Winners of Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s “Being Water Wise Is…” 2026 Student Poster Contest were recognized at the district’s May board meeting. The winning students, along with their families and their teachers, joined the Board of Directors to admire the artwork on display.
Every year, students attending schools within the District’s service area are invited to create posters that promote the value of water.
In their artwork, students explored themes of wise and efficient water use. Student artists are in grades from kindergarten to fifth grade at Pepper Drive Elementary School, Rio Seco School, Boulder Oaks Elementary School, Carlton Oaks School, and Hill Creek School.
This insightful artwork reminds us of the value of water and the importance of protecting our most precious resource for future generations.
Award-Winning Art Selected for 2026
Luna Venegas – FirstGrade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School
Payson Duda – Second Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School
Julian Barnett –Second Grade, Rio Seco School
June Polte – ThirdGrade, Pepper Drive Elementary School
William Creed – ThirdGrade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School
Sydney Naylor – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School
Avery Wymss – Third Grade, Boulder Oaks Elementary School
Austyn Kelly – Third Grade, Hill Creek School
Rachel Parker – Third Grade, Hill Creek School
Amelia Tuniyants – Fourth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School
Charlotte Ngo – FourthGrade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School
Clementine Abraham – Fifth Grade, Carlton Oaks Elementary School
Contest Winners Advance to Regional Competition
The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2027 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.
The Student Art Calendar was created 37 years ago. It selects student art submitted from grades K through 12 to help convey vitally important water conservation messages. Member agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions.
In 2026, the winning artwork created by fourth-grade student Maddy Clements from Carlton Oaks Elementary School in Santee was selected for the September 2026 page. The previous year, Kenziee Bowen, also a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represented the Padre Dam Municipal Water District in the calendar. Both students were from teacher Amile Sicat’s class.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/padre-dam-posters-2026-charlotte-4th-grade.jpg7151080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-06-15 07:40:212026-06-15 07:40:21Students Create Award Winning Art in Padre Dam MWD Poster Contest
Seven local high school students were recognized for their award-winning photographs during the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) May board meeting.
The winners were selected from 85 photo entries submitted by 78 students representing high schools throughout the South Bay for the Authority’s annual High School Photo Contest.
“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to the continued involvement and creativity of our local high school students,” said Board Chair Ditas Yamane.
Depicting Water In Daily Life
The High School Photo Contest challenges students to creatively showcase and celebrate the many ways water supports, sustains, and enhances our daily lives through photography.
The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities.
The winning photographs are currently on display in a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center and can also be viewed online at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest.
“We are continually impressed by the talent and photography skills of students throughout our service area and encourage the community to visit the exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.”
Winning Student Photos
Color Category:
1st Place: “Limas al Sol” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
2nd Place: “Plant in Water” by Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
2nd Place: “Splashing” by Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10
3rd Place: “Morning Dew” by Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9
Black and White Category:
1st Place: “A Moment of Life” by Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11
2nd Place: “Wet Clover” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
3rd Place: “The Pour” by Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12
Two additional students received Honorable Mention awards for their outstanding submissions.
Color Category: ” Life Across the Basin” by Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12\
Black & White Category: “Game Time” by Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present in everyday life, from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities. Photographers may enter their work in two categories: color photography and black-and-white photography.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sweetwater-photos-2026-limas.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-06-12 07:49:152026-06-12 07:49:15Talented High School Photographers Win Sweetwater Authority Photo Contest
Six students have been selected as winners of the Otay Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for their creative artwork highlighting the importance of water-use efficiency.
Every year, K-12 grade students attending schools within the District’s service area are invited to create posters that promote the value of water. Although there were no high school submissions this year, winners were selected in the elementary school and middle school categories.
“It is encouraging to see the level of creativity that students showcased this year to promote the significance of water conservation and stewardship,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “This program helps inspire younger generations to better understand the importance of protecting our water resources every day.”
The student winners will be recognized during the District’s Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, July 1. Each winner will receive a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.
2026 Otay WD Student Poster Contest Winners
Category: Elementary School
First Place: Gabriel M., Fifth Grade, Liberty Elementary School
Second Place: Kathlyn Clarie M., First Grade, Liberty Elementary School
Third Place: Julianna R., Fourth Grade, Sweetwater Springs Elementary School
Category: Middle School
First Place: Chloe K., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
Second Place: Delilah T., Seventh Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
Third Place: Zoe C., Eighth Grade, Rancho Del Rey Middle School
Contest Winners Advance to Regional Competition
The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2027 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.
Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan Water District calendar the past four years, including Zhaoyu Zhai, a ninth grader at Otay Rank High School in 2026; Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/otay-winners-collage.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-06-11 08:40:502026-06-11 08:40:50Otay Water District Poster Contest Winners Create Art With A Message
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors recognized the winners of the 2026 North County Water Agencies Fourth Grade Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May board meeting.
Now in its 33rd year, students were asked to create artwork depicting the theme “Love Water, Save Water.” All participating students learn about the region’s water supply and the need for water conservation as part of the contest.
“The annual poster contest offers future water stewards the chance to showcase their creativity and share their understanding of why saving water is so important,” said board president Matthew Hahn. “On behalf of the entire board, a heartfelt thank you to every student who participated this year, and a big congratulations to all the winners!”
Winning Entries Reflect Respect for the Environment
Winning entries were submitted by students Austin M. from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Yohan R. from Monterey Ridge Elementary School, and Kira S. from Stone Ranch Elementary School.
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Austin M. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Austin’s poster features an image of the Earth as a crying eye, with oceans forming tears that flow into the word ‘Water.’ His poster highlights the urgency of conserving water and protecting the planet.
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Yohan R. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Yohan’s entry showcases an hourglass filled with water flowing from a faucet. It symbolizes that time is of the essence and every drop counts. The poster also includes the messages ‘Love Water, Save Water’ and ‘Preserve Every Drop.’
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Kira S. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Kira’s poster depicts a vibrant underwater scene filled with marine life. It includes a whale, fish, turtles, and coral. Her poster emphasizes the potential impacts of water pollution with the phrase “Say No to Plastic” and “To Love Water, Save Water.”
All three winning posters will be featured in the 2027 North County Water Awareness Calendar.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/omwd-2026-posters-winners.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-06-02 07:39:152026-06-02 07:39:15Olivenhain Municipal Water District Spotlights 2026 Poster Contest Winners
The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors recognized students from local schools for their excellence in the classroom through its scholarship program and through its annual student poster art competition.
The District awarded $2,000 scholarships to six deserving students at its May board meeting. The scholarship program was established by the Board in 2022 to provide scholarships to high school students, as well as students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos, to encourage students to pursue a water career.
Winning Lineup of Scholarship Winners
Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins introduced the scholarship recipients in the style of a ballpark public address announcer in a unique and popular presentation. Each student stepped up to ‘the plate’ as Robbins offered personal information about each recipient.
“Leading off for the Vallecitos Scholarships, setting the table, Palomar student and successful intern with Vallecitos during the Fall 2025 semester and currently working as the Outreach Specialist for the Water and Wastewater Technology Program at Palomar, Carly Gresham.
“Second in your lineup is a three-sport star, an honors student, ASB leader, and varsity captain ready to help shape the future of California infrastructure — planning to attend SDSU, from San Marcos High School, Carson Hackett.
“Batting third for Vallecitos, a leader, AVID student, bilingual scholar and community volunteer has the vision, resilience, and leadership to help shape tomorrow’s projects and communities — also planning to attend San Diego State, from Mission Hills High School, Ashley Perez.
“In the cleanup spot, working to keep the campus clean at Mission Hills High School and planning to attend UC Irvine and get a degree in Environmental Science, from San Marcos High School, student athlete runner and dancer, Keira Klima.
“Up fifth, keeping the rally going, this future innovator has already launched businesses, tutored fellow students, and explored the frontiers of AI and cybersecurity – Planning to attend UCLA, from Mission Hills High School, Tanner Rankin.
“Last but certainly not least, a student whose internship experience here at Vallecitos along with his D2 and T2 certifications, make him a future water professional committed to protecting one of our region’s most valuable resources — from Palomar College, Charles Zhou.”
Students Honored as 2026 Student Poster Art Contest Winners
Vallecitos 2026 Student Poster Contest winners (L to R): Board Member Tanis Brown, First Place Winner EV Casiday, Board Member Jim Hernandez, Second Place Winner Fiona Basham, Board President Jennifer Kerschbaum, Third Place Winner Ayleen Guillen, Board Member Jim Pennock. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Also at the May board of directors meeting, three students were recognized as the winners of the 2026 Student Poster Art Contest, sponsored by water agencies throughout Southern California as a way to educate students about water conservation. All winners received Amazon gift cards and tickets to the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.
Winners will be entered into regional competition for the opportunity to appear in the 2027 Metropolitan Water District calendar.
See the winning artwork.
First Place Winner: EV Casiday. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Second Place: Fiona Rose. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Third Place: Ayleen Sophia Guillen. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/vwd-scholarship-winners.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-26 07:51:432026-05-26 11:10:21Students Honored For Accomplishments by Vallecitos Water District
The Vista Irrigation District recognized students from its communities for winning artwork in its annual poster contest, and awarded college scholarships to five deserving high school seniors.
Scholarship Winners Highlight Water Issues
Vista Irrigation District’s annual scholarship contest is open to high school seniors living within the district’s service area. Students must submit applications demonstrating their knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the district.
The winning applicants:
Rahel Chiwai, who attends Mission Charbel Vista High School, received the top $3,000 scholarship.
Rancho Buena Vista High School senior Taylor Sheridan received a $2,500 scholarship.
Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Stephanie Aguilar from Mission Vista High School, Kawai Chau from Rancho Buena Vista High School, and Yahir Landeros of Vista High School.
Student Share Water Conservation Messages Through Art
Vista Irrigation District staff selected work by three fourth-grade students from the local community as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.
The 2026 Student Water Awareness Poster Contest targets fourth-grade students. It is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”
The three winning posters were selected from 168 entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.
All three winners’ artwork will appear in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available, free of charge, at the district’s office in November 2026.
Winning Poster Contest Entries
First Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Charbel Merhi. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Charbel Merhi, a fourth-grade student from St. Francis of Assisi School, received first-place honors from the Vista Irrigation District for his entry in the 2026 Water Awareness Poster Contest. He received a $100 award.
Second Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Riley Semer. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Riley Semer, a fourth-grade student also from St. Francis of Assisi School, received second place and a $50 award.
Third Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Zoey Watts. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Zoey Watts, a fourth-grader attending Empresa Elementary School, won third place and received a $25 award.
Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to roughly 135,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/scholarship-winners-left-to-right-rahel-chiwai-stephanie-aguliar-yahir-landeros-taylor-sheridan-kawai-chau.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-15 07:22:262026-05-15 07:22:26Vista Irrigation District Names Art Contest and Scholarship Winners
Helix Water District honored ten local student artists from kindergarten up through eighth grade for their winning entries in the District’s 2026 Student Poster Contest. The students were recognized by the Helix Water District board of directors in an awards ceremony at its May board meeting.
Each year, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of Helix’s wholesale water providers, holds a regional poster contest to raise students’ awareness of water. Students are asked to create a design of their choice showcasing the theme “Being Water Wise Is.”
Helix Water District promotes the contest to all schools within its service area.
The following student artists took top honors for 2026.
First Place, K-2 Division: Evie Makin, Second Grade, La Mesa Dale Elementary School, La Mesa. Photo: Helix Water District
Grades K – 2 Category
First Place: Evie Makin, Second Grade, La Mesa Dale Elementary School, La Mesa
First place in the Grade 3-4 category: Heather Medina, Highlands Elementary School. Photo: Helix Water DIstrict
Grades 3 – 4 Category
First Place: Heather Medina, Fourth Grade, Highlands Elementary School, La Mesa
Grades 3 and 4 winners: Second Place: Zoey Castillo, Highlands Elementary School in La Mesa; Third Place: Joy-Elise Tavarez, Northmont Elementary School, La Mesa; and Honorable Mention: Hayley Argyle, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Second Place: Zoey Castillo, Fourth Grade, Highlands Elementary School, La Mesa
Third Place: Joy-Elise Tavarez, Fourth Grade at Northmont Elementary School, La Mesa
Honorable Mention: Hayley Argyle, Fourth Grade at Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Fifth grade winners: First Place: Lilly Mallory, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon; Second Place: Brooklynn Harr, Fletcher Hills Elementary School, El Cajon; Third Place: Natalie Trillas, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Grade 5 Category
First Place: Lilly Mallory, Fifth Grade at Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Second Place: Brooklynn Harr, Fifth Grade, Fletcher Hills Elementary School, El Cajon
Third Place: Natalie Trillas, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Grades 6-8 Winners: First Place: Brooklyn Gray, Seventh Grade, Learning Choice Academy, La Mesa; and Honorable Mention: Mikaela Moore, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Grades 6 – 8 Category
First Place: Brooklyn Gray, Seventh Grade, Learning Choice Academy, La Mesa
Honorable Mention: Mikaela Moore, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Helix Students On a Seven-Year Winning Streak
The Helix Water District now forwards the winning posters to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to be considered for inclusion in its 2027 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.
Helix Water District winners have been selected for the Metropolitan calendar every year since 2020. Eighth grade student Emma Phillips of Christ Lutheran School was selected for the 2026 calendar. Her artwork appears on the August 2026 page.
Helix Charter High School ninth-grade student Catalina Jones’ artwork has been selected for the Metropolitan calendar twice. Her artwork appeared in the 2024 calendar and the 2023 calendar.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/helix-2026-poster-firsts-copy.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-14 07:17:112026-05-14 07:17:112026 Student Poster Contest Winners Named by Helix Water District
Job opportunities in the water industry are plentiful and growing. That’s why the San Diego County Water Authority is making workforce development a priority, preparing the next generation of job seekers to pursue careers in this vital and often overlooked field.
The Water Authority is participating in career fairs and work panels around the county to highlight the various career paths, educational requirements, starting salaries and job growth potential in the water world.
“More than half of our workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years,” said Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst with the Water Authority “This will create new opportunities for meaningful careers in the water industry. Engaging our community to develop robust workforce development opportunities will help to fill critical skills and knowledge gaps, ensure operational business continuity, and create a pipeline of top talent.”
2025 Workforce Development Efforts
Water Authority employees are connecting with high school and college students, transitioning service members, veterans, and diverse immigrant communities at various events.
The goal is to showcase the wide array of jobs needed to keep water flowing to the taps. Career opportunities range from engineering, finance and public affairs roles that require college degrees, to skilled trade jobs – such as surveyors and operators, that call for a high school diploma and special certifications at differing levels.
Introductions to water careers are made at a variety of career fairs and industry events throughout the year. These include high school and college career fairs, the East County Economic Development Council Manufacturing Expo, as well as military and apprenticeship-focused fairs.
Cristina Lever-Santos and intern Lily Winesett at the East County EDC Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College.
Students and prospective job candidates stop by the agency’s booth to learn about water industry career paths, internship programs, and the skills and education needed to enter and thrive in the water industry. Fun promotional materials and interactive demos also engage participants.
The agency is also partnering with the newly formed San Diego County Water Workforce Collaborative to bring together educators and industry professionals to highlight the water industry and build a future water workforce.
Plans for the Future
To inspire the next generation of water professionals, the Water Authority is also expanding its work with partners at the college and high school levels as well as collaborating with water agencies throughout the region. Programs such as the apprenticeship initiative with Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies allow students to rotate through technical roles to gain practical experience in treatment and operations.
Supporting Veterans and Career Growth
The Water Authority provides training opportunities to military veterans looking for new careers in public service as part of the SkillBridge Program. The program helps military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry. More than 30,000 service members separate from the military each year in California, and more than half are transitioning out of active duty in the San Diego region.
Learn More About a Career in Water
Senior Human Resources Analyst Patty Duran at the Camp Pendleton Career Exploration & Hiring Event.
San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies launched SanDiegoWaterWorks.org, serving as a one-stop shop for regional water and wastewater industry careers. It provides the first comprehensive list of job openings across the San Diego region in a convenient location. The site features:
Current water and wastewater job postings in the San Diego region
Career advice and resources on training, education and internship programs
Stories featuring rewarding careers in the water industry
Resources and information on special training programs and internships for military veterans
In addition, the California Urban Water Agencies career ladders offer valuable resources by highlighting career paths, requirements, and salaries within the water sector – from entry-level positions to advanced technical and executive leadership roles.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/workforce-development-1.jpg9021203Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2026-02-11 07:36:382026-02-11 07:41:26Water Authority Ramps Up Workforce Development
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2026 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirements, along with the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies, is driving greater efforts to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.
Scholarships are available for community college, 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 Scholarships
Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $2,000 scholarships for their university studies next fall. The amount of the award has increased from 2025.
The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and the 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. These scholarship awards have also increased to $2,000 this year.
Applicants must graduate in Spring 2026 and attend a four-year college or university starting in Fall 2026. 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.
Vallecitos Water District Scholarships
Six scholarships are available for high school and college students who are residents of the 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 in amounts 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 go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area. Scholarship applications from students pursuing a career in water, environmental science, engineering or other related fields are highly desirable.
Students must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.
Scholarship packages are now available. Email Chris Robbins to get application materials. Applications for the 2026 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarship(s) from the District in amounts 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 20, 2026. 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.
Sweetwater Authority “Work For Water” Scholarships
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 .
Institution-Based College Scholarships
The Mark Watton Scholarship Fund through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges 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 currently 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. Application dates are March 23 to May 1, 2026.
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.
Statewide Water Association Scholarships
Association of California Water Agencies Scholarships for Undergrads and Grad Students
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers three undergraduate scholarships, two graduate 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, 2026. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .
American Water Works Association Scholarships
The American Water Works Association offers scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies.
The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships in support of students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water-related field. Three $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, 2026. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
Water Education Foundation For Graduate Students
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. The scholarship 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.
Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields can also explore careers in water through the InFLOW STEMpath Track program, which introduces them to water industry careers through virtual education and an annual conference. Learn more on the program webpage.
With approximately 1,400 water and wastewater jobs expected to open up 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/2026/02/2025-04-21-an-0986-dfd-apprentice.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-02-06 07:26:552026-02-07 13:56:162026 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring San Diego Water Professionals
The Helix Water District plays host this week to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s “Being Water Wise Is” traveling art show, now through January 30, at its administration office, located at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.
The show displays the original artwork created by talented students from kindergarten through 12th grade from across Southern California, including member agency entrants from San Diego County.
The winning poster from Helix Water District 2025 contest entrant Emma Phillips is featured in the art show. Her poster is among those included in the Metropolitan Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar. Emma is an eighth-grade student at Christ Lutheran School.
Winning Ways By Helix Student Artists
The winning entry from Emma Phillips. Photo: Helix Water District
Each year, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of our wholesale water providers, holds a regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. This past year, kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout the Helix Water District competed to have their poster win the district’s poster contest and claim a coveted spot in the Metropolitan Water District’s “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.
Helix Water District winners have been selected for the Metropolitan calendar every year since 2020. The 2025 high school winner, Helix Charter High School ninth-grader Catalina Jones, has won the Helix Water District Contest twice and had her artwork selected for the Metropolitan calendar twice. Her artwork appeared in the 2024 and 2023 calendars.
Other winning students include Charlotte Chatham (2025), Cameryn Kovar (2024), Clare Brandt (2023), Lucas Regimbal (2022), Jose Sabedra and Mina Saeed (2021), and Valeria Ramirez (2020). Phillips now joins them.
Members of the public are welcome to view the art show during business hours at the Helix Water District administration building in La Mesa this week. Photo: Helix Water District
The public is welcome to visit the Helix Water District administration office during business hours to enjoy these inspiring works of art. The district thanks all its past participants for their creativity and commitment to water-wise practices and looks forward to new entries in the 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” Student Poster Art contest.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/helix-art-show-0092-1080x720.jpg7231080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-01-27 07:29:252026-01-27 07:29:25Helix Water District Hosts Student Art Show
