborative solutions to ensure the Colorado River can continue to be a reliable water source well into the future.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/QSA20-Group.11.8.2023.CN_.028-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-11-13 16:17:192023-11-13 16:17:19Milestone Water Agreement Marks 20th Anniversary
Jeff Stephenson has been appointed director of water resources for the San Diego County Water Authority, where he leads the department responsible for regional water supply planning and long-term facilities planning.
Stephenson brings more than 27 years of experience at the Water Authority to fill the position vacated by the department’s previous director, Kelley Gage, who was appointed assistant general manager in August. Stephenson served as acting director of the Water Resources Department for the past three months, and previously served as a water resources manager in the department.
The Water Authority is a regional wholesale water agency that provides about 80% of the water used in San Diego County, sustaining a $268 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents.
“Jeff’s expertise and dedication at the Water Authority for nearly three decades has benefited the region and the state,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “His management experience and knowledge from his years at the Water Authority will be crucial as we work with our partners to manage our most precious natural resource.”
Jeff Stephenson has been appointed director of water resources for the San Diego County Water Authority, where he leads the department responsible for regional water supply planning and long-term facilities planning. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Stephenson brings expertise and experience
Stephenson started with the agency in 1996, working in the Water Resources Department. He has managed the Water Authority’s water-use efficiency group, supply planning group, and water policy group.
Stephenson also represented the agency in many high-profile technical advisory groups with the California Public Utilities Commission, Bureau of Reclamation, and Department of Water Resources, and he is a trusted leader in the water industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master of Public Administration degree from San Diego State University.
In addition to water supply planning and long-term facilities planning, the Water Resources Department also administers the water shortage and drought response program; provides member agency assistance in local supply development; engages in regulatory advocacy and regulation development; manages Water Authority involvement in the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and grants administration; administers the water purchase agreement for the Carlsbad Desalination Plant; and ensures environmental regulatory compliance of Water Authority programs and projects.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jeff-Stephenson-SDCWA-Director-of-Water-Resources-crop-PRIMARY.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-10-25 08:46:392023-10-25 08:46:39Jeff Stephenson is New Director of Water Resources for San Diego County Water Authority
