On March 1, the San Diego County Water Authority connected with thousands of future water leaders at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering at Petco Park. The annual event provided the Water Authority with a great opportunity to engage with students and their families about the science behind water management.
Water Authority staff at their booth at the 2025 San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.
More than 21,500 children and their families attended the free festival – 4,000 more than the previous year. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from 160 different organizations about a myriad of topics, from what the universe looks like through VR goggles to more utilitarian topics like how water gets cleaned before arriving at their homes.
The Water Authority’s interactive booth drew a large crowd of kids who were eager to learn more about everything the Water Authority does – from the miles water travels to reach their tap to what happens after it’s used – to keep our region’s supply safe and reliable. The Water Authority team played a game with the kids that sparked conversations about where our water comes from, the incredible infrastructure that keeps the water flowing, and the people who make it all work.
Martín Fuentes, father of two, told the Union-Tribune, “it’s important that [the kids] get to know that there’s many things out there for them to learn.”
Both kids and their parents left with a greater understanding of the complex world of water management in our region, and some inspiration to pursue careers they didn’t know were possible. Events like this are an important way to inspire the next generation of leaders in science and engineering fields.
The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering advocates for investments in STEM education as a way to build a secure socio-economic environment for everyone regardless of their background.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/screenshot-2025-03-19-113339.png478731Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-03-19 11:41:282025-03-19 11:41:28Inspiring Future Water Leaders at the Festival of Science
For more than 80 years, the Water Authority and its 22 member agencies have worked together to deliver safe and reliable waterto our community. Thanks to our coordinated efforts and investments, the 3 million people who call San Diego County home have the water they need for generations to come.
Where does San Diego’s Water Come From?
San Diego County has three main sources of water: The Colorado River (61%), local supplies (33%) and the State Water Project (6%). Together these three categories provide a diversified water supply to ensure we’ve got abundant options to keep the water flowing.
Local supplies – Seawater desalination, recycled water, water purification, and brackish groundwater, are sources of local water supplies in the San Diego region. Local water agencies have worked to maintain and create these supply sources, with support from the Water Authority. The Water Authority also invested in the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Plant, brought online in 2015.
Colorado River – Most of the region’s water from the Colorado River is generated through increased conservation measures on farms and canals in the Imperial Valley.
State Water Project – The Bay-Delta is the hub of the State Water Project, a water storage and delivery system that is owned by the State of California and operated by the California Department of Water Resources. The Water Authority purchases State Water Project supplies through the Metropolitan Water District.
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.
How far does water travel to reach San Diego?
Water can travel up to a thousand miles before coming out of your tap. Snow and rain falls in the Rocky Mountains and travels to the region through the Colorado River. For the State Water Project, rain falls in northern California over 500 miles from San Diego and travels to the region through water infrastructure. In addition, the region has a growing array of local water supplies, including desalinated seawater and recycled water.
What does San Diego’s water infrastructure look like?
The Water Authority takes ownership of pipelines just south of the Riverside-San Diego county borderline and maintains more than 300 miles of pipelines in San Diego County that transport water throughout the region. Local water agencies operate thousands of miles of smaller pipelines that deliver water to homes and businesses.
Water Authority Senior Engineering Technician Karla Sanchez. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
How many facilities does the Water Authority operate to keep our system running?
With 1,600 structures and over 100 flow control facilities, the Water Authority’s countywide infrastructure is vital to provide San Diego with a safe and reliable source of water.
What is leading to rate increases?
Water rates are rising across the state for a variety of reasons, including inflation that is driving up the cost of items like electricity, steel and chemicals needed for water delivery and treatment.
The Water Authority and its member agencies are not immune from those impacts. In fact, San Diego County’s strategic investments in supply reliability, coupled with the work to maintain the aqueduct system, means that residents and businesses will pay more for water in future years.
The good news is that even during long dry spells, the Water Authority can meet the regional demand for water that sustains our economy and quality of life.
What else is the Water Authority doing to help the region understand its role?
The world of water is a complex one that needs color and context. That’s why, over the past few months, the Water Authority has developed a bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach strategy to tell residents across the region who we are and what we do. This program delivers targeted messaging across multiple channels, focusing on the value of water, infrastructure investments, climate adaptation and the people who make the water systems work. We hope that this effort will provide a deeper appreciation of the Water Authority and a better understanding of everything we do.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ColoRvAqueduct.1.23.2019x009-Watersource.jpg450845Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-03-17 11:25:092025-03-17 15:05:59Value of Water, Explained
The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) recently hosted a behind the scenes event aimed at propelling students to dive into careers in water and energy. The Education to Workforce Tour took participants into four programs aimed at preparing the next generation of water professionals in these fields.
The time to build that future workforce is now. According to the US Water Alliance, more than 300,000 people work to operate and maintain water systems around the country. In the next decade, about a third of water utility operators will be eligible to retire. Every year, water utilities must fill more than 9,000 water treatment operator jobs, with thousands of additional openings for other water-related occupations. Tours like this help provide insight and education about the potential careers for San Diego students.
At Cuyamaca College participants explored wastewater training facilities and discussed ways to build a talented workforce.
In partnership with the Water Energy Education Alliance, San Diego County Office of Education, Cuyamaca College, and Metropolitan Water District, this educational program is part of an ongoing partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE).
The tour travelled to four key locations: theLinda Vista Innovation Center (LVIC), Chula Vista Hydro Facility, Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies (CWS), and the construction site for Pure Water San Diego. Attendees from water districts, utilities, and educational institutions all came together to see how education and hands-on learning can create dynamic career pathways for students.
Tour attendees connected at the County Office of Education’s Linda Vista Innovation Center.
At LVIC, visitors saw STEM classrooms in action and talked about how to replicate this kind of learning environment across the San Diego region. The group then headed to Chula Vista Hydro Facility, where fifth-grade students learned about water-powered energy uses and the skilled workforce that supports it.
The third stop wasCuyamaca College, where participants explored wastewater training facilities and discussed ways to build a talented workforce. The final stop was Pure Water San Diego, where new job opportunities in advanced water treatment were on display.
The tour highlighted the benefits of early career exploration and opportunities in the water sector. When given the chance to understand what careers are available and match those with their unique skills and interests, students are more likely to choose the right courses and training programs early on, ensuring a steady stream of talent for the water industry as it enters a critical period of filling essential roles.
These educational and workforce partnerships between SDCWA, SDCOE, and other organizations are crucial for connecting the youth to future water industry jobs, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for future generations.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/screenshot-2025-03-10-125209.png286611Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-03-10 14:49:392025-03-10 14:49:39Partnerships Propels Future Wave of Water Workforce
The Vista Irrigation District (VID) is partnering with the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s “Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) Program to encourage job seekers and students to learn about water industry careers.
As part of the program, two VID employees were featured in informational videos describing their jobs, including their typical duties and the skills needed to succeed. Both employees also discuss the education required and local resources for career training.
Marselino Sanchez: Positive Impact on the Community
Marselino Sanchez says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
Water System Operation II Marselino Sanchez is in charge of maintaining water distribution systems and analyzing water quality. In his interview, Sanchez called his job “dynamic” and said he likes making a positive impact on his community.
“The biggest challenge with this position is trying to manage the distribution system, (and) also trying to handle any emergency that arises,” said Sanchez. “Not every day is the same. It can change within a minute, within seconds, so we’ve got to be able to adapt very quickly. But that’s the part that makes the job very fun and exciting.”
Sanchez said he took courses at Palomar College, which helped prepare him to take require State of California certification exams required for his job. He says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality.
Dean Farris: Flexibility Key To Success
Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the VID water system, including water system levels and water quality, water flow, adjustments in water pressures, and maintenance, all while staying ready for any possibility.
Like Sanchez, Farris says successful job candidates must be flexible. “Almost certainly, there’s going to be something that comes up that needs immediate attention, and so you’ve got to be ready for those curve balls that are thrown at you.”
Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the Vista Irrigation District water system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
Farris encourages aspiring water industry professionals to take courses at the community college level, such as Palomar College, to learn about water distribution and water and wastewater treatment. Getting certifications shows an employer that you’re a serious job candidate.
In addition, Farris says successful water and wastewater professionals have strong analytical skills, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate.
“The first thing I do when I walk in here in the morning, before anyone gets here, is analyze that big screen behind me with the historical trends and then make decisions based on that throughout the day,” said Farris.
Both videos are now available on the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s SOCAL webpage and on the SOCAL Workforce YouTube channel.
About Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning
Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) drives economic empowerment by elevating student awareness of career and educational opportunities across multiple industries and provides a forum for students to take meaningful steps towards participation in the workforce of tomorrow.
Dean Farris and Marselino Sanchez discuss daily operations. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
SOCAL is a collaborative program between education and industry created by Tri-City Medical Center, the San Diego North Economic Development Council and Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista,Escondido, San Marcos, and Encinitas Chambers of Commerce. The vision is to give middle school, high school, and post-secondary students and transitioning adults an opportunity to gain insights into career pathways while allowing businesses and local organizations to participate in these students’ career exploration.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/vid-video-marselino-1.png7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-02-12 11:52:292025-02-12 11:52:29Career Outreach by Vista Irrigation District Builds Workforce
Water in California, while always a hot topic, entered the national spotlight at the start of 2025. Where the San Diego region’s water comes from, how it’s provided and who’s in charge of what are big questions that water professionals address every day.
What are the biggest sources of water for San Diego County?
In 2024, about 60% of the region’s water supplies were from the Colorado River, about one-third were from local sources and the rest was from Northern California through the State Water Project. The State Water Project is operated by the State of California and is separate from the Central Valley Project operated by the federal government.
Regardless of the source, all the water delivered to homes and businesses across the region meets strict state and federal quality standards.
How has our region’s water supply changed over the years?
In 1991, San Diego County got 95% of its water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) in Los Angeles, leaving the region’s water supply outside of San Diego’s control. A lack of local resources left the region susceptible to supply cutbacks from its major single major source. In 1991, MWD imposed an supply reduction of 31%, prompting the San Diego region’s civic and business leaders to demand greater investments and increased control over the county’s water future. In the following three decades, the Water Authority invested roughly $3 billion in regional water reliability projects. That included cementing the largest water conservation-and-transfer deal in U.S. history to secure conserved water from the Imperial Valley, partnering with a private company to build the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant and super-sizing San Vicente Reservoir by raising the height of the World War II-era dam. Now San Diego has a locally controlled and diversified water supply to make sure the taps always turn on.
SDCWA’s water portfolio over the years.
Why doesn’t San Diego County use much groundwater?
Before 1947, the San Diego region relied heavily on local surface water runoff in normal and wet years, and on groundwater pumped from local aquifers during dry years when stream flows shriveled. As the economy and population grew exponentially, local resources became insufficient to meet the region’s water supply needs, and the region increasingly turned to imported water supplies. Today, groundwater is a small but important resource, especially in places like the South Bay where the aquifers are relatively large. Overall, it accounts for about 5 percent of the region’s water supply portfolio.
What is being done to create additional water supply here in the region?
Coordinating with 22 member agencies to develop long-term, local water reliability is a key component of the Water Authority’s mission. In fact, a growing number of local water sources across the San Diego region are managed by local retail agencies — and they are critical to ensuring long-term supply reliability. Local projects reduce demand on imported supplies and provide local agencies with more control.
In San Diego County, agencies are investing in seawater desalination, water recycling and water purification to create the water reliability our region needs to thrive.
What does the future of water look like for San Diego County?
Even in very dry years like 2025, regional investments mean there’s sufficient water to sustain our economy and quality of life. In fact, the region has done such a good job securing water, that it’s talking with other agencies across the Southwest about selling some of locally controlled water to combat rate increases in the county and support the larger regional economy.
For more information about San Diego’s water sources, click here.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Colorado-River-USBR-Proposal-Primary-April-2023-768x409-1.jpg409768Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-02-05 16:44:002025-02-06 09:15:25Where San Diego’s Water Comes From, Explained
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2025 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirements and the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies result in an increased effort to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.
Scholarships are available for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for the following academic school year.
San Diego Regional Water Scholarships
Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $1,000 scholarships for their university studies next fall
The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and $1,000 Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship honor two past leaders of Helix Water District. Friedgen retired in 1998 after 19 years as the district’s general manager, and Childs retired in 1999 after 20 years on the board of directors.
Applicants must graduate in Spring 2025 and attend a four-year college or university starting Fall 2025. Students submit a two-page essay exploring potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals, and financial need.
(L to R) Ilona Medina, Elizabeth Fellars, and Juan Paz are the 2024 scholarship recipients from the Vista Irrigation District. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarship(s) from the District ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of how water related issues influence our daily activities.
Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a one-page personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.
Applications must be received via email or at the District’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. Find the application link here.
Contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 or with questions or to request application information.
Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford was introduced to multiple job assignments during his recent internship. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the District. Up to six scholarships may be awarded, up to $2,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water-related issues impacting their community.
Eligible students must live or attend school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area. Scholarship applications from students pursuing careers in water, environmental science, engineering, or related fields are highly desirable.
Students must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.
Scholarship packages will be available starting February 3, 2025. To get application materials, email Chris Robbins at . Applications for the 2025 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by April 25, 2025.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college, or trade school with a career goal in the water industry. The application deadline has not been determined. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, email .
California’s community colleges can help you quickly prepare for a water career by obtaining an associate’s degree. Photo: Andrew Nixon, California Dept. of Water Resources
Through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the Mark Watton Scholarship Fund supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.
Applicants must be enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. The application period is March 24 to May 2, 2025.
Students can contact Cuyamaca College scholarship specialist Shirley Hughes with questions at
National University partners with the San Diego County Water Authority to offer a 25% tuition reduction scholarship to employees and employees of all member water agencies. The San Diego County Water Authority Tuition Reduction Scholarship benefits working adults who want to reach specific educational goals but find it challenging to fit classes into their busy life. The tuition reduction scholarship can be applied to most associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Click for more information.
California Statewide Water Scholarships
Andrea Solis used the CWEA Kirt Brooks Memorial Scholarship to fund her Civil Engineering studies at UC Davis. Photo: CWEA
The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Kirt Brooks Memorial Water Environment Scholarship is a scholarship for students in or interested in the water environment industry who are members of CWEA or sponsored by a CWEA member.
Scholarships are given for the Fall – Summer school year following the application deadline.
Applications are due on April 25 for the school year beginning the following September. Applicants are notified in May/June of their status/amount of award. Apply online here.
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers four undergraduate scholarships, one graduation scholarship, and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus.
Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include scholastic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.
ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders.
Deadline: March 1, 2025. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .
Water and wastewater agencies and associations provide water workers with training and career development opportunities, so you can continue to grow and advance in your career. Photo: Andrew Nixon, California Dept. of Water Resources
The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships supporting students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water-related field. Two $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.
Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable candidates.
Deadline: March 15, 2025. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies scholarship provides $25,000 for a graduate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. It may not be used to cover stipends or wages.
The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation.
According to the Centers for Excellence in Labor Market Research (COE), 67% of California water agencies report they are finding it difficult to recruit water and wastewater operators. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
With approximately 1,400 water and wastewater jobs expected to open across San Diego County in the next five years due to retirements, water industry careers offer promising lifelong professional opportunities. For more information, visit sandiegowaterworks.org
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-02-29-xm-0164-doe-soil-concrete-labs-testing-lebls.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-01-22 07:48:432025-01-22 07:48:432025 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring Water Professionals
Explore career options in the water and wastewater industry at the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies annual Open House and Student Orientation on Tuesday, January 21 at 6 p.m. in room L-104 on the Cuyamaca College campus.
Joe Young, Center for Water Studies program manager, enjoyed a successful 35-year career at the Helix Water District before leading the program. Instructors are all current or retired water and wastewater industry professionals.
Prospective students tour the Cuyamaca College Water and Wastewater Technology lab facilities during a recent open house. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
“Everybody that works in this program, they’re all either working now or they’ve retired recently. Everybody has strong, intimate knowledge in their specialty,” said Young.
Young encourages anyone interested in exploring water and wastewater careers to attend and learn about the many options for good-paying, meaningful jobs.
Center for Water Studies alumni include Padre Dam Municipal Water District General Manager Kyle Swanson, seen here with his predecessor Don Carlisle. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Hundreds of current water and wastewater employees at San Diego County water agencies are Center alumni, including Padre Dam Municipal Water District General Manager Kyle Swanson, and Helix Water District General Manager Brian Olney.
Young said the opportunities and earning potential are substantial. In addition, the work itself is extremely rewarding.
“You’re providing this service your community cannot live without. It gives you a sense of purpose, a sense of mission, and it was the most appealing aspect of my career. What we do is really important,” said Young.
Cuyamaca College’s innovative Field Operations Skills Yard is newly updated to provide students with practical challenges they will face working with water and wastewater industry facilities. Photo: Cuyamaca College
During the Open House, Young said participants will hear an overview of the program, learn about the degrees and certificates offered, details on the State required certifications necessary for employment, and the range of careers available in the water and wastewater industry. Participants can meet instructors and current students and ask questions.
Young said instructors will discuss the program and what students will learn. “We’re training people in the knowledge they will need to pass their state certifications, and we’re very successful at that,” explains Young.
To RSVP, send an email to or .
Meaningful Job Opportunities
The Center offers seven degree programs with certificate and two-year degree options. Young says specialties include water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, wastewater collection, backflow and cross-connection control, and water resources management.
Recently, the Center added an advanced water treatment program, which will prepare individuals for jobs at facilities such as Pure Water San Diego or the East County Advanced Water Project.
A career in the growing water industry presents an opportunity to pursue a very rewarding career while protecting the environment and serving the community in an essential role.
Skilled water professionals are in high demand as the current workforce ages. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), water and wastewater agencies employ more than 60,000 workers statewide, including 5,000 in San Diego County. The Water Research Foundation anticipates one-third of the utilities workforce will retire over the next decade, offering numerous openings.
According to the BLS, wastewater treatment and system operators earn an average annual wage of $80,000 in California.
Partnerships With Local Water Agencies
Cuyamaca College’s Water & Wastewater Technology program is the oldest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the California Community Colleges system. Photo: CWEA
Established in 1960, Cuyamaca College’s Water & Wastewater Technology program is the oldest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the California Community Colleges system. It has been educating the state’s water utility workforce for more than half a century.
Its innovative Field Operations Skills Yard provides students with practical challenges they will face in today’s complex water and wastewater facilities. Two labs give students hands-on training with backflow and cross-connection control and water quality lab analysis.
Members of the Cuyamaca College Water & Wastewater Technology Program Industry Advisory Committee include the San Diego County Water Authority, City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, Helix Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, the City of Escondido Utilities Department, Olivenhain Municipal Water District and other agencies.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ecawp-education-center-2024-1080x720.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-01-16 07:35:512025-01-16 07:35:51Explore Water Industry Careers at Center For Water Studies Open House Jan. 21
As San Diego enters the driest start to the water year since record keeping began in 1860, the San Diego County Water Authority has the reliable water supplies needed by the region for 2025 and beyond.
“We’ve been preparing for over three decades to have reliable water supplies, whether we’re in a drought or whether we have a wet year,” Water Authority Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez told CBS 8. “We have a lot of emergency storage in case there’s a disruption to our system.”
With coverage from CBS, KPBS and KUSI/Fox 5, the Water Authority has been informing and updating the public at every available opportunity.
The City of San Diego recorded only 0.14 inches of rain since Oct. 1, when typically it would have received between three and four inches.
While the lack of rain negatively impacts San Diego County’s flora and fauna — including increasing fire risk during the Santa Ana windstorms — the San Diego region doesn’t depend on local rainfall to supply the water that powers our economy and sustains our quality of life. Instead, the region uses a combination of desalinated seawater, conserved water from the Colorado River, recycled water, and runoff from the Sierra.
“San Diegans don’t need to worry about any water restrictions or any conservation mandates — we have plenty of water,” Lopez said.
Meanwhile, Northern California has been relatively wet. That means the state’s six major reservoirs are at 121% of their historical average levels at the beginning of 2025, slightly better than the same time last year. Additionally, the statewide snowpack is 115% of its historical average.
Precipitation over the next few months will be key to determining the state’s overall water supply for 2025. Regardless, the San Diego region has sufficient water for the foreseeable future.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/screenshot-2025-01-09-163304.png532963Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-01-09 16:42:262025-01-10 10:49:22Local Media Turn To Water Authority at Start of Dry Year
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity for emerging leaders throughout San Diego County to join the Citizens Water Academy and get an up-close understanding of our most important resource.
Over multiple sessions participants will learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go behind the scenes with water managers, planners, and engineers to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission.
Citizen Water Academy participants check out the Olivenhain Dam.
Since its launch in 2015, this award-winning program has equipped nearly 800 civically engaged leaders with the water knowledge they need to make a difference in their communities and careers.
Whether you’re a staffer or a working professional, an elected official or business leader, the information and relationships you’ll gain from the Citizens Water Academy will be impactful. Finally, graduates will have access to a robust and growing alumni network from across the region.
The application period runs from January 6 to February 28, with the class taking place in early April. Citizens Water Academy participants must attend all three sessions. The application is available on the Water Authority website through this link.
Session Guide:
Session 1 – Wednesday lunch hour, April 9 via Zoom. Welcome and overview by General Manager Dan Denham.
Session 2 – Thursday evening, April 10. Dinner, presentations, and activities. Topic: planning for a water-resilient future.
Session 3 – Saturday, April 12, half day. Breakfast and lunch, and behind-the-scenes tours of the Water Authority’s Operations Center and Olivenhain Dam and Pump Station.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Citizens-Water-Academy-Summer-2023-Class8-SLIDER.jpg6491500Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-01-07 14:28:102025-01-07 14:40:41Applications Now Open for Spring 2025 Citizens Water Academy
Four San Diego County student artists from four member water agencies are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2025 Metropolitan Water District’s 36th annual “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.
The creative artwork of 37 kindergarten through 12th-grade students, including the students from San Diego County, was recognized for being selected at the district’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in December.
The 2025 calendar features art from 37 students in Southern California, including four from San Diego County. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
During the first in-person calendar celebration in five years following virtual recognition ceremonies, the artists, their families, and local educators heard from Metropolitan Chair Adan Ortega, board director Brenda Dennstedt, and other student artists featured in the calendar.
Students also met five water mascots and took photos with them.
MWD board chairman Adán Ortega, Jr. thanked the students, their family and friends, and the many educators who support the annual contest.
San Diego student art featured in July and August 2025
Charlotte Chatham’s winning artwork is featured on the July 2025 page in the calendar.
Charlotte Chatham, a talented eighth-grade student at La Mesa Arts Academy, represents the Helix Water District in the 2025 calendar for July 2025. Her teacher is Alison Lindsay.
Three additional winners are featured on the August 2025 page.
Kenziee Bowen, Ava Fabunan, and Tristan Ong are featured in August 2025.
Kenziee Bowen, a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Her teacher is Amile Sicat.
Ava Fabunan, a sixth-grader at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista, is the Otay Water District’s winner. Her teacher is Christina Stencil-Dare.
Ava’s creative piece highlights ways to use water wisely at home. She explains, “I thought that by making a character talking about how to conserve water, it would really inspire kids of all ages.”
Ava Fabunan’s original artwork is on display with the other winners at the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. Photo: Otay Water District
Calendars are available to Otay customers at its offices at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley.
Tristan Ong, a fourth-grade student at Allen Elementary School in Bonita, represents the Sweetwater Authority. His teacher is Ellen Sinong.
Conservation message delivered through creative talent
Winners were recognized at a celebration in December. Photo: Otay Water District
The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was created 36 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.
Artwork from the student winners will remain on display at Metropolitan’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in January. The traveling artwork will visit member agencies throughout the year. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mwd-2025-calendar-winners-x.jpg7181080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-01-06 06:33:282025-01-06 12:34:12San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2025 Calendar
