(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 towww.sdcwa.org/board-directors
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Neal.Meyers.3.23.2023.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-05-15 15:52:432023-05-15 15:52:43Welcome to the Board: Neal Meyers, Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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 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
“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
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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ed-Pedrazzi-Ops-Group-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-05-15 08:54:542023-05-15 16:25:30Vallecitos WD Employee Ed Pedrazzi Recognized for Leadership
(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 towww.sdcwa.org/board-directors
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Clint.Baze_.3.23.2023.CN_.002-Welcome-to-the-Board-PRIMARY3.jpg478855Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-05-09 16:25:562023-05-09 17:33:25Welcome to the Board: Clint Baze, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District
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.
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!”
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.”
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 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
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
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
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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/VID-Scholarship-Group-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-05-07 15:24:372023-05-07 17:07:54Six Students Awarded Scholarships by Vista Irrigation District
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
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
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
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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OMWD-Demo-Garden-845X450-20220929_demo-garden-streambed.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-05-05 04:31:472023-05-05 04:31:47Demonstration Garden is Inspiration for Olivenhain MWD Customers
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Science-fair-2023-845x450-1.jpg450845Kristiene Gonghttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngKristiene Gong2023-05-03 12:44:312023-05-04 09:50:04Students Showcase Innovation in Water Technology
Eight high school students were honored for their award-winning photographs in the annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest. The winners were selected from a group of 62 students from high schools across the South Bay within the Authority’s service area. Students submitted 148 entries in two categories, color, and black and white.
Winners were recognized at the April 26 Sweetwater Authority board meeting.
“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to seeing the entries and continued involvement from our local high school community,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We are continually amazed by the talent and photography skills of students in our service area, and we encourage residents to go to see the photos at the Bonita Museum and Historical Society.”
Color Category Winners
First Place: “Make A Splash,” Cristian Ramirez, Hilltop High School, Grade 12
Second Place: “Life,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10
Third Place: “Hilltop Park Stream,” Daniel Hernandez, Chula Vista High School, Grade 9
Honorable Mention: “A Stroke of Color,” Andrea Covarrubias, Hilltop High School
Honorable Mention: “Calaman-sea,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School
Honorable Mention: “Ripples and Rocks,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School
Black & White Category Winners
First Place: “Match,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10
Second Place: “Kick the Water,” Allison Reyes, Bonita Vista, High School, Grade 11
Third Place: “Drops on Umbrella,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School, Grade 12
Honorable Mention: “Morning Dew,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School
Honorable Mention: “The Rose,” Nicholas Gallegos, Hilltop High School
All the winning photos are displayed online, and at a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.
(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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sweetwater-Photo-2023-Color-HM3-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-04-27 14:04:432023-04-27 14:04:43Eight Student Photographers Selected as Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest Winners
“Invest in Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2023. Investing in sustainable, local water supply sources and conservation has long been a way of life in San Diego County by water agencies and residents.
“Investing in our planet can take many forms, and the challenges we face differ from community to community,” said San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl. “One investment I encourage San Diegans to think about on this Earth Day is landscape transformation. This is important because the biggest users of water at our homes are our landscapes – perhaps as much as 70% of our water use, depending on where we live.”
Sustainability is a priority of the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies. Maintaining a sustainable water supply ensures the vitality of San Diego County’s $268 billion economy and a safe, reliable supply for the region’s 3.3 million residents.
"The #EarthDay2023 theme “Invest in Our Planet” aligns perfectly with what the @sdcwa and its 24 member agencies have done for decades. It points to the necessity of dedicating time and resources to ensuring a sustainable water supply for our community." https://t.co/YOiozXknmV
— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) April 22, 2023
Earth Day and WaterSmart San Diego
Along with federal, state and local government support, including grant funds, the Water Authority and its 24-member agencies have developed diversified, sustainable, local water supply sources. The agencies also collaborate to secure funding for programs that help residents and businesses use water efficiently and smartly.
Using water efficiently has long been a way of life in the region. Conserving more of our most precious resource is a responsibility that comes with living in San Diego’s Mediterranean climate. Over the past decade, residents and businesses across the county have adopted “WaterSmart” plants, irrigation technologies and habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources and reduce landscape maintenance.
Invest in the Planet by Living WaterSmart
The Water Authority partners with other agencies and organizations to offer a variety of WaterSmart tools, including classes and rebates, along with a water-use calculator and other resources.
Increasing local supply sources also benefits the greater Southwest U.S. by reducing demand on imported sources. A hotter, drier climate in the arid west requires climate adapation solutions and region-wide collaboration to ensure water supply reliability.
Sustainable water projects
The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have long-embraced sustainable practices to conserve water and energy. All water agencies work together on forward-thinking projects to expand local supply sources. By investing locally in water recycling, desalination and potable reuse projects, the agencies reduce the need for imported water, freeing those supplies for other parts of California and the Southwest U.S.
Olivenhain Recycled Water Pipeline
A new recycled water pipeline in Encinitas is helping to reduce the region’s dependence on imported water supply.
“Every drop of recycled water used on our landscapes replaces a drop of imported drinking water.” A new recycled water pipeline in Encinitas helps reduce the region’s dependence on imported water supply. https://t.co/1LQ8GC8ysh#EarthWeek2023#cawater#sustainability
— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) April 18, 2023
East County AWP
Scheduled to be complete in 2026, the East County Advanced Water Purification Program will generate up to 11.5 million gallons per day of purified water— meeting approximately 30% of current drinking water demands for East San Diego County residents and businesses. “In 2045, potable reuse projects are going to provide up to 20% of the water that we need here in San Diego County,” said San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl at the June 2022 groundbreaking. “This region has been excellent in its innovation and planning for water needs for the region.”
“In this year when many areas of California and the West are facing extreme hardships with drought, the East County AWP is really another step forward in reliability for its water supply partners and the region,” said Sandra L. Kerl, General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority, at the June 1 groundbreaking ceremony for the recycled water project. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program
Pure Water Oceanside
The $70 million Pure Water Oceanside project uses advanced technology, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to provide 3 million gallons per day or more than 20% of the City of Oceanside’s drinking water supply. The source of the recycled water to create the purified water is from the city’s own San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility.
The $70 million project uses advanced technology, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to provide 3 million gallons per day or more than 20% of the City of Oceanside’s drinking water supply. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Pure Water San Diego
Pure Water San Diego is the City of San Diego’s largest-ever infrastructure program that will provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply by 2035. Pure Water will use purification technology to clean recycled wastewater and is a cost-effective investment for San Diego’s water supply needs.
Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant
The Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant has served more than 100 billion gallons of high-quality, locally controlled water over the past seven years – a milestone passed in late October 2022. The plant produces an average of more than 50 million gallons of high-quality water every day. It’s a foundational water supply for the San Diego region that minimizes vulnerability to drought and other water supply emergencies.
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient desalination plant in the nation, and it has provided a sustainable water supply to residents and businesses in San Diego County since December 2015. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
This is great news!
As we continue to confront increasingly frequent and intense droughts, today’s announcement is an exciting step in our efforts to provide sustainable, reliable water supplies for San Diego County. https://t.co/OH6l76KZT2
Renewable energy from natural resources such as sunlight, wind and water is quickly becoming a critical component of California’s power supply. As a water supplier, the Water Authority pursues a variety of hydroelectric and solar energy projects to help reduce energy costs and stabilize water rates.
A power purchase agreement with CleanCapital enabled the Water Authority to install solar power systems at no cost. The solar power systems installed at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, Escondido Operations Center and Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant produce an estimated 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. The 20-year agreement with CleanCapital will save the Water Authority approximately $3 million over the lifetime of the agreement, and supports the agency’s commitment to sustainability.
The solar power systems installed at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, Escondido Operations Center and Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant produce an estimated 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Earth Week and Earth Day Events
Scheduled events are hosted by several City of San Diego departments, including Library, Sustainability and Mobility,
Transportation, Environmental Services and Parks and Recreation, and are all free to attend.
• Arbor Day Celebration Event – Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join the City of San Diego at the 2023 Arbor Day Event in Mission Bay’s Vacation Isle, on Hibiscus Lane, as volunteers and City leaders plant trees and beautify the park, reminding us of the benefits of trees and our urban canopy.
• Creek to Bay Cleanup – Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join Think Blue San Diego and partner I Love a Clean San Diego for the largest cleanup in San Diego County. Choose from 4,000 cleanup sites to volunteer and beautify our local environment.
• Earth Day Celebration at South Clairemont Recreation Center – Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – Noon. Join the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department at the South Clairmont Recreation Center, 3605 Clairemont Drive. The free event will include seed planting, a park cleanup, simple crafts and a self-guided scavenger hunt. There will be informational booths throughout the park as well. All ages are welcome.
Along with April’s celebratory events, the City of San Diego’s Climate Action and Climate Resilient SD plans, and other initiatives under the “Our Climate, Our Future” umbrella, demonstrate the City’s commitment to climate action and protecting the environment. These evolving programs will help the City achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 while benefitting residents through new economic opportunities, improving natural and urban spaces, and protecting vulnerable communities from climate threats like extreme heat, wildfires and sea level rise.
Ramona Municipal Water District Saturday, April 22. The Ramona Municipal Water District will have a booth at Sustainable Ramona‘s 2nd annual Ramona Earth Day Festival, Noon- 5 p.m. at the Ramona Community Garden, San Vicente Rd. and 11th Street, Ramona. Staff will have water conservation giveaways, answer questions about water and conservation, and also participate in the festival “Treasure Hunt” for children.
City of Escondido Saturday, April 22 9 a.m. – Noon. Escondido will be hosting two clean-up location sites in partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego at Dixon Lake and Reidy Creek. A 3D poster using recycled material and created by students in Escondido is displayed at the Escondido Arts Partnership Gallery on Grand Avenue in April.
— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) April 18, 2023
The Water Conservation Garden and San Diego Tree Week
San Diego Tree Week, April 22-29, an initiative of The Water Conservation Garden, is intended to bring neighbors together to plant trees in their community. Businesses, schools, and individuals will come together to celebrate the many benefits of trees. Details: thegarden.org/sd-treeweek/.
Celebrate San Diego Tree Week with with a tree and a treat on Apr 29, 10am-1pm. Learn about the the benefits of trees and ask the professionals how to care for them! There are a few spots for workshops and tree giveaway limited availability.
(Editor’s Note: The City of San Diego, City of Escondido, City of Oceanside, Helix Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, Vallecitos Water District, and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, are eight of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WNN-Sweetwater-2022-Landscape-Winner-845X450-Earth-Day-2023.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-04-19 18:23:152023-04-22 12:39:33Every Day is Earth Day for Water Agencies in San Diego County
Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is the California Water Environment Association statewide 2022 Plant of the Year. The award was presented April 19 at CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego.
The award acknowledges the facility’s accomplishments to increase water supply reliability by reducing imported water demand and plant operations. In addition to the honors as California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level earlier this year from CWEA’s San Diego Section.
“OMWD is honored to be selected as the Plant of the Year by CWEA in the statewide competition,” said Board President Christy Guerin. “The 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, and this award recognizes the plant’s long-standing contribution to the communities we serve by producing a drought-resilient, sustainable water supply.”
Today, @cwea presented the statewide 2022 Plant of the Year Award to OMWD’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. The award acknowledges accomplishments in the wastewater industry and wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. https://t.co/oSsLKERjWVpic.twitter.com/tkG52aLmTB
The water district serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its 4S Ranch facility and agreements with neighboring recycled water providers. As California’s water supply becomes more affected by unpredictable swings in weather, so does the need for innovative and diversified approaches to help reduce demand for valuable drinking water supply.
OMWD provides and distributes recycled water for non-potable uses in portions of its service area for landscape irrigation at schools, parks, golf courses, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas.
OMWD serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its 4S Ranch facility and agreements with neighboring recycled water providers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
CWEA’s award program recognizes professional achievements within the wastewater industry and stimulates public awareness of the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. 4S WRF operators maintain over 85 miles of sewer collection system pipelines, lift stations, a 410-acre-foot storage pond, and a one-million-gallon reservoir to provide wastewater and recycled water services.
Founded in 1927, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 9,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes sound policies to benefit society through the protection and enhancement of our water environment.
(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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/OMWD-4S-Ranch-Water-Reclamation-Facility-Honored-PRIMARY.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-04-19 17:01:562023-04-20 18:02:28Olivenhain Municipal Water District 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Is California’s Plant of the Year
