Features Archives

“Lights at the Lake” at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features 100,000 lights and three dozen displays nightly through December 31. Photo: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve holiday activities

San Diego Regional Reservoirs Offer Holiday Activities

December 21, 2023/in Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Several of San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer special holiday events through 2023 and host winter activities during the region’s cooler months.

Santee Lakes shows its holiday spirit

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts the “Lights at the Lake” drive through holiday show through December 28. It features more than 100,000 lights and three dozen displays to brighten your holidays. Hours are 5:45 p.m. through 8:45 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). You must buy tickets in advance at https://santeelakes.ticketspice.com/lights-at-the-lakes-2023.

See a video preview.

Santa Claus visits with kids on December 21, 22, and 23.

Trout fishing season is in full swing. Lakes 4 and 5 were recently stocked with 1,000 pounds of trout.

For the second year in a row, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve was nationally recognized by the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) as its large/mega park Plan-it Green Park of the Year for its environmentally friendly practices across all areas of park operations and its commitment to sustainability. Judges make their decisions based on several criteria: guest experiences, all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service, and industry involvement.

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

Lake Jennings open for winter fun

A happy angler shows off his catch at Lake Jennings. Photo: Lake Jennings/Facebook

Lake Jennings is open daily except on Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 7. Trout fishing season is in full swing, with the lake fully stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout. It will be restocked again the week of December 25 and January 8 and 22.

The lake will be open for its New Moon Fishing event on Saturday, January 13, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, sunset watching, star gazing, and firepit rentals. The lake will be freshly stocked with 1,500 lbs. of rainbow trout. The entrance gate closes at 8 p.m.; full-sized lanterns are required after sunset. Get more information about activities at https://lakejennings.org/

Lake Jennings is a popular destination for birding and viewing wildlife, like this red-tailed hawk. Photo: Lake Jennings

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

Free Fishing Sundays coming to an end at Sweetwater Reservoir

Just two Sundays are left to enjoy Sweetwater Reservoir’s “Free Fishing Sundays.”

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to Authority customers and offers outdoor activities, including 2.5 miles of shoreline fishing and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

The entrance is at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees remain in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. For information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

The reservoir is primarily a local water supply for the Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita. The Sweetwater Authority has created recreational opportunities, including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail at Sweetwater operated by the County of San Diego through a license from the Authority.

(L to R) City of Escondido Environmental Programs team members Janin Rodarte, Emily Mixer, and Marielle Decker share the holiday spirit. Photo: City of Escondido holiday giving

Member Agencies Support Holiday Giving Programs

December 18, 2023/in Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2023 to benefit a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Helix and Otay Water District Employees Feed A Need

The Helix Water District’s Peanut Butter Drive supports the San Diego Food Bank this holiday season. Photo: Helix Water District

The Helix Water District employee volunteer program kicked off the giving season in October with a peanut butter drive for the San Diego Food Bank. Public Affairs Supervisor Addie Woodard explains that peanut butter is a nutrient-rich superfood popular with kids and is also shelf-stable. One jar can provide more than 12 sandwiches. But it’s expensive for the Food Bank to purchase, making it a valuable donation item.

Generous Helix employees contributed more than 100 pounds of peanut butter. Woodward offered a lighthearted “That’s nuts!” at the effort’s inaugural success.

Otay Water District employees offered generous support to the San Diego Food Bank. Photo: San Diego Food Bank

Otay Water District employees also support the San Diego Food Bank by making giving simple through their virtual holiday food drive. The District encouraged its more than 240,000 customers, employees, and anyone in a position to join the fight against hunger by donating safely online at their convenience.

Through the Virtual Food Drive, donors select and purchase food items, such as canned meats, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, oatmeal, and cereal. Monetary donations are also accepted. For every $1 donation, the San Diego Food Bank can provide two meals to families in need.

Helping Hand For Kids From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program every holiday season. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

For more than two decades, Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the item and brings them back unwrapped to the office. The Salvation Army picks up and delivers the donated toys. This year, employees donated enough toys to help make Christmas bright for 20 South County families and kids.

“Sweetwater Authority employees care about the community we serve,” said General Manager Carlos Quintero. “We’re happy to spread some holiday cheer through our participation in the Angel Tree Program.”

Generous Escondido Employees Brighten the Holidays

(L to R) City of Escondido Environmental Programs team members Marielle Decker, Emily Mixer, and Janin Rodarte share the holiday spirit. Photo: City of Escondido holiday giving

(L to R) City of Escondido Environmental Programs team members Emily Mixer, Marielle Decker, and Janin Rodarte share the holiday spirit. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido employees participated in a Holiday Stockings and Senior Pantry drive. Employees put together holiday stockings filled with personal care items, snacks, and fun surprises for the Escondido Senior Center. Food donations support a holiday pantry for seniors, who can choose items to stretch their food budget. City staff collectively put together a total of 134 stockings and contributed over 800 food items.

Olivenhain MWD Spreads The Joy

Gifts contributed by Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees benefited the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) employees have three ongoing holiday giving traditions to help deserving recipients.

Early in the holidays, donations were collected and dropped off at the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need.

The District participates each year in the Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family program. In 2023, employees gathered donations for a single mom and her six children, two seniors, and two veterans.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kim Thorner and Education and Conservation Coordinator Teresa Chase with some of the 255 nut baskets sold, with $5,610 going to Water for People. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

For 18 years, OMWD employees have enthusiastically supported fundraising for the nonprofit Water for People. It works with communities across the globe to install safe water and sanitation systems, educating local people on good health practices and saving thousands of lives.

During the holiday season, the San Diego chapter holds a competition to sell the most gift baskets donated by Wonderful Pistachios. Employees help assemble the baskets for sale. OMWD was the top donor again in 2023, with 255 baskets sold for a donation total of $5,610 going to Water for People.

Dr. Malcolm Dunstan of MAD & Associates represents the team including the Water Authority at the award ceremony, MAD & Associates led the RCC mix design for the San Vicente Dam Raise project. Photo: International Commission on Large Dams

San Vicente Dam Raise Wins Global Award

December 6, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

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.

(L to R) Chuck Greely, CWEA president; Dan Denham, Water Authority General Manager; Mel Katz, Water Authority Board of Directors chairman; and Sue Mosburg, executive director of CA-NV-AWWA, with the Advanced Water Treatment Champion award at the November Board of Directors meeting. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority leadership in training

Water Authority Recognized For Leadership In Training Industry Professionals

December 4, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

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.”

Helix Water District Board Vice President Dan McMillan with the Golden Watchdog Award given to the District's Tunnel Hill Tanks project. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Helix Water District Receives Golden Watchdog Award for Tunnel Hill Tanks Project

November 20, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

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.)

Wastewater Collection System Worker II Jesse Halbig explain how the crew put a remote camera into the sewer system to inspect the condition of the sewer pipes. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Water Academy

Vallecitos WD Water Academy Draws A Crowd

November 20, 2023/in Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Vallecitos Water District (VWD) customers got a first-hand look at what it takes to operate their water and wastewater systems at a Water Academy Tour hosted on November 2. Forty-six customers participated in the day-long program.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Matt Wiese explains how staff monitor functions at the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

After being welcomed by VWD General Manager Glenn Pruim and Assistant General Manager James Gumpel with an overview of the District, certified water and wastewater specialists took Water Academy participants through tours of the Sustainable Demonstration Garden and its water meters, its equipment and water operations control room, the Twin Oaks Reservoirs and the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility.

Other tour highlights include demonstrations of specialized equipment used by the District’s water professionals, and a visit to the Water Operations Department’s computerized control room to see how the District ensures that the drinking water is safe.

At the Sustainable Demonstration Garden, participants learned about conservation techniques for their landscaping.

At all stops, customers had the opportunity to have their questions answered by staff and District board members, including at a group lunch.

Reservoir, Reclamation Facility Tours A Highlight

Water Systems Operator II Toby Luna demonstrates how water is tested. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Participants boarded a chartered bus for a first-hand look at the District’s 33-million-gallon and 40-million-gallon capacity Twin Oaks Reservoirs, currently said to be the largest of their kind in the world. The grand finale of the tour is a visit to the District’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility in Carlsbad, capable of recycling up to 74% of the wastewater generated in its service area. At this facility, participants learned how microorganisms help clean the water and see how recent plant upgrades to increase capacity benefit the community by lowering the overall demand for water.

“It’s a privilege for our team of certified water and wastewater specialists to provide Vallecitos Water District customers a first-hand look at what it takes to operate the Vallecitos Water District and provide reliable, exceptional, and sustainable water and wastewater service to the more than 100,000 residents in our service area,” said Chris Robbins, VWD Public Information/Conservation Supervisor.

Officials recognizing the Quantification Settlement Agreement 20th Anniversary (L to R): Jim Barrett, Coachella Valley Water District GM, Miguel Luna, Chair of the Legal and Claims Committee with the MWD Board, State Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-80), Water Authority GM Dan Denham, Colorado River Board of California Vice Chair and Water Authority board member Jim Madaffer, Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz, Jamie Asbury, IID GM, MWD General Manager Adel Hagekhalil, IID GM Alex Cardenas. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Milestone Water Agreement Marks 20th Anniversary

November 13, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County and Southern California water industry leaders commemorated the 20^th 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.

Rain barrels can capture rainfall for irrigation in your garden. Photo: National Audubon Society rain barrel rebates

Rain Barrel Rebates Timed for Rainy Season

November 1, 2023/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

With climatologists predicting the potential for above-average precipitation in the months ahead due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of the County of San Diego’s upcoming rainwater harvesting workshops and rain barrel rebates.

The County’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host free rainwater harvesting workshops in Fall and Winter 2023. Workshops help residents learn how to capture rainwater to supplement their irrigation needs, save money on water bills, and protect our region’s environment by preventing pollutants from spilling into regional watersheds.

The County of San Diego holds free rain barrel rebate workshops at different locations. Use the QR Code for the latest schedule. Photo: County of San Diego

The next scheduled workshop is Wednesday, November 8, at 1 p.m. at Tractor Supply, 27444 Valley Center Road. Future workshops will be listed on the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program website.

At the end of the workshop, residents who live in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible to receive a free rain barrel. Participants in incorporated areas can check their rebate eligibility on the San Diego County website’s interactive map.

The County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP) partners with the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (through SoCal WaterSmart) and can assist residents in determining which program benefits are available.

Capture rainwater

During San Diego County’s limited periods of rainfall, any rainwater captured from your roof and property saves money. It also helps the region maintain its water supplies.

Directing downspouts into water-collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego

Workshops introduce residents to several beautiful, efficient ways to save rainwater. In addition to rain barrels, directing downspouts to fill containers lets you choose how to use the rainwater you capture. The overflow should empty onto your yard or a landscape feature to infiltrate the excess flow into the soil. Rain chains can assist with this.

Protecting water quality in watersheds

The Countyl of San Diego is committed to protecting the water quality in county creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can bring pollutants to county waterways and threaten public health.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, it helps preserve healthy, safe waterways and more reliable water supplies.

How rain barrel rebates work

After buying rain-saving containers or other items eligible for rebates, and have installed them, residents can apply for rebates. Current rain barrel rebates are $35 and are limited to two per household for most San Diego County residents. Multiple projects are eligible. Details at: Socal WaterSmart.

Rain barrels conserve water for WaterSmart landscape maintenance

Making use of rain barrels is good for the environment and good for your household budget. Photo: National Audubon Society

Whether or not El Niño results in increased rainfall, even light rain can provide enough water for later use. A roof with a 2,000-square-foot surface area can capture 300 gallons from only a quarter inch of rain.

Stored water can be released gradually into landscaping between winter rainstorms, building up the soil sponge and ensuring that native plants get adequate water during the winter months when they need it most. If additional water is needed in the summer, captured and stored water during the winter could be used as supplemental irrigation.

The Solana Center For Environmental Innovation website has additional information on rain barrels and rebate programs.

Jeff Stephenson-Director of Water Resources-planning-San Diego County Water Authority

Jeff Stephenson is New Director of Water Resources for San Diego County Water Authority

October 25, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Mike Lee

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.”

Stephenson-Jeff Stephenson-Director of Water Resources-San Diego County Water Authority

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.

(Editor’s Note: For more information about the Water Authority’s leadership team, go to: www.sdcwa.org/about-us/departments-leadership/.)

Native, water-wise plants thrive in one of the Helix Water District's demonstration gardens. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Demonstration Garden Wins Orchid Award

October 11, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Helix Water District received an Orchid Award for Landscape Architecture from the San Diego Architectural Foundation at its 2023 annual Orchids and Onions architecture and design awards gala on October 5. The Orchid Award went to the district for its WaterSmart Demonstration Garden. The Demonstration Garden is located at the Helix administration office in La Mesa.

“We are honored to be recognized for our WaterSmart Demonstration Garden,” said Helix Water District Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. “This award is a testament to the fact that you can create thriving, sustainable gardens here in East San Diego County that are both beautiful and water efficient.”

Demonstration Garden provides inspiration

The Helix Water District demonstration garden includes interactive elements such as descriptive signs with QR codes that visitors can scan to learn more about specific plants. Photo: Helix Water District

The District installed its WaterSmart Demonstration Garden to beautify the neighborhood and inspire others to install water-efficient landscapes. Outdoor water use typically accounts for half of a home’s water use. Through planning and a vision for the community, the district was able to transform its tired and overgrown landscape into the thriving, lush, and colorful gardens there today.

McCullough Landscape Architecture designed the garden to showcase three styles of landscapes that are adapted to the local climate and need half to a fifth of the water that a traditional lawn needs. The Mediterranean, desert, and California-native gardens include plant markers with QR codes. Scan the code with your smartphone to see each plant’s name, sun and water needs, and mature size.

All plants chosen for the Helix Water District Demonstration Garden had to be accessible to the public at local nurseries. Photo: Helix Water District

“Our demonstration landscape shows customers that water-efficient landscaping is not just one style,” said Helix Water District Director Mark Gracyk. “You can choose plants that compliment your home and personal taste – there is an option for everyone.”

A key requirement for the design of the gardens was that all of the plants selected had to be accessible to the public at local nurseries. The plants are grouped in hydrozones based on the amount of water they need and a drip irrigation system provides automatic watering based on daily weather conditions.

The garden is open to the public for self-tours and easily accessible from the sidewalk at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.

Orchid Award winners exemplify environmental innovation

McCullough Landscape Architecture designed the garden to showcase three styles of landscapes that are adapted to the local climate and need half to a fifth of the water that a traditional lawn needs. Photo: Helix Water District

Drawing on input from both the public and professionals, the San Diego Architectural Foundation recognizes both the best and the worst of San Diego’s built environment. The architecture projects recognized as Orchids and Onions each year are nominated by the public, then reviewed and selected for awards by architecture and design professionals.

Orchid award winners must exemplify good placemaking, add to the surrounding community’s character, be skillfully and thoughtfully crafted, environmentally innovative, and elicit a sense of civic pride.

The San Diego Architectural Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and promotion of outstanding architecture, planning, and urban design throughout the San Diego region.

(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 metropolitan San Diego region. For residential, business and agricultural rebates, incentives and programs, go to: www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/.)

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