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Scholarships were issued to local students by the Vallecitos Water District to help them continue their higher education. (L to R): Board Vice President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, scholarship winners Phlavia Oyrem, Caitlyn Hansen, and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, Board President Jim Hernandez, scholarship winners Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Board Member Erik A. Groset. Not pictured: Board Members Craig Elitharp and Jim Pennock, scholarship winner Brook Sannella. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Students Recognized For Conservation Art, Scholarship Excellence by Vallecitos Water District

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The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors recognized students from district area schools for their excellence in the classroom in two separate contests: poster art for fourth graders and an essay competition for scholarships.

Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. The annual contest is open to students living or attending schools within the Vallecitos Water District service area and is intended to increase the knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the region.

Six students were selected to receive $1,000 college scholarship: Phlavia Oyrem, La Jolla High School, who plans to attend Palomar College; Brook Sannella, San Marcos High School, who plans to attend UCSD; Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Caitlyn Hansen, who all attend Palomar College; and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, who attends Cal State San Marcos and Palomar College.

Baza, Fox, Hansen, and Oyrem all plan to pursue water studies and water industry careers. Fox completed a Spring 2023 Internship with Vallecitos Water District while attending Palomar College.

Oyrem was selected as the Fall 2023 Intern with Vallecitos when she attends Palomar this fall.

Fourth graders promote water conservation through art

Double Peak K-8 fourth-grade student Natalie Clark of San Marcos win first place in the Vallecitos District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Photo: Vallecitos Water District student recognized

Double Peak K-8 fourth-grade student Natalie Clark of San Marcos win first place in the Vallecitos District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Love Water, Save Water

In addition, three fourth-grade students from the local community were named winners of the district’s annual student poster art contest. The poster contest, which focuses on students in the fourth grade, is designed to promote understanding of water issues in elementary schools.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”  The three winning posters were selected from all entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design. The winning posters will appear in the 2024 Water Awareness Calendar, available for free at the district’s office starting in December 2023.

First Place: Natalie Clark of San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District students recognized

First Place: Natalie Clark of San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Double Peak K-8 fourth-grade student Natalie Clark of San Marcos, age 10, received first place in the Vallecitos District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Her teacher is Abby Lyon. Natalie wrote about her entry, “I love water because we can’t live without it, and when I touch, see, smell the water, I feel connected.”

Mikaela Fuentes, second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District student recognized

Mikaela Fuentes, second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Mikaela Fuentes of Baypoint Academy, age 9, received second-place. Mikaela wrote about water: “It keeps us alive and is the source of all living things and animals.”

Grant Neum, third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water DIstrict students recognized

Grant Neum, third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Grant Neum, also from Baypoint Academy, age 9, placed third. Grant wrote he loves water “Because water helps the world grow.”

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Helix Water District Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg poses with one of the district's electric Prius service vehicles at a charging station. Photo: Helix Water District Water energy leader

Helix Water District Named Water Energy Leader with Energy Use Reductions

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Helix Water District received recognition from The Climate Registry as a Water-Energy Leader Gold organization after the district reduced its electric use by 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.

The Climate Registry is a nonprofit organization that helps companies, governments, and institutions reduce their emissions. Its Water-Energy Nexus Registry is sponsored by the California Environmental Protection Agency and allows utilities and cities to measure, track, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with California’s water system.

The University of San Diego Energy Policy Initiative Center, or EPIC, confirmed the district’s 2019 and 2021 total greenhouse gas emissions are 40% lower than those in 2009. EPIC’s findings were verified by a third party. The Climate Registry made the announcement this month based on this verification.

Solar panels atop the Helix Water District Operations Center in El Cajon help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Photo: Helix Water District Water energy leader

Solar panels atop the Helix Water District Operations Center in El Cajon help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Photo: Helix Water District

“This award is a testament to the fact you can be a good steward of the environment while also making sound financial decisions,” said Helix Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. “We found that energy efficiency is very similar to water conservation. You take advantage of every opportunity to save a little bit because there isn’t one thing that will get you to the finish line. But together they have an impact.”

Retrofits, upgrades, and sustainability savings add up

Helix Water District Board of Directors in the district’s new all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. Driver’s seat: Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Backseat: Director Dan McMillan. Back of the truck: Directors Joel Scalzitti, De Ana Verbeke and Mark Gracyk. Photo: Helix Water District sustainability

Helix Water District Board of Directors in the district’s new all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck in 2022. Driver’s seat: Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Backseat: Director Dan McMillan. Back of the truck: Directors Joel Scalzitti, De Ana Verbeke and Mark Gracyk. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix achieved its most recent emission reductions through multiple efforts, including a comprehensive lighting retrofit program, new lighting management system, and an upgrade to the HVAC system at the district’s R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant.

Helix also transitioned its diesel fleet to 100% renewable diesel fuel.

Previously, the district installed solar panels at its operations center, initiated load shifting at its Levy Water Treatment Plant and pump stations to off-peak periods, and obtaining grants to install electric vehicle charging stations at its facilities.

In 2021, the San Diego County Water Authority earned Climate Registered gold status from The Climate Registry for verifying and publicly reporting its greenhouse gas emissions.

(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.) 

The San Diego County Water Authority’s award-winning Citizens Water Academy kicked off its first class since 2020. Participants are at the top of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Citizens Water Academy Returns for Summer 2023

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On June 27, the San Diego County Water Authority kicked off its first Citizens Water Academy since 2020, when COVID-19 forced a shutdown of the program. The academy offers attendees the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission.

Participants learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go behind the scenes with water planners, managers, and engineers for an inside look at the water delivery system.

Citizens Water Academy-Olivenhain Dam-San Diego County Water Authority-education

Citizens Water Academy participants at the base of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority.

Building leaders in water

The Water Academy is geared toward civic and business leaders. This year’s class was held in three sessions starting on June 27 with a welcome and Water Authority overview by Acting General Manager Dan Denham.

Session two took place on July 12 with dinner and presentations about “Planning for a Water Resilient Future” with Jeff Stephenson, acting director of the Water Resources Department. A final session took place on July 15, and included presentations by Operations and Maintenance Department leaders, tours of the regional water delivery control room and emergency operations center, a tour of Olivenhain Dam, and a graduation ceremony.

Class participants come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. They include elected official representatives, retail water agency staff, Water Authority board members, and civic and business leaders from across the region.

“Despite our lack of natural resources, it’s easy to take our safe, reliable supply of water for granted,” said Acting General Manager Dan Denham. “We turn on the faucet and there’s the water, ready to be transformed into our morning cup of coffee. But how that water gets from point A to point B is an astounding work of engineering and strategic planning. The Water Academy is all about connecting our community to this intricate world.”

Award-winning program

The Citizens Water Academy launched in fall 2014. Over the years, 99% of participants said they would recommend the Water Academy to a colleague, and nearly 50% of graduates engaged in the Water Authority’s alumni network.

The Water Authority was honored with the Silver Bernays Mark of Excellence Award for the Citizens Water Academy from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2015. The program also won the Communications Initiative Award from the San Diego Section of the American Planning Association in 2016.

Water Authority staff are excited to bring this important program back to the community after a three-year pause due to the pandemic and look forward to hosting additional classes in the future. Information about future class dates will be posted here. The webpage also includes an interest form and nomination form for future Water Academy classes.

Inspired by the San Diego County Water Authority's free landscape workshops, Vallecitos Water District employee Eileen Koonce transformed her own landscaping. Photo: Vallecitos Water District example watersmart landscaping

Free Landscape Workshops Convenient for Vallecitos Customers

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In partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the City of San Marcos, the Vallecitos Water District offers a series of five WaterSmart landscape design workshops in August and September to help its customers redesign and install new water-saving, sustainable landscapes at a convenient North County location.

Classes take place every other Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting August 2 at the Vallecitos Water District, 201 Vallecitos De Oro in San Marcos. The series is now open for registration at www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/classes/. Scroll down to find the in-person course schedule or use the QR Code below. Prior registration is required.

Use the QR Code to access landscape design workshop information and to register. free landscape workshops

Use the QR Code to access landscape design workshop information and to register.

Plan ahead during summer months for fall installation

Summer is an ideal time to begin the workshop series. Participants who complete all five workshops receive a free visit to their home by a professional landscape architect to help them put a plan in place for installation during the cooler fall and winter months.

The Delaplanes received first place due to the addition of a working bioswale. Photo: Vallecitos Water District free landscape workshops

The Delaplanes received first place in the 2022 Vallecitos Water District landscape makeover contest due to the addition of a working bioswale. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Residents in San Diego County have used the know-how from the free workshops to convert more than 1.5 million square feet of grass into beautiful, sustainable landscapes. They use less water and provide a lifestyle-friendly yard ideal for San Diego’s climate. New landscapes installed through the program have been proven to reduce water use by up to 37%.

Webinar topics cover residential landscape design for the homeowner, plant palettes, healthy soil, irrigation retrofits, and streamlined landscape maintenance. More than 8,000 San Diego County residents have taken these courses to date.

Low-water use plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces as well as save water.

Save water, and save money with rebates

SLIDER

The Chens transformed their love for succulents into an award-winning landscape makeover. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Landscape watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California. WaterSmart workshops help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes enjoyment of the outdoor space. In addition, homeowners can save the time and expense required for ongoing maintenance of turf.

San Diego County homeowners may be eligible for between $2 and $4 per square foot to remove grass and replace it with low water-use plants better suited to our region’s hotter, drier weather. All customers are eligible for the base rebate of $2 per square foot. Residents in unincorporated San Diego County may be eligible for additional incentives through the Waterscape Rebate Program.

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Diane Krupnak's smart planning and design helped her win the 2023 Vista Irrigation District landscape makeover contest. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District Landscape Winner Complements Home Design

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Vista Homeowner Diane Krupnak redesigned her front yard to save water and won the 2023 Vista Irrigation District WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

The annual contest recognizes outstanding waterwise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient irrigation methods.

Workshops provide homeowner know-how

Concerned by the severity of the last drought, Krupnak removed the water-thirsty grass from her front yard to reduce water use. She began her project by enrolling in the free WaterSmart Landscape Makeover series of workshops for homeowners offered by the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies.

The workshops gave Krupnak the knowledge to move forward with her makeover, including soil assessment, creating a landscape plot plan, and drip irrigation basics, and mulching.

Colorful plant palette replaces grass

Diane Krupnake wanted a landscape that would complement the Mediterranean aesthetic of her home. Photo: Vista Irrigation District landscape

Diane Krupnake wanted a landscape that would complement the Mediterranean aesthetic of her home. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Krupnak started by researching the plants she wanted to add to her yard. She focused on the plants’ characteristics and water needs to make sure they would be compatible in her landscape.

She also wanted a landscape to complement the Mediterranean aesthetic of her home. Krupnak selected a base color palate in greens and whites highlighted with pops of color. Once the plan came together, she hired landscape professionals to install the new landscape and hardscape.

The green hues in her landscape design come from shaggy Cousin Itt Acacias, Wheeler’s Dwarf Pittosporum, dwarf daylilies, and Italian Oregano. Each plant provides contrasting textures and structure creating visual interest. A fruitless Olea Swan Hill olive tree stands as the focal point of her yard.

White tones include flowering Scaevola White plants adjacent to Krupnak’s new permeable walkways accentuating the earth tones of the pavers.

The base colors in the winning landscape design are accented with bright reds from plants like Caliente Deep Red Geraniums and Tecoma Stans Bells of Fire Esperanza, as well as yellow foliage from Sunset Gold Coleonema pulchellum.

Beautiful results reduce water use, saving money and time

The landscape makeover replaced grass with new low water use plants and a patio area. Photo: Vista Irrigation District landscape

The landscape makeover replaced grass with new low-water-use plants and a patio area. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

“I chose a landscape of moderate to low water use plants that complement the Mediterranean influence of my home,” said Krupnak. “I save money on my water bills and no longer pay to have my yard mowed.”

The hardscape included in Krupnak’s design plan provides functional living space. The patio replaces a flat lawn area near the home’s entranceway and transforms it into an inviting place to sit and admire the rest of her new landscape.

Free WaterSmart landscape workshops – online or in-person

“Free regional WaterSmart landscape workshops are available online and in person to assist homeowners in upgrading their home’s landscape to reduce water bills,” said Brent Reyes, VID management analyst. “Additionally, turf removal rebates can help with the cost.”

Participating San Diego County Water Authority member agencies include the Vista Irrigation District, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, and the cities of Escondido and Oceanside. Customers of California American Water also can access the workshops.

For more information about the contest and to see more examples of waterwise landscaping, visit www.landscapecontest.com. Visit the district’s website to learn more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to roughly 134,000 people in the city of Vista and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

(Editor’s note: The Vista Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Seventh grader Sophia Garvida won the Middle School Category in the 2023 Otay Water District Student Poster Contest. Photo: Otay Water District Six student artists

Six Student Artists Win 2023 Otay Poster Contest

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Six students from schools in the Otay Water District are the winners of the annual Student Poster Contest. More than 53 students submitted entries from schools in Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Spring Valley. The poster art depicts the value of water and using water wisely.

Students in all grades were asked to create and submit a poster illustrating the theme “Being water wise is…” The District selected winners for the elementary and middle school categories. No high school entries were submitted.

“We are impressed by the representation of water conservation and stewardship in each participant’s artwork,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and contest coordinator. “Through this program, we find confidence that the young generations have a great awareness of the importance of taking good care of our most precious resource for the future needs of our region.”

Middle school winners

 First place: Sophia Garvida, seventh grade, Bonita Vista Middle School Six student artists

First place: Sophia Garvida, seventh grade, Bonita Vista Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District 

Second place: Andrian Oraha, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District Six student artists

Second place: Andrian Oraha, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

 

Third place: Alyssa Burkard, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District Six Student artists

Third place: Alyssa Burkard, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

 

Elementary school winners

 

First place: Elias Mendoza, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

First place: Elias Mendoza, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

 

Second place: Katherine Soehn, sixth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Second place: Katherine Soehn, sixth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

 

Third place: Sofia Cardenas Loera, fifth grade, STEAM Academy

Third place: Sofia Cardenas Loera, fifth grade, STEAM Academy. Photo: Otay Water District

Winners honored by Otay Water District Board of Directors

The six winners will be honored at the Otay Water District monthly Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, August 2. Each winner will receive a gift card, certificate, art kit, and goody bag.

In addition, the winning posters are entered in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s annual student poster contest. MWD selects posters from participating water agencies across Southern California to feature in its 2024 regional student art calendar.

Otay Water District students have an impressive record of being selected.

Two students from the Otay Water District had their artwork featured in the 2023 MWD calendar. Khilee Haull is a seventh grader at Hillsdale Middle School and won first place in the middle school contest. Christian-Kealoha Rogacion is in the fifth grade at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and won second place in the elementary school category. Sisters Lucia Perez Valles and Sofia Perez Valles had their work featured in the 2021 MWD calendar.

To learn more about the District’s contest and other education programs, visit otaywater.gov/education-programs.

(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Roberto Yano-Sweetwater Authority-Assistant General Manager

Sweetwater Authority Welcomes Roberto Yano as Assistant General Manager

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Sweetwater Authority has brought on Roberto Yano as the agency’s new Assistant General Manager. With 30 years of experience in public works, engineering and leadership at the City of Chula Vista and the City of National City, Yano brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Authority.

As the Assistant General Manager, Yano will play a vital role in supporting the Authority’s mission to provide safe, reliable water to the community. With an extensive track record in the public sector, he will bring strategic insights and a collaborative approach to the Authority’s operations.

Roberto Yano brings “fresh perspective”

“We are excited to welcome Roberto to our team,” said Carlos Quintero, General Manager of Sweetwater Authority. “His experience in public works and leadership with the cities the Authority works closely with will serve him well in his new role here at the Authority. I am confident he will bring a fresh perspective to the Authority, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Yano is a registered Professional Engineer (PE), San Diego State University alum and was most recently the Director of Public Works/City Engineer at the City of National City.

The Sweetwater Authority is a public water agency providing safe, reliable water to National City, Chula Vista and Bonita. Sweetwater Authority is a publicly-owned water agency with policies and procedures established by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board is composed of five directors elected by division by the citizens of the South Bay Irrigation District, and two directors appointed by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confirmation.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Carolina Schultz's transformed landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Landscape Transformation Wins Sweetwater Authority Contest

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National City homeowner Catalina Schultz decided to reinvent her yard. Her landscape transformation from grass to a low-water use design is the 2023 winner of the Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest.

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz’s landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Schultz was recognized for her accomplishment at the Authority’s June board meeting.

When Schultz purchased her house in 2011, the front yard was covered in turf and required lots of effort and water to maintain. She decided to reinvent her yard, planning out a space full of low-water use plants, steppingstone, and decorative planters.

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority landscape transformation

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformed landscape includes flowering plants and shrubs like Sedum, Oleander, and Aeonium. The yard also features a variety of cacti and succulents, including Elephant Bush, Ghost Euphorbia, Jade, Cholla Cactus, and more.

Impressive water-saving results

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. A passionate gardener, she prefers to water each plant by hand, using water collected from her rain barrel.

By switching from turf to water-wise plants, Schultz saves an estimated 12,000 gallons of water each year.

“Ms. Schultz’s landscape transformation clearly demonstrates that investing in a water-wise landscape can add beauty to your home while providing big savings on your water bill,” said Board Chair Hector Martinez. “The Authority is here to provide rebates, resources, and support to any customer interested in investing in a low water-use landscape.”

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest is an opportunity for Authority customers to showcase their best, water-wise landscapes. All customers who have transformed their yards to be more water efficient are encouraged to enter the contest for the chance to win a $250 gift certificate.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Neena Kuzmich-Director of Engineering-San Diego County Water Authority

Neena Kuzmich Named Director of Engineering

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Neena Kuzmich has been appointed director of engineering for the San Diego County Water Authority – the first woman to lead the Engineering Department since the agency’s formation in 1944. Kuzmich brings more than 25 years of experience as a civil engineer to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Gary Bousquet.

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.

Director of Engineering Neena Kuzmich

Kuzmich joined the Water Authority in 2013 and has 26 years of experience in design, construction, and project management. Prior to her appointment as director, she served as deputy director of engineering. Kuzmich is responsible for overseeing and managing the design and construction of Capital Improvement Program projects, and the implementation of the Water Authority’s energy management policy. She is currently leading efforts to advance the proposed San Vicente Energy Storage Facility.

Kuzmich has a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Syracuse University and a master’s in business administration from University of Phoenix. She is a registered professional engineer in the State of California.

Innovation and excellence

“Gary Bousquet’s expertise and dedication made a profound impact on the San Diego region, which benefits from the projects that he helped develop and lead over the past three decades,” said Dan Denham, acting general manager of the Water Authority. “Thankfully, the Engineering Department will remain in good hands. Neena Kuzmich’s dedication to innovation and excellence will help to sustain the San Diego region for decades to come.”

The Water Authority’s Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the capital improvement and asset management programs; overseeing energy related projects; managing real-estate interests; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right-of-way property; and providing survey services.

San Vicente Energy Storage Facility

During his 24 years at the Water Authority, Bousquet managed design and construction of Capital Improvement Program projects including the San Vicente Tunnel, San Vicente Pump Station, and the Lake Hodges Hydroelectric Facility. For the past several years, Bousquet and Kuzmich have led the Water Authority’s efforts to develop a major renewable energy project proposed jointly with the City of San Diego. The potential San Vicente Energy Storage Facility received $18 million from the state in 2021, to advance the project through initial design, environmental reviews, and the federal licensing process.

Award-winning engineering department

The department has won several awards in recent years, including the world’s top civil engineering honor for its Emergency and Carryover Storage Project in 2017 from the American Society of Civil Engineers. More recently, the agency received four awards from the American Public Works Association and American Society of Civil Engineers for construction projects that exemplified outstanding skill, dedication, and collaboration.

Retired nurse Lois Scott's winning makeover transformed her El Cajon home's front yard into "Nana's Garden." Photo: Otay Water District

Nana’s Garden Wins Otay Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest

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Lois Scott transformed her El Cajon home’s green front lawn with rose bushes into a colorful water-wise landscape with a little help from her friends. Now called “Nana’s Garden,” it is this year’s Otay Water District Landscape Makeover Contest winner.

Nana’s Garden is in Otay Water District’s division 5, which is represented by Board President Mark Robak.

Water savings drive creative changes

Before and after photos of the 2023 Otay Water District landscape makeover contest winner, "Nana's Garden." Photo: Otay Water District

Before and after photos of Lois Scott’s winning landscape makeover. Photo: Otay Water District

Scott, who worked as a registered nurse for 42 years before retiring, decided to change her landscaping after years of facing high water usage, lack of rain, and rabbits invading her yard. In 2020, she applied for a rebate through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Landscape Transformation Program. She received a rebate amount of $4,161 for 1,387 square feet of turf removed.

Lois Scott exchanged grass for colorful nature and low water use plants. Photo: Otay Water District Nana's Garden

Lois Scott exchanged grass for colorful nature and low water use plants. Photo: Otay Water District

Scott participated in the San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program in 2021. The free classes helped her come up with a plan to upgrade her yard.

“I fell in love with all the different plants I was learning about in the class,” said Scott. “With all the colors and textures, I couldn’t just limit my garden to a few plants. I call my garden Nana’s Garden, full of lots of variation, just like my grandchildren.”

Neighbors and friends help Nana’s Garden come alive

The winning landscape features boulders and rocks Lois Scott dug up or found in online ads. Photo: Otay Water District Nana's Garden

The winning landscape features boulders and rocks Lois Scott dug up or found in online ads. Photo: Otay Water District

With the help of kids from the neighborhood, Scott dug up dirt and rocks to create a pathway with decomposed granite and stepping stones. Three large boulders she found on Craigslist became the new focal point of her succulent garden.

“This 64-year-old grandma sure did bring many wheelbarrows of rocks in,” said Scott.

Existing irrigation was converted to a low water use drip system. Photo: Otay Water District

Existing irrigation was converted to a low water use drip system. Photo: Otay Water District

Scott’s best friend is a succulent fan who helped her plant natives and succulents. She engaged a professional gardener to convert her irrigation system from sprinklers to drip. She capped 17 of 19 existing spray sprinkler heads causing water runoff across sidewalks, leaving two for a drip retrofit. She uses a drip line to primarily feed the trees and succulents, while a separate line and a rain barrel water the rest of the plants.

Scott’s new landscape has allowed an overall water use reduction of an average of approximately 41% compared to the years before upgrading.

Richness of plant life attracts pollinators

Bright blooms attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Otay Water District Nana's Garden

Bright blooms attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Otay Water District

Scott says she enjoys seeing her garden grow. Some plants are soft, fussy, slick, and smooth, while others are prickly. She is amazed by the richness of the purple in the lavender and the bright fluorescent of the honeysuckle.

“The fun part now is to sit back and enjoy the gentle breeze while watching the honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds have their feast in my garden,” said Scott. “I am loving the lower water bill and knowing that I am helping the environment by saving water.”

Inspiration and resources for residents and businesses

El Cajon resident Lois Scott’s completed landscape makeover. Photo: Otay Water District

“The winner’s landscape will demonstrate to other residents the great benefits of installing waterwise yards and hopefully encourage them to change how they use water outdoors,” said Robak. “The District makes it a priority to provide resources for residential and commercial customers who are considering ways to make water-use efficiency a way of life.”

Otay will honor Scott at its July board meeting with a certificate of recognition, a gift certificate to a local nursery of her choice, a yard sign, and other promotional items.

WaterSmart Landscape Content details here and for information on water conservation rebates and programs for residents, businesses and agriculture in San Diego County, go to: www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/.

(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)