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In-person landscape workshop: This award winning landscape makeover in La Mesa shows a low water use design can be lush and colorful without turf.

In-Person Workshops Return for 2023 Landscape Makeover Program

March 7, 2023/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The San Diego County Water Authority’s free WaterSmart Landscape Makeover workshops have helped thousands of San Diego County homeowners successfully convert high-water-use lawn areas to WaterSmart landscapes.

For the first time since 2019, in-person landscape workshops return starting Saturday, March 18. Weekly sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon at The Water Conservation Garden, adjacent to Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, and at the Helix Water District Operations Center in La Mesa. Virtual workshops are also offered on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a new series beginning March 18. Virtual workshop registration is also open.

Participation is free with registration for in-person and virtual workshops required in advance through the workshop webpage. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Topics cover residential landscape design for the homeowner, plant palettes, healthy soil, irrigation retrofits and streamlined landscape maintenance, all with a “do-it-yourself” approach encouraging the use of low water use plants and personal design touches.

A wide variety of plant palettes and design templates suited to a variety of lifestyles have been updated for 2023.

New for 2023: design palettes suited to accomodate a wide variety of lifestyles and activities. Graphic: San Diego County Water Authority in-person workshops

New for 2023: design palettes suited to accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles and activities. Graphic: San Diego County Water Authority

“We are delighted to bring back our in-person workshops to give residents multiple options,” said Joni German, Water Authority water resources specialist. “People have different ways they prefer to learn new skills and different schedules. We want to help residents find the best way to achieve water savings with a beautiful new landscape that suits their lifestyle.”

Another free opportunity is the new “Designer At Your Door” service. Requirements include homes with a minimum-size living lawn, a working in-ground irrigation system, and a willingness by homeowners to install a more sustainable landscape. Attendance is required at a minimum of five three-hour workshops to qualify. Read more about the Designer At Your Door program and its requirements here.

Homeowners benefit from conservation gains plus rebates

There are new enhanced rebates for removing turf and replacing it with sustainable landscaping. Photo: Water Authority

There are new enhanced rebates for removing grass and replacing it with sustainable landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Landscape watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California. The Water Authority’s workshops can help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes enjoyment of the outdoor space. Homeowners can also save the time and expense required for lawn maintenance.

In the last five years, 1,290 participants created new landscape plans through the Water Authority’s workshops. They committed to converting 1,479,180 sq. ft. of lawn with a documented 33% water savings equal to 36.5 million gallons per year.

San Diego County homeowners, businesses, and organizations such as homeowners’ associations can receive between $2 and $4 per square foot to remove grass and replace it with low water-use plants better suited to our region’s hotter, drier weather. All customers are eligible for the base rebate of $2 per square foot. Learn more at socalwatersmart.com

Some agencies offer additional funding, including the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego. Residents in unincorporated San Diego County may be eligible for additional incentives through the Waterscape Rebate Program.

(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $268 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. The Water Authority delivers wholesale water supplies to 24 member agencies, including cities, special districts and a military base.)

Water Use Surveys-Audit-Save Money-Save Water

Save Water and Money with Free Water Efficiency Survey

March 7, 2023/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike Lee

Forecasts of a hotter, drier climate for the Southwest U.S. make every effort to save water critical. A new program now available intends to do just that for residents in parts of Southern California. The San Diego County Water Authority, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, are offering free indoor and outdoor residential water efficiency use surveys.

The surveys, in-person and virtual, are available within MWD’s service area, including San Diego County.

“The survey is a free, easy, tool that can show you what small changes can be made which will lead to long-term savings,” said Joni German, a water resource specialist at the Water Authority.

She said the surveys are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. After filling out an online application the next step is scheduling a visit from a certified landscape auditor.

Save water, save money

Not only do residents save our most precious resource, they also save money.

Vallecitos Water District customer Michael Berry took advantage of the program because he wanted to do more to save water. Even though Berry had previously replaced his grass with artificial turf, he said he learned how to save even more water after the survey.

“What I learned primarily is how to improve my irrigation system from spray-based systems to a drip based system,” said Berry. “That’s the primary thing I’ll fix going forward.”

Outdoor survey

An outdoor survey includes an evaluation of the water meter to check for leaks along with zone information on the homeowner’s plants. During this process the homeowner will take the surveyor around areas with irrigation, divided into sections or “zones.”

Inspections will be done on each zone to determine whether the current irrigation system in place is operating at peak efficiency. The water meter can be utilized in seeing any unusual increase of water usage without the homeowner’s knowledge which would indicate a leak in the irrigation system.

Saving water with irrigation efficiency

In Berry’s case, the surveyor performed a check up on potential irrigation problems such as valve malfunctions, pressure, sprinkler alignment, drainage leaks and anything else that might reduce efficiency or indicate overwatering. The presence of leaks or blocks in the valves and using spray water instead of drip irrigation are just a few elements the surveyor warned Barry could negatively impact his water savings.

“One of the specific things that the surveyor helped me with was the valve maintenance, making sure that every 6-12 months you have to clean the valves out to make sure they’re not getting impeded,” Berry said.

Once the survey is completed, participants receive a written report along with irrigation efficiency recommendations, and information on financial incentives to offset the cost of recommended improvements.

“It’s a good way to get a new perspective for anyone who does their own landscaping work and is curious about their water usage,” Berry said. In his case, Berry was able to make a plan to improve the water saving practices he already has in place.

“Spray system is where most of the problem I need to solve exists,” he said. “The spray system I have was spraying a lot of dirt areas which aren’t really helping the plants and tree. The second problem is the system is hard to control in terms of the amount of water that I want to put on over a period of time.”

Water efficiency inspections can also be performed on larger commercial landscapes. Schedule your free survey here: www.waterefficiencysurvey.com/.

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

Landscape Makeover Contest Open For 2023 Entries

March 3, 2023/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The 2023 regional WaterSmart Landscape Makeover competition is open. The annual contest seeks the best in landscaping makeover projects from 12 participating San Diego County water agencies.

Showcasing residential water-saving landscaping projects highlights water conservation efforts, as a hotter, drier climate is forecast for the region. Winning examples also help inform and inspire other homeowners to consider replacing their water-guzzling, turf-based yard designs.

Participating agencies in 2023 include: the cities of Escondido, and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, Vista Irrigation District and California American Water.

Bryan and Denee Felber’s conversion from turf to low-water use landscaping earned the Chula Vista homeowners the 2022 Otay Water District WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest win. Photo: Otay Water District

Each agency winner receives a $250 gift certificate and public recognition for their efforts. Homeowners may also be eligible for turf removal rebates and additional incentives.

This year’s contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 12, 2023. Homeowners may submit their entries online through their participating agency. You must be a resident within agency boundaries to participate.

Turf removal saves 36.5 million gallons per year

Before and after view of Mike and Cathy Godfrey’s award-winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Half of urban residential water consumption in California is used for outdoor landscaping – as much as 75% of an average home’s water use. With drought becoming the norm despite this season’s generous rainfall, the San Diego County Water Authority encourages low-water use landscaping among residents who haven’t considered removing turf and reducing landscape irrigation.

When yards contain a lot of turf, it can significantly increase overall water consumption. This is why conservation education efforts focus on replacing turf.

In the last five years,1,290 participants created new landscape plans through the Water Authority’s workshops. They converted 1,479,180 sq. ft. of turf with a documented 33% water savings equal to 36.5 million gallons per year.

Waterwise landscaping

By showcasing how beautiful landscape designs can be without relying on lawns through the WaterSmart Landscape Contest, homeowners can showcase their creativity to encourage their neighbors to consider the attractive options for waterwise landscaping.

“We’re encouraged by the enthusiastic participation of San Diego County homeowners who are moving away from lawn-intensive landscaping as the default choice,” said Water Authority Water Resources Specialist Joni German. “Homeowners are creating lush, colorful, thriving landscapes which are water-efficient and beautiful at the same time.”

Free landscape makeover classes offered by Water Authority

La Mesa resident Nick Voinov stands in front of his 2022 Helix Water District Landscape Contest winning yard. Photo: Helix Water District

The Water Authority offers free options to help homeowners plan their makeovers. Homeowners can start with the Water Authority’s free three-hour introductory landscaping workshops.

In-person workshops return this spring for the first time since 2019, starting on Saturday, March 18, at The Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego. Workshops are also available through a virtual option as a convenient alternative.

The Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover four-class workshop series offers more specific planning for homeowners. See the course page for the most current schedule and to sign up.

(Editor’s Note: The cities of Escondido, and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, and Vista Irrigation District are 11 of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

WaterSmart Makeover: Escondido Yard is a Handcrafted Haven

February 23, 2023/in Home Headline, Media Coverage, San Diego County, WaterSmart Living /by Mike Lee /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Caron Golden

In Jeanne Reutlinger’s world, gardening is an act of collaboration with friends and neighbors — meaning you don’t need much of a budget at all to create a prize-winning front yard. In Reutlinger’s case, her garden is the 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner for the city of Escondido’s water district.

(Editor’s Note: Residents of San Diego County can schedule free WaterSmart Checkups to make their properties more water-efficient and are eligible for water-saving rebates: www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/. Read more about Jeanne Reutlinger’s WaterSmart moves here: www.waternewsnetwork.com/escondido-landscape-makeover-winner-goes-from-weeds-to-wow/ The City of Escondido is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Full Story

Celebrating 79 Years of Engineering at the San Diego County Water Authority

February 15, 2023/in Achievements, Features /by Mike Lee

The San Diego County Water Authority is celebrating National Engineers Week by highlighting how the agency’s engineers are instrumental in keeping the water flowing to San Diegans.

Since the Water Authority’s formation in 1944, engineers have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the agency and its commitment to delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego.

The Water Authority’s first general manager, J. L. Burkholder, who oversaw the completion of Pipeline 1, which gave San Diego access to the Colorado River in 1947, also held the title of chief engineer. At the Water Authority, National Engineers Week is a time to remember its roots while also appreciating the team leading it into the future.

“Preparing the next generation”

Water Authority Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, who is a registered professional chemical engineer, explained the importance of having a strong presence of engineers in organizations like the Water Authority.

“Engineering at its core is problem solving,” Berge said. “That type of thinking is applicable at all levels within an organization. At this stage in my career, the most rewarding aspect of my job is leading talented individuals and preparing the next generation.”

The Water Authority has 23 staff members that hold professional engineering or engineering-in-training licenses.

Tish Berge-Emma-Ward-McNally-Engineers Week

(L) San Diego County Water Authority Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, a registered professional chemical engineer, and (R) Emma Ward-McNally, engineer and construction manager at the Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Love of science

Emma Ward-McNally, engineer and construction manager at the Water Authority, said her love for science and curiosity of the world around her drew her into the field of engineering. She said her passion for problem solving keeps her going.

“I love my job because no two projects are ever the same and they all offer unique challenges and opportunities,” Ward-McNally said.

Asset Management – Underground

At the Water Authority, problem solving can look a little different than other retail water agencies, said Principal Asset Management Specialist Eric Rubalcava, who is a professional engineer.

Large diameter pipelines and structures allow for Rubalcava and his team to physically go inside the infrastructure for inspections. A typical inspection over the course of 10 days will cover 12 miles of pipeline. Rubalcava and his crew look for visible cracking of the pipeline liner, exposed or corroded metal, coating failures, spalled concrete, pulled joints; anything that provides evidence that our infrastructure is in a degraded state.

For Rubalcava, the job is rewarding because of his direct involvement in keeping the water system reliable by determining infrastructure needs.

“This work is physically demanding but I get to do something that most people don’t get to experience, including many of my Water Authority colleagues,” Rubalcava said.

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Water Authority Principal Asset Management Specialist Eric Rubalcava performing an internal inspection of Pipeline 4EII in South San Diego County. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Field work – Above ground

Senior Engineering Technician Karla Sanchez spends her time out in the field above ground. One of her main roles is maintaining a presence at construction sites where she ensures that projects are meeting contract specifications.

“One of the favorite parts of my job is being out in the field monitoring construction and working with various talented individuals in the water industry,” Sanchez said.

Karla Sanchez-Engineers Week-Senior Engineering Technician

Water Authority Senior Engineering Technician Karla Sanchez. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Data analysis, problem solving = solutions

When engineers aren’t out in the field, Senior Water Resources Specialist Anjuli Corcovelos said a typical day on the job includes data analysis, communication, and solving problems.

All this comes together when presented with projects like the Moosa Canyon Pipeline Repair and Replacement Planning Study. Corcovelos and her team had to determine which of the eight possible solutions would be best. The project involved coordination with several other departments as part of a massive team effort. It’s the type of project Corcovelos finds the most satisfying.

“Those challenges, those stressful days or nights trying to really figure out that solution, come together sometimes with other teammates to make that happen,” said Corcovelos. “But ultimately when you achieve that goal, and you identify what that solution is and be able to see those effects come to light, it really truly is very rewarding.”

Master Plan – The Future

Leading up to National Engineers Week, engineers across multiple departments at the Water Authority have been looking ahead together at what the future holds for engineering projects which will positively impact San Diego’s water supply.

Sami Sweis, professional engineer (PE) in Water Resources, is working with Corcovelos along with other departments and water agencies on his current favorite project: The 2023 Water Facilities Master Plan Study. The master plan goes all the way out to 2045 by evaluating existing and planning for new regional water facilities. The overall goal is to keep the water supply reliable and diverse while also maintaining or increasing operational resiliency and reliability.

“It’s really enjoyable because of the collaboration we have with our other departments and member agencies, and knowing that in the future we’re going to have some projects that are going to be beneficial to San Diego as a region,” Sweis said.

(Editor’s Note: Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Engineers Week (February 19–25, 2023) is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.)

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded the 2022 Work for Water Scholarship to two local students: David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Photos: Sweetwater Authority 2024 scholarship applications

2023 Scholarship Applications Open for Future Water Professionals

February 14, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations will offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2023 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.

The acceleration of industry retirement and the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies result in an increased effort to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.

Scholarships are available for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for study in the 2022-2023 academic school year.

San Diego regional water scholarships

Helix Water District is offering two $1,000 scholarships to student pursuing water industry careers. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District offers two $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing water industry careers. Photo: Helix Water District

The Helix Water District offers two $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area who will begin their university studies next fall. Applications are due March 10 for the Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship and the Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship, which both help with freshman-year expenses. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals and financial needs.

High school seniors must graduate in Spring 2023 and attend a four-year college or university next fall. Students submit a two-page essay exploring the case in favor or against developing potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. Students can verify their eligibility by calling 619-466-0585. Deadline: March 10, 2023. Application Link.

The Vista Irrigation District offers up to six scholarships between $1,000 and $3,000 to high school students living or attending school within the district. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of water-related issues impacting their community. Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service. Deadline: February 24, 2023. Application Link.

Students can contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 or with questions or request application information.

Through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the Mark Watton Scholarship Fund supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.

Applicants must be currently enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. Students can contact scholarship specialist Ernest Williams at 619-660-4537 or email for more information.

Sweetwater Authority “Work for Water”

Sweetwater Authority’s “Work for Water” scholarship program offers two $1,000 scholarships to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies or another accredited college, community college, or trade school with a career goal in the water industry. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, please email

In 2022, the Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded scholarships to David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Inchaurregui Jr. is currently attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, pursuing a career as a water treatment plant operator. Beltran is seeking her Master’s Degree at San Diego State University, intending to work in water policy and administration.

Vallecitos Water District Scholarship Contest

The Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at both Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the District. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water related issues impacting their community.

Students may download an application package from www.vwd.org, or contact Chris Robbins at (760) 752-7120 or to have the materials sent to them. Deadline: March 31, 2023. Applications must be received via e-mail or at the District office by 5 p.m. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area.

California statewide water scholarships

Approximately 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs will become available in San Diego County in the next five years. Photo: Water Authority s 2023 scholarship application

Approximately 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs will become available in San Diego County in the next five years. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

ACWA

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers four undergraduate scholarships, one graduation scholarship, and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus. Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include academic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.

ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders. Deadline: March 1, 2023. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .

CA-NV AWWA

The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to support students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water related field. Two $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.

Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater, and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable candidates. Deadline: March 15, 2023. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email

WEF

The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies scholarship provides $25,000 for a post-baccalaureate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.

The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation. Deadline: March 31, 2023. Application Link. For questions, email Lisa Ruane at

(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Sweetwater Authority and Vista Irrigation District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

New Board Members-January 2023-San Diego County Water Authority-Board

Water Authority Board Welcomes Seven New Members

February 10, 2023/in Features, Welcome to the Board /by Mike Lee

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors welcomed seven new members from across the region at its first regular Board meeting of the year on January 26, expanding the agency’s leadership and policy making skills during a critical period for water in the West.

Each of the Water Authority’s 24 retail member agencies are represented by at least one member of the 36-member Board of Directors, which sets the Water Authority’s strategic direction. The Water Authority provides wholesale water supplies that sustains 3.3 million people and a $268 billion regional economy, in coordination with its member agencies.

Diverse perspectives

“Our new directors bring qualifications and experience that will expand our capacity and provide diverse perspectives about the complex issues we face,” said Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz. “We will all benefit from these experienced leaders who have proven skills in a wide variety of business and public agencies.”

Seven new members:

Teresa Acosta, Carlsbad city councilmember, representing Carlsbad Municipal Water District – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Water Planning and Environmental
Clint Baze, Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District general manager, representing Rincon Del Diablo MWD – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Water Planning and Environmental
Steve Castaneda, South Bay Irrigation District board member, representing South Bay Irrigation District – Water Authority committees: Engineering and Operations, Imported Water
Lindsay Leahy, Oceanside Water Utilities director, representing City of Oceanside – Water Authority committees: Legislation and Public Outreach, Water Planning and Environmental
Joy Lyndes, City of Encinitas councilmember and deputy mayor, representing San Dieguito Water District – Water Authority committees: Legislation and Public Outreach, Water Planning and Environmental
Kyle Swanson, Padre Dam Municipal Water District CEO/general manager, representing Padre Dam MWD – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Legislation and Public Outreach
Ditas Yamane, National City councilmember, representing City of National City – Water Authority committees: Engineering and Operations, Water Planning and Environmental

The Board generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, with special workshops and other meetings as needed. Board members serve on committees and special work groups and are also appointed to represent the Water Authority on the boards or committees of other agencies and government organizations.

(Editor’s Note: The public is invited to attend monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board. To learn more about Water Authority Board members and meetings, go to sdcwa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/.)

Low-Flow Toilets-affordability-water conservation

Water Authority Helps Low-Income Customers With Water-Saving Devices

February 10, 2023/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike Lee

The San Diego County Water Authority has secured $3 million in grant funds to install water-saving devices — water-efficient toilets and smart irrigation controllers — in underrepresented communities across the region, bolstering the agency’s long-running efforts to enhance water affordability.

The Water Authority will use the money to install 7,300 high-efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers covering about 4,000 locations, saving more than 6,000 acre-feet of water and helping enhance water efficiency and affordability for vulnerable customers. The funds are from the California Department of Water Resources’ Urban Community Drought Relief Grant program, designed to advance Governor Gavin Newsom’s strategy to adapt California’s water supply for a hotter and drier future.

Safe, reliable, affordable water

“This is another big step toward our goal of ensuring that everyone in San Diego County has access to safe, reliable and affordable water,” said Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz. “Helping customers improve water efficiency ultimately saves them money and protects our most precious natural resource.”

In 2022, the Water Authority secured $25 million to cover overdue residential water bills resulting from the economic impacts of COVID-19. The Water Authority also operates an industry-leading asset management program designed to avoid the extreme costs of emergency repairs on large-scale water lines. And, the agency is advocating in Washington, D.C., for federal funds to defray the cost of generational upgrades to local dams and reservoirs.

Water-saving devices

The Water Authority’s Water-Use-Efficiency Direct Installation Program is designed to save residents money on water costs. To be eligible for the direct-install program, residents in manufactured housing communities, multifamily and single-family homes must be a customer within the Water Authority service area. Details and how to participate: www.synergycompanies.com/utility-program/sdcwa-dip or call 888-272-8394.

Reduce water use by 60%

The direct-install program conserves water by replacing inefficient toilets with high-efficiency models through professional installation at no cost to participants. According to the U.S. EPA, the replacement of older toilets with high-efficiency models can reduce water use by up to 60%. The initiative also includes installing smart irrigation controllers at no cost and providing education on outdoor water-use efficiency. Smart irrigation controllers can make irrigation schedule adjustments more convenient and water-efficient by using local weather data and landscape conditions to tailor the amount, frequency, and timing of landscape watering.

The grant funds will extend the life of the Water Authority’s existing program that has installed 2,213 water-efficient toilets over the past 12 months. The program is funded and implemented through a partnership between the Water Authority, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and San Diego Gas and Electric.

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Marine Corps Veteran Shawntrel McCoy Finds His Perfect Fit in the SkillBridge Program

February 7, 2023/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Mike Lee

As Shawntrel McCoy closes out his 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he’ll be spending his last six months pursuing his passion for environmental science in the SkillBridge Program at the San Diego County Water Authority. The program is helping military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry.

There wasn’t originally a SkillBridge position in the environmental section of the Water Resources Department, but after discovering that the Water Authority was looking for SkillBridge interns McCoy decided it was worth looking into.

Marine Corps veteran lands at Water Authority

“That’s when I realized they [the Water Authority] had a whole webpage dedicated to SkillBridge. So that’s when I made the phone call and started working on the process,” McCoy said.

This phone call led to an interview, which ultimately landed McCoy his spot as the Water Authority’s newest SkillBridge intern. McCoy’s education – Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science with a concentration in Fish and Wildlife management and sustainability – gave him most of the background needed to start off strong in his new position.

SkillBridge Program a “win-win”

Since joining the federal program in June 2020, the Water Authority has had six SkillBridge interns working in various departments. The program is a win-win for both employers and the transitioning military service member – the military service member can work fulltime in a participating agency for the last 180 days of their active duty gaining valuable civilian work experience, and the employer gains early access to the extensive experience, skills, and unmatched work ethos service members bring to the workforce, all at a very low cost. The service member continues to earn his wages and benefits from the military during the internship.

Even though his official start date wasn’t until early January, McCoy opted to begin preparing for his role two months before his first day as a part of the SkillBridge program. The environmental section of the Water Resources Department is a very specific niche, McCoy said, and he didn’t want to spend more time than he had to “trying to play catch up.” McCoy remembers the support he received during these early months:

“There’s only two people under the environmental section and they’ve both taken me under their wings and have been mentoring me. Just yesterday we visited three different sites to make sure that they were close to being complete. They’ve been doing great with the mentoring aspect.”

Valuable training

With McCoy’s internship well underway, a typical day of work can involve anything from planning meetings with contractors, screening documentation and analyzing data as well as the occasional site visit, which McCoy said is his favorite aspect of the job. His main project right now is tied with the newly finished FRS II structure in Mission Trails Regional Park.

“I’m currently helping the contractors to implement revegetation at that site so all the bare soil, after five years, can establish native vegetation,” McCoy said.

A job in the water industry was an option that stood out to McCoy when he was going through school since it involved social, economical and environmental factors. What drew McCoy into working specifically in the environmental section of the Water Resources Department was the opportunity to give back to the community, just like in his military service, while pursuing his passion for science in nature conservation.

“Ideally I’d love to stay at the Water Authority. I love it right now, it’s exactly what I wanted to do,” McCoy said. “I would love to stay with the company that’s teaching and mentoring me right now and just keep it going.”

Job opportunities in the water industry

The opportunities for both transitioning servicemembers and local water agencies are significant. More than 30,000 service members separate from the military each year in California, and more than half are transitioning out of active duty in the San Diego region.

Roughly half of the current water industry workforce in the San Diego region will be eligible to retire in the next 15 years – and approximately 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs are expected to open in the region in the next five years.

"Misty" by Bonita Vista High School Noah Kitcher sophomore was a winning entry in the 2022 Sweetwater Authority High School Student Photo Contest. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority 2023 Student Photo Contest Open

January 26, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The 15^th annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest is now open for entries. The contest showcases and celebrates how safe, reliable water service supports our daily lives through photography.

The theme for the 2023 contest is “Water In Daily Life.” Past winners have featured photos from landscapes to everyday household activities and using water to wildlife and pets.

1st Place: Ashley Monroy, Hilltop High School, Grade 12 – “Summer Day.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

1st Place in the 2002 Color Category: Ashley Monroy, Hilltop High School, Grade 12 – “Summer Day.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

“Water in Daily Life”

“Whether at home, outdoors, at school, or within our community, water is vital to everything we do,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “This contest offers students a chance to reflect on how water supports their lives and showcase that through their artistic talent. The Board is proud to continue this tradition of engaging with local students about the value of water, both through this contest and our other education programs and partnerships.

Winners will receive monetary prizes, have their artwork displayed at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, and receive recognition at a Sweetwater Authority Board meeting in May 2023.

Creativity, technical quality, visual appeal, and theme

Honorable Mention winners in the 2022 Color Category: (L) Skyler Yowakim, 9th Grade, Bonita Vista High School, “Stepping Into The Future;” (R) Sebastian Pimentel Lugo, 9th Grade, Sweetwater High School “Solin Bath.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The contest is open to students who live or attend school in the Sweetwater Authority service area.

The deadline to submit entries is 5 p.m. March 17. Photos must be taken in 2022 or 2023 within the Sweetwater River Watershed or the Sweetwater Authority service area boundaries covering National City, Bonita, and western and central Chula Vista.

Photos may be in black and white or color. Entrants can submit up to three photos in each category. Students are permitted to edit the photos for minor adjustments only and must retain a natural, realistic appearance. Photos may not depict bottled water or the ocean or beach.

1st Place: Skyler Yowakim, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 9 – “Making A Wave.' Photo: Sweetwater Authority

1st Place in the 2022 Black and White category: Skyler Yowakim, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 9 – “Making A Wave.’ Photo: Sweetwater Authority

In addition, each photo must include a short essay of 50 to 100 words describing how the photo related to the contest theme. Judging will be performed by a panel of Sweetwater Authority staff and community experts. Judging criteria includes creativity, technical quality, adherence to the theme, visual appeal, and the narrative to explain the significance of the photo

Winners receive cash prizes: $400 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. Sixty-five students submitted entries in last year’s competition. Full contest rules and submission information is available at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest. Submissions must be emailed to . Photos must be in JPEG form, 10 MB or less, and 300 PPI resolution. Photos must be sized to 8 x 10 inches.

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