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Before and after views of the Lake San Marocs Mall III Homeowners Association makeover. Photo: Vallecitos Water District makeover conserves water

Makeovers Conserve Water, Saves Costs for Lake San Marcos HOAs

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Through a partnership between the Vallecitos Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, and the County of San Diego, landscape makeover projects in unincorporated areas can take advantage of water-use efficiency rebates as well as professional expertise to maximize conservation and cost savings.

The Waterscape Rebate Program applies to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers who make landscape upgrades to improve the region’s climate resilience and reduce the flow of pollutants into waterways.

The landscape makeover project solicited input from homeowners to provide new amenities. Photo: Vallecitos Water District makeover conserves water

The landscape makeover project solicited input from homeowners to provide new amenities. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Multiple homeowners associations within the Lake San Marcos area of the Vallecitos Water District have benefitted from qualifying projects. The scale of these projects and potential savings make them especially successful.

The most recently completed project within the Vallecitos Water District was undertaken by the Mall III Homeowners Association. HOA members had discussed the idea for nearly 15 years. The availability of the County and Vallecitos Water District support helped determine whether the makeover would be effective and cost-neutral.

Agency partnerships pay off

“This has been a terrific partnership between the County of San Diego, the San Diego County Water Authority, the Vallecitos Water District, and the community of Lake San Marcos,” said Chris Robbins, public information/conservation supervisor for the Vallecitos Water District. “This story focuses on the Mall III Homeowners Association, but the Panorama HOA and Sunrise Pointe HOA already participated in the program. Two other associations, Fairway Knolls and Fairways HOA, are currently in the process right now. All these HOAs will be saving water and money, while also improving the water quality of Lake San Marcos.”

The Mall III HOA landscaping before undertaking its recent makeover project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Mall III HOA landscaping before undertaking its recent makeover project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Mike Kesler, Mall III HOA Board President, said getting an internal consensus among their homeowners through actively soliciting ideas from homeowners to learn what was important to them was critical in completing this project.

“We found some folks wanted trees. Other folks didn’t want trees because they would block the view,” said Kesler. “Knowing that ahead of time and being able to deal with that in the plan made it easier for people to vote yes on the project. And I think that’s important.

“It took us quite a while to get to a layout that accomplished our goals of saving money and beautifying the area that was net zero from a cost standpoint.”

Consensus building accomplishes savings goals

New pathways and riverbeds to channel water runoff help protect area watersheds. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

New pathways and riverbeds to channel water runoff help protect area watersheds. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

To make applying for rebates easier for large landscapes, the County added a Landscape Optimization Service, a unique technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.

In addition, the Vallecitos Water District offers its customers a free assessment of current water use to determine whether investments in irrigation upgrades could be helpful to help HOA boards and other decision-makers determine whether their investment in landscaping projects are cost-effective.

“It’s been a great program for us to pursue and to implement, ” said Mall III HOA Board Member Dave Engel. “We had a need to save water, and to do it in a smart way, which is what this rebate program allows. When those two come together, I think it’s a good match.”

Rebate programs helped to make the Lake San Marcos Mall III HOA project cost-neutral for homeowners. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Rebate programs helped to make the Lake San Marcos Mall III HOA project cost-neutral for homeowners. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Rebate amounts can vary. Multiple rebates can be stacked together, including $3 per square foot for turf replacement, $60 per smart controller station, $65 per rain barrel and up to $450 per cistern. The County of San Diego offers $1 per square foot for landscapes planted with California native plants.

Water customers in unincorporated San Diego County can determine their eligibility at: SanDiegoCounty.gov/WatershedRebates. More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here. The program is actively recruiting new participants.

The Waterscape Rebate Program helps protect local waterways by reducing pollutants that enter storm drains. When irrigation systems overflow from landscaping, runoff may carry pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into the storm drain system and cause the same negative effects as runoff from rainfall. Reducing turf helps reduce irrigation use and runoff. HOA landscapes are potentially significant contributors.

Learn more about the County of San Diego Watershed Protection at its website.

(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.) 

The Water Authority Fleet and Facilities Maintenance Crews pose with their 2023 Roadeo trophies. Top Row(L to R): Matt Boteler, Luke Holbrook, Tyson Short, Frank Vargas, Bobby Bond, Bill Keyser, Mark Christman. Bottom Row: Tony Zepeda and Cole Curtis. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Team Wins 2023 Skills Competition

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The San Diego County Water Authority’s Operations and Maintenance Division team won the top prize at the annual ROADEO Skills Competition. The 2023 event was hosted by the San Diego Chapter of the Maintenance Superintendents Association and the American Public Works Association (APWA) in April at Wells Park in El Cajon.

The annual contest gives the region’s public works maintenance professionals an opportunity to put their daily job skills on the line against the best of their peers, both in individual events and in three-person teams.

Bobby Bonds won the backhoe skills event at the 2023 Roadeo Competition. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Bobby Bonds won the backhoe skills event at the 2023 Roadeo Competition. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Teams compete for the 2023 MSA Trophy in four events: backhoe skills, mini-excavator skills, sign assembly, and a wheelbarrow obstacle endurance race. These are the same skills used by public works employees daily. The team having the best overall combined time wins the MSA perpetual trophy, along with serious bragging rights.

Testing skills and experience

The team of Tony Zepeda, Frank Vargas, and Bobby Bond pose with their awards at the Water Authority's Escondido facility. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The team of Tony Zepeda, Frank Vargas, and Bobby Bond pose with their awards at the Water Authority’s Escondido facility. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Director of Operations and Maintenance Eva Plajzer introduced the winning team members at the Water Authority Board of Director’s Engineering and Operations Committee meeting on April 27. Senior Maintenance Technician Bobby Bond, Maintenance Worker II Frank Vargas, and Maintenance Technician Tony Zepeda competed for the Water Authority. System Maintenance Supervisor Luke Holbrook and Operations and Maintenance Manager Al Garza supported the team’s preparation and efforts.

As the overall winning team, the Water Authority trio wins a MSA Trophy for display which, Plajzer joked, “is larger than the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup.”

Roadeo team member Bobby Bond poses with the impressive winners' trophy. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority team wins

ROADEO team member Bobby Bond poses with the impressive winners’ trophy. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Bond, who also won first place in the backhoe competition, explained to board members all the events represent similar skills competitors perform in their jobs performing critical water and wastewater systems maintenance and repairs.

For the backhoe skills test, the operator must use the backhoe to pick up a basketball off a cone, or a ring on a chain, then run through an obstacle course against the clock to successfully place the basketball inside a barrel. The skills needed to pick up small items are the same skills preventing workers from breaking pipes or fixtures.

“They come through every time”

Valley Center Municipal Water District General Manager Gary Arant, who represents his agency on the Water Authority Board, noted the serious purpose of the competition.

“It reflects the skills that we have within the organization,” said Arant during the committee meeting. “Those skills come with years of service and perfecting what they do, training the newer people. We as member agencies benefit, because when we have a shutdown, and we’re waiting for that system to come back up, we count on those skills. They come through every time.”

Friendly competition with serious purpose

Frank Vargas tests his skills in the sign assembly competition. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority tea wins

Frank Vargas tests his skills in the sign assembly competition. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

While participants enjoy the event and the friendly contest among colleagues, the competition categories test the same skills the participants use on the job while maintaining water and wastewater systems, streets, and other vital infrastructure residents and businesses alike rely on every day.

Bonds is a previous winner of multiple individual categories since 2017 and the 2018 Master Operator winner. Zepeda is also a previous winner in the Wheelbarrow Skills Competition. Vargas was a first-time competitor.

Winners in the equipment competitions will compete at the August 2023 National APWA ROADEO in San Diego.

National Public Works Week is May 21-27

APWA-National Public Works Week-Roadeo-infrastructure

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

Sergio Quiroz-IID-General Manager-Imperial Irrigation District

IID Board Appoints Sergio Quiroz as Interim General Manager

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The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors appointed Assistant General Manager Sergio Quiroz to serve as Interim General Manager effective June 3.

The Board’s decision was made following closed session discussions during the May 16 meeting, with directors present voting unanimously in support of the appointment.

As Interim General Manager, Quiroz will replace General Manager Henry Martinez, who will be retiring on June 2. Martinez announced his intent to retire in January, following 45 years of service in the energy and water industries, serving the last five years with IID.

Imperial Irrigation District-IID Board of Directors-Assistant General Manager Sergio Quiroz-Interim General Manager

The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors appointed Assistant General Manager Sergio Quiroz to serve as Interim General Manager effective June 3. Photo: Imperial Irrigation District

As Assistant General Manager at IID, Quiroz has assisted in planning and directing water and power operations, coordinating the effective use of equipment, facilities, finances and working with legal counsel to address key issues that may affect the district. He also oversees the district’s organizational and staffing plan.

Quiroz, a seasoned bilingual executive who had 22 years of leadership experience before joining the IID in August, 2016, has an extensive background in operations, finance, logistics and project management, having served as General Manager for different international manufacturing corporations in both the U.S. and Mexico.

He has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.

During the interim, IID will continue the recruitment process to fill the General Manager position.

(Editor’s Note: In October 2003, the San Diego County Water Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, State of California and U.S. Department of the Interior completed a historic set of agreements to conserve and transfer Colorado River water.)

Neal Meyers-Board-Olivenhain-Welcome to the Board

Welcome to the Board: Neal Meyers, Olivenhain Municipal Water District

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(Editor’s Note: This feature highlights new members of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 36-member Board of Directors. Each of the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies appoints at least one representative to the Board, which sets policy for the Water Authority.)

Welcome to the Board: Neal Meyers, Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Who: Neal Meyers was seated on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on March 20, 2023, representing the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Meyers serves on the Administrative and Finance and Imported Water committees for the Water Authority.

Background/Education: Meyers, a resident of Carlsbad, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in local government administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he earned Highest Honors and a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. He represents District 5 on the Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors and is also the Board treasurer. In addition to his duties as Treasurer, Meyers serves on OMWD’s Finance, Safety, and Ad Hoc Insurance committees. He holds a certificate from the Special District Leadership Academy, and he was awarded a Certificate in Special District Governance from the California Special Districts Association. Member: The State Bar of California and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Water Industry Affiliations: Director, CalDesal Association, AdHoc Insurance Committee Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA).

Q & A

Q: How did you get interested in water issues?

A: My first interest in water issues was from the severe drought in the mid-1970s while growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area and then from the Proposition 9 peripheral canal vote while I studied local government as an undergraduate. After starting my professional career in San Diego County, I was privileged to represent many water agencies, where I gained a great appreciation of their many challenges, now exacerbated by severe periods of water shortages. I am very appreciative of the opportunity I now have to assist my local community and the region to work on those issues in a policy-making role.

Q: What are your priorities or interests as a Board member?

A: Maintaining a safe and reliable water supply at affordable rates. We must find ways to leverage San Diego County’s forward-thinking investments in water infrastructure into a workable long-term business model that keeps water rates under control. Higher rates are not good for anyone, and we must especially must keep in mind the disproportionate burden higher rates have on low-income ratepayers and the underserved. We should also spend more time looking at developing greater coordination and sharing of resources between our many county public utility agencies.

Q: Besides maintaining safe and reliable water supplies, what do you see as the top three issues facing the San Diego region?

A: Removing barriers to affordable housing, appropriately allocating transportation infrastructure resources, and maintaining high-quality, affordable education at all levels throughout our region.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not working?

A: Family, friends, exercise, and travel. I figure if I can keep that all in balance, I will be around for a while to think about water.

The Water Authority’s Board of Directors typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The Board invites the public to attend its monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board. For meeting times, agendas and documents, go to​ www.sdcwa.org/board-directors

Ed Pedrazzi (third from right) with his team during his time as VWD Water Operations Supervisor, including current and retired Vallectos Water District employees (L to R) Joey Shore, Rocky Eltzroth, Shawn Askine, Pedrazzi, Cheryl Minichilli, and Richard Arballo. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos WD Employee Ed Pedrazzi Recognized for Leadership

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Vallecitos Water District Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi is the ACWA 2023 “Excellence in Water Leadership” award winner. Pedrazzi received his career honor at the Association of California Water Agencies annual conference on May 9.

The award recognizes individuals who have “made a remarkable and visible contribution to the enhancement, protection, or development of water resources in California,” according to ACWA.

Vallecitos WD Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi receives his ACWA 2023 “Excellence in Water Leadership” award. Photo: ACWA

Vallecitos Water District Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi receives his ACWA 2023 “Excellence in Water Leadership” award. Photo: ACWA

Pedrazzi was nominated by his peers for his efforts toward improving operations and safety at the Vallecitos Water District as well as his dedication to public service.

Pedrazzi: ‘Vallecitos is more than just a job to me’

“When I started here we were a very small district,” said Pedrazzi. “There were only about 50 employees. We’re over 100 employees now. We serve 96,000 customers over 40 square miles. To me, it’s a fantastic place to work. I love it, love coming to work every day. Vallecitos is more than just a job to me. It’s a career and it’s a family.”

Video features Ed Pedrazzi’s career highlights

Protecting public health and preserving water resources

Pedrazzi has worked for the Vallecitos Water District 34 years. In his current role, Pedrazzi manages six operations departments. He began in 1989 on a construction crew, transferring a year later to the Water Systems Operations department. He quickly worked his way up through the department and was promoted to his current position as Operations and Maintenance Manager in 2014.

Pedrazzi’s career in public service is devoted to protecting public health by working toward the best and safest water quality possible. He is also responsible for the operations of the wastewater system, striving to protect the public from any harmful wastewater discharges or leaks.

Ed Pedrazzi working on water quality in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

Ed Pedrazzi working on water quality in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

“The entire District has always taken water quality as job one. Everything that we do is to protect the public,” said Pedrazzi.

He and his team work diligently to track the District’s water usage and devise ways to stop water loss. Recently, Pedrazzi worked with a contractor to perform water main flushing services to minimize water loss via storm drains.

Infrastructure and asset management

Pedrazzi addresses the District’s infrastructure needs by increasing maintenance where it is needed and developing the District’s Asset Management Program with the Engineering Department.

Pedrazzi researched sonic technology to address algae issues at both the Mahr Reservoir and South Lake Reservoir. By implementing this solution, Pedrazzi improved water quality and protected the environment and nearby wildlife habitat. The District has been honored with national and state awards for Pedrazzi’s innovative approach.

Pedrazzi Leads Safety Training and Response

Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother-in-law Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi family ties

Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother-in-law Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi

Pedrazzi plays a key role in the District’s safety training and emergency response. He serves on the District’s Hazardous Materials team and can be called on as an incident commander to run the District’s Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents such as wildfires. Pedrazzi has played a role in every major emergency operation at the District since 1989.

Training next generation of water industry pros

Pedrazzi also devoted his time to training the next generation of water and wastewater professionals. He taught courses at Palomar College, serving as program coordinator for 15 years. He is active with the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association, and task forces including the North County Operating Heads Group, the Water Agency Emergency Collaborative and the San Diego Regional Internship Program, where he is a founding member.

He assists other staff with school and public tours of District facilities and had the opportunity to educate exchange students from Iraq about water conservation in California.

In conjunction with the award, Pedrazzi received a grant of $5,000 to donate to a nonprofit organization. Pedrazzi selected the California Farm Water Coalition, whose mission is to inform the public about agricultural water use and advocate for environmental safety.

Pedrazzi comes from an agricultural family as his father operated a farm in Salinas, California. The family’s farm currently grows strawberries after previously farming small white beans and alfalfa hay.

ACWA is the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the country. Its more than 460 public agency members collectively are responsible for 90% of the water delivered to cities, farms, and businesses in California. Its mission is to provide comprehensive leadership, advocacy, and resources for California public water agencies to ensure a high-quality and reliable water supply in an environmentally sustainable and fiscally responsible manner.

(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.) 

Clint Baze-Clint-Board-Welcome to the Board

Welcome to the Board: Clint Baze, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District

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(Editor’s Note: This feature highlights new members of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 36-member Board of Directors. Each of the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies appoints at least one representative to the Board, which sets policy for the Water Authority.)

Welcome to the Board: Clint Baze, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District

Who: Clint Baze was seated on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on January 25, 2023, representing the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District. Baze serves on the Administrative and Finance and Water Planning and Environmental committees for the Water Authority.

Background/Education: Clint Baze is the General Manager of the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, Organization Leadership, from Asusa Pacific University, and an Associate in Arts, Water Technology, from Palomar College. Baze also holds a Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board, a Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board and is a Certified Pipeline Welder by the American Welding Society.

Water Industry Affiliations: American Water Works Association, California Water Environment Association, American Public Works Association, North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, Water Education Foundation, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, California Association of Sanitation Districts, Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority, California Special Districts Association.

Q & A

Q: How did you get interested in water issues?

A: I was born in Riverside County and as a Southern California native, I was raised in the sunshine of both Riverside and San Diego counties. I enjoyed a childhood filled with expansive wide-open spaces, horses, and old pickup trucks.  While attending high school, I signed up for the Regional Occupational Program and became a certified pipeline welder. After graduation, my first “real” job was a position as a production welder for a major water meter manufacturing company. A short time later in 1984, when I was 20 years young, I was recovering from an injury sustained during competition at one of the many regional rodeos in which I participated. A friend stopped by to check in on me and happened to share a job announcement for a welder position with the Rainbow Municipal Water District. It was then it dawned on me that a career in water would certainly be a lot less painful than a career as a rodeo professional, and equally as intriguing.

Q: What are your priorities or interests as a Board member?

A: My greatest priority as a San Diego County Water Authority Board (SDCWA) member is, first and foremost, to fully participate in the decision-making responsibilities of a Board member. As a general manager and board member, it is up to me to ensure that Rincon Water customers are well represented and that the policies we set at the SDCWA are made in the best interests of our community. I am proud to serve an organization that is known as a leader with California’s complex issues relative to water supplies, treatment, diversity, conservation, and water recycling.

Q: Besides maintaining safe and reliable water supplies, what do you see as the top three issues facing the San Diego region?

A: 1. If you are to break down the cost of water and compare it to other human wants and needs you will find that it is still comparatively cheap, however, if you rely on it for commercial, industrial, or farming, the price is almost unbearable. Safe, reliable, and affordable water may no longer be realistic. 2. The cost of energy in the region will most likely cause people to relocate. The routine price hikes of natural gas and electricity in San Diego affects all other services and raises the bar beyond reach. 3. Affordable housing is my third concern. The high cost of housing has created a situation where thousands of San Diego County workers commute here from Riverside and Orange counties. This creates havoc on the freeway resulting in excessive emissions, impedes emergency responses, and causes an increase in traffic accidents.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not working?

A: If you guessed open spaces, horses, and old pickup trucks, you’d be right, but I’ve added chickens, turkeys, dogs, cats, and rabbits to that mix. But the greatest joys in my life are my lovely wife and creative daughter. And thanks to my daughter and her talents as a special effects makeup artist, you can catch us at Comic-Con or other similar conventions deeply engrossed in cosplay.

The Water Authority’s Board of Directors typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The Board invites the public to attend its monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board. For meeting times, agendas and documents, go to​ www.sdcwa.org/board-directors

The “Water Smart Living” series of articles created by Water Resources Specialist Joni German and also published as a public service in the Times of San Diego won a CAPIO Award of Distinction in the Writing category. outreach efforts

Outreach Efforts Honored at 2023 CAPIO EPIC Awards

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The San Diego County Water Authority received two Awards of Distinction for outreach programs at the 2023 California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) “EPIC Awards” competition for California public agency communication programs.

The Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” public outreach campaign created by Public Affairs Representative Andrea Mora won in the Social Media category.

Judges said, “This campaign is organized and includes measurable data in the planning and results. The team executed well and set a great example of what a social campaign should look like.”

Water professionals highlighted

“There are so many exciting career opportunities in the water and wastewater industry,” said Mora. “I enjoyed putting my skills to work showcasing the featured professionals and encouraging people to learn more about these jobs.”

The Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” public outreach campaign created by Public Affairs Representative Andrea Mora won its CAPIO Award of Distinction in the Social Media category. outreach efforts

The Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” public outreach campaign created by Public Affairs Representative Andrea Mora won its CAPIO Award of Distinction in the Social Media category.

Water conservation in San Diego

The “Water Smart Living” series of articles created by Water Resources Specialist Joni German and also published as a public service by Times of San Diego won its award in the Writing category. The judges observed, “Remarkable work here. Water conservation is a tough sell, even when it’s clearly a problem. Very well done!” and added “Great real world results!”

Epic-CAPIO-outreach-Water Authority-awards

Water Resources Specialist Joni German (L) and Public Affairs Representative Andrea Mora (R) with CAPIO Awards of Distinction for San Diego County Water Authority outreach programs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“We work hard to find new and engaging ways to help inform San Diego County residents on ways they can contribute to water conservation,” said German. “We’re grateful to Times of San Diego for giving us a platform to reach their readers.”

EPIC Awards honor work with a lasting impact

The CAPIO EPIC Awards recognize the “best of the best” in government communications throughout the state. Winning entries demonstrate the most creative and effective efforts in the areas of communication and marketing campaigns, newsletter production, photography, special events, writing, website development, and video production.

The EPIC Awards honor work that made a lasting impact, providing an equal chance of winning to all entrants regardless of company or agency size and project budget. Entries are assessed on research and planning efforts which display an understanding of audience objectives and needs for information; development and execution; and how successfully the entrant organization achieves its objectives.

The Water Authority is a previous CAPIO EPIC Award winner for its “Drought Safe San Diego” public outreach campaign for Communication or Marketing Plans/Campaigns – In-House; and an Award of Distinction for Video Production – Promotional – In House; and also an EPIC award winner for Water News Network in the Websites category.

The San Diego Press Club has named Water News Network Best Public Service Website for five straight years.

Award-Winning Record

For the fifth consecutive year, the Water Authority’s news portal Water News Network won first place as the Best Public Service or Consumer Advocacy Website in the 49th annual San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. The award was among seven awards for WNN, including recognition for Environmental Writing, General News, and Series – Light Subject.

Joni German won second place in the Series ­– Light Subject, Online and Daily News category for WNN’s “WaterSmart Living Series.”

Senior Public Affairs Representative Ed Joyce received two second-place awards in two categories for original reporting: Online and Daily newspapers: Environment, for “California Drought Now in Third Year” and Online and Daily newspapers: General News, for “Pure Water Oceanside Provides New Local Supply of Drinking Water.”

Public Affairs Representative Kimberlyn Velasquez was awarded an honorable mention for Photography/Video in the Feature-Light Subject category for her video, “Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir Moving to Completion,” which was included in a WNN story on the project.

The San Diego Press Club honors the region’s best communicators in media each year at the Excellence in Journalism Awards.

In November, the Water Authority outreach program, “Drought Safe San Diego,” won a Silver Award of Excellence at the annual Public Relations Society of America, San Diego-Imperial Counties chapter 2022 Edward L. Bernays Awards.

Vista Irrigation District scholarship winners (left to right): Monica Lozada, Naia Riggenbach, Sarai Rojas, Samantha Harris, Colin Gastauer. (Not pictured: Riley Robbins) Photo: Vista Irrigation District. 2024 scholarship

Six Students Awarded Scholarships by Vista Irrigation District

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Vista Irrigation District has awarded college scholarships to six high school seniors and selected three fourth-grade students as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.

The annual contest is open to high school seniors living or attending school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. The content is intended to increase the knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the region. The district received twelve applications this year.

Scholarships for students

Naia Riggenbach from Pacific Ridge High School and Riley Robbins from Rancho Buena Vista High School each received $2,000 scholarships as winners of the Vista Irrigation District 2023 scholarship contest. Monica Lozada from San Marcos High School and Colin Gastauer, Sarai Rojas and Samantha Harris all from Vista High School received $1,500 scholarships as runners-up in the District scholarship contest.

Fourth graders promote water conservation through art

First place poster winner by student Belinda Chacon. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

First place poster winner by student Belinda Chacon. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Grapevine Elementary School fourth-grade student Belinda Chacon received first place in the Vista Irrigation District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest.  She received a $100 award.

Second place poster winner by student Olivia Rye. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Second place poster winner by student Olivia Rye. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Olivia Rye from St. Francis School received a second-place award of $50.

Third place poster winner by student Caroline Noesgaard. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Third place poster winner by student Caroline Noesgaard. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Caroline Noesgaard from Casita Center placed third and received a $25 award.

The poster contest is open to all fourth-grade students at schools within the Vista Irrigation District service area. The contest’s goal is to promote an understanding of water issues.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”  The three winning posters were selected from 189 entries based upon their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design. The winning posters will appear in the 2024 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free at the district’s office starting in November 2023.

(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.) 

The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s (OMWD) headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money.

Demonstration Garden is Inspiration for Olivenhain MWD Customers

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Using water efficiently is a way of life and an important responsibility in the San Diego region. Water users have learned how to make the most of every drop and avoid wasteful or careless habits. Homeowners are replacing impractical thirsty lawns with beautiful low-water-use landscaping.

Over the past decade, residents have adopted habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and reduce landscape maintenance.

Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Techniques include rain harvesting, and the garden features a rain barrel, a larger cistern, and a dry stream bed to capture water for later use.

Sustainable landscape demonstration gardens can help inspire homeowners to create and maintain their own beautiful, low-water-use landscapes at home. Since half of the water used in California’s urban areas goes toward landscape irrigation, any reduction contributes to successful conservation efforts.

New hydroponic gardening system 

A hydroponic growing system called a Tower Garden is the newest addition to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District's demonstration garden. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

A hydroponic growing system called a Tower Garden is the newest addition to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s demonstration garden. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD has added a hydroponic gardening unit to its demonstration garden. It was provided through a donation by Tower Garden. The Tower Garden unit displays a water-efficient form of growing produce in a compact and vertical system. It is of particular interest to people who are looking for more water-wise methods of growing produce than traditional growing practices.

“OMWD encourages ratepayers to continue to make conservation a way of life and explore the many innovative and water-use efficient products that are available on the market,” said OMWD Board Treasurer Neal Meyers. “A great place to start is outdoors. We hope customers take advantage of free resources and rebates to design a water-efficient landscape, and consider other water-saving options like graywater and hydroponic systems.”

Save water, money and go hydroponic

Hydroponic systems grow plants in a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. Hydroponic systems use less water than traditional soil-based growing systems. In commercial agricultural settings and farms, hydroponic systems can produce faster growth and higher yields of crops. The systems can also be used in home gardens.  Some units can use up to 90% less water than traditional produce gardens.

The demo garden hydroponic unit is operational and will be maintained by BCK Programs. Local scout troops in the district will help maintain the unit under supervision. The scouts earn conservation patches for their volunteer work. Crops harvested will be donated to scout volunteers, or donated to a local community food bank. A second system donated by Tower Garden will be used by BCK Programs to provide hydroponic gardening lessons in local schools.

Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. It is also viewable online. The garden highlights four key principles of sustainable landscaping. Visitors can learn about healthy soils, rainwater as a resource, climate-appropriate plants, and low-water-use irrigation.

Demonstration gardens inspire water savings

Demonstration gardens can provide inspiration to homeowners to achieve water savings through landscape makeover projects. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Demonstration gardens can provide inspiration to homeowners to achieve water savings through landscape makeover projects. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

In a 2007 survey published in The Journal of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, half of those surveyed during a visit to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College, found that making a change to their landscape was due to their visit to the water conservation demonstration garden. The results illustrate the value of demonstration gardens to the community.

The demonstration garden at Olivenhain’s headquarters received financial support from the Hans & Margaret Doe Charitable Trust at San Diego Foundation, Hunter Industries, Grangetto’s Farm & Garden Supply, and Bushman USA.

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

A student at the science fair showcases her project board. Innovation-technology

Students Showcase Innovation in Water Technology

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Middle and high school students from San Diego and Imperial counties showcased their creativity and innovation in water technology at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair.

Winning students at the March event presented multi-faceted water technology designed for use in agriculture, water conservation, safety and treatment, creating solutions to some of the San Diego region’s most pressing water issues.

For decades, the San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair to inspire students to pursue water industry careers and experiment with sustainable water designs.

High school students invent next-generation water technology

Kyle Tianshi and Sarah Gao tied for first place in the senior division for their development of water purifying technologies. Tianshi, an eleventh grader at The Cambridge School, focused on water pollutant identification through light scattering. Tianshi said the project used fluorescent emissions and lasers to detect microplastics in drinking water.

Gao’s work with wastewater treatment experimented with plant seeds as flocculants for water purification. A Canyon Crest Academy sophomore, Gao was also named an ISEF finalist for her work and will compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas in May.

Srija Sengupta from Westview High School took home the second-place senior award for her project, “Good on Land and Bad in Water: Effects of Fertilizer-Rich Runoff on Algal Growth.” Sengupta’s research tested the effects of fertilizer runoff in Dixon Lake and the subsequent impact on marine life, finding that phosphorous-rich fertilizers contributed the most to algae growth.

Middle school students ‘wow’ with work in water technology

In the junior division, Ryan Richardson was awarded first place for his automatic faucet invention. When tested, Richardson’s faucet was found to save more than 50% of water in a household of four, prioritizing water conservation. He is already pursuing a patent for his invention.

From Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, seventh graders Joaquin Revilla Harker and Tyler Rowe earned the second-place junior division title. Harker and Rowe’s research tested the growth capabilities of different water on grass, finding that gray water was the most suitable for growth, which can help conserve drinking water.

Caleb Raagas, who is also a seventh grader at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, was awarded the junior division’s third place award for his research on the effects of salinity levels on the production of hydroelectricity.

“This year’s winners all developed projects that address or could help solve a critical issue related to water, such as water quality, water supply management, and water purification,” said Sami Sweis, Engineer P.E. at the Water Authority. “Our industry needs bright young people like these students to use cutting-edge technology and innovation to help maintain safe and reliable water supplies for generations to come.”

Welcoming future environmental innovators

There are more than 2,800 professionals in the water and wastewater industry in San Diego County, who work hard to provide safe and reliable water supplies to the region. The Water Authority’s continued partnerships with the community work to guarantee a future of opportunity for students interested in being a part of this industry.