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Women in Water Conference Sells Out For Second Year in 2025

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The popular Women in Water Conference achieved a sellout for its second straight year with its eighth annual full-day event on March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College.

The in-person event welcomed high school and college students, along with industry veterans. Under this year’s theme, “Riding Your Career Wave,” attendees took advantage of the opportunity to network and learn from peers and leaders in the water industry.

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“It’s been very organic the way it’s grown,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a management analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority. “People hear about it, and they talk about it.

“One thing we really try to do is have every speaker tell their own story. No matter what topic they’re speaking to, everybody has a story. How did you get to where you are? It makes it more personal, and you can connect more with them,” said Rose.

Presenters and Topics For All Career Levels

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talk about advancing in your career at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talks about career advancement at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Speakers represented multiple disciplines, discussing a variety of topics from the water industry’s history in San Diego County to current career opportunities and career paths. Rose said the Women In Water Conference works hard to have something for everyone.

“We try to touch on what’s going on and what’s relevant at that time. What are we going through as a community? What would be of interest to us? What are we missing? We want to have topics that touch a variety of levels, but touch everyone as a woman, so that when they leave, they feel connected and they feel like a part of something,” said Rose.

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Presenters represented the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District and Santa Margarita Water District.

Panel discussions included “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges”, “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions” and a review of the county’s current potable reuse programs, including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority Principal Water Resources Specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region's water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority principal water resources specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region’s water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, a principal water resources specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, presented a popular session to start the day, discussing the San Diego region’s water history.

“A lot of people assume that everybody in the water industry knows that, but many don’t,” said Rose. “There’s quite an interesting history here in San Diego, and it’s something that connects all of us there, how water was first brought to San Diego. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to start the day.”

Positive Feedback From Participants

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Positive feedback is already being received and will help guide next year’s event. Among the comments:

“I felt honored to participate and be a part of this special event, which showcases the accomplishments of women and where we can grow.”

“This event highlights women’s collective power to make changes in the water industry, despite the climate on the outside, and we can speak to the things that are left unsaid and inspire those in the future.”

Wide Diversity In Career Opportunities

Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Lisa Marie Harris, CFO and Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

The Water Authority created updated Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists to help homeowners and builders select plants for their projects. Photo: Water Authority plant list

New Plant Lists Help Homeowners Create A Beautiful, Sustainable Garden

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Deciding to undertake a landscape makeover involves many choices. Choosing your new landscape plants is one of your most enjoyable tasks. But walking into your local nursery can present so many choices that it’s overwhelming. What plants work best in the San Diego climate regions, and which ones use water efficiently?

San Diego County Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn created two convenient plant lists homeowners can use to help them choose plants that will thrive and look beautiful in your new landscape with minimal irrigation.

Nifty 50 Plant List Gets A Makeover

The Nifty 50 is all new with update plant choices and helpful information. Photo: Water Authority plant list

The Nifty 50 is all new with update plant choices and helpful information. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 Plant list has helped San Diegans pick good plants for our climate for many years. It was recently updated with new choices. “Not only do the style of plants change over time, like many things do, but some plants become less hearty due to pests and disease,” said Dunn.

“Feedback from local nurseries and state mandates regarding non-functional turf led Water Authority staff to update the list. We focused on low- and very low-water plants. Half of the plants on the new list are native, and 98%  invite pollinators.”

The Nifty 50 list offers care tips and a checklist to help you make the right choices for your project. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 list offers care tips and a checklist to help you make the right choices for your project. Photo: Water Authority

The Nifty 50 list includes a 10-step checklist for plant selection and care tips to help your new plants thrive.

Happy 100 Plant List Addresses Commercial Designs

Superb Grevillea is featured on the Happy 100 list. It's a great choice for year-round, eye-catching flowers with lush, evergreen foliage. It grows quickly in well-draining soils. Good for cut flowers, and attracts birds, bees and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority plant list

Superb Grevillea is featured on the Happy 100 list. It’s a great choice for year-round, eye-catching flowers with lush, evergreen foliage. It grows quickly in well-draining soils. Good for cut flowers, and attracts birds, bees and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

The State of California has new regulations banning commercial turf grass in areas where it is ornamental or “nonfunctional.” To help commercial landscapers adhere to the new guidelines, Dunn and the Water Authority staff created a new, more comprehensive plant list called the Happy 100 Plant List.

The list actually contains 103 low and very low-water using plants, with specific information about  each plant.  These plant choices are well suited to landscapes for homeowner association common areas, public parks, and commercial buildings.

Bonus List For Black Thumbs: The Sturdy 30

Beautiful Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a "Sturdy 30" list choice. The evergreen shrub has soft green/gray to silvery fragrant foliage with spring flowers. Its flowers and seeds attract birds, bees,butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

Beautiful Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a “Sturdy 30” list choice. The evergreen shrub has soft green/gray to silvery fragrant foliage with spring flowers. Its flowers and seeds attract birds, bees,
butterflies, and hummingbirds. Photo: Water Authority

To help gardeners who need easygoing plants that will tolerate a little neglect, Dunn created a special list from the Happy 100 named the “Sturdy 30.” By sorting the online Happy 100 database, the 30 suggested plants sort into their own list.

The Happy 100 plant database can be sorted by plant common name, plant botanic name, light requirements, size at maturity, bloom color and bloom season, and which plants are native to California. Pruning and maintenance information helps homeowners care for their plants as they mature.

Prioritizing Pollinators In Your Landscaping 

Prioritizing pollinators with your plant choise such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) provides healthy habitat. Photo: Water Authority

Prioritizing pollinators with your plant choices, such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), provides healthy habitat. Photo: Water Authority

Numerous plants support the life cycle of butterflies, including the threatened monarch butterfly. Plant several in the garden to help the larvae and caterpillars as well as the full-grown, nectar-seeking adults. The Happy 100 notes which plant choices attract pollinators and which pollinators favor each plant choice.

Choosing pollinator-friendly plants allows checks and balances in a garden. You can attract insects and creatures, which will help maintain the health of a garden without pesticides.

“Lush, water-wise, pollinating plants in our landscapes cool and clean the air, invite and feed pollinators, enhance the beauty of our homes and businesses, and lift our spirits. Consider adding a few (dozen) to your landscape today,” recommended Dunn.

Dunn has worked with thousands of people seeking gardening advice and realized they need detailed plant lists to help create water-wise, year-round blooming gardens that would fit their visual preferences and maintenance needs. Dunn sought input from dozens of local landscape professionals in the nursery and design field, ultimately making a list that anyone can use and enjoy the results.

The Nifty 50 Plant List

The Happy 100 Plant List 

 

Inspiring Future Water Leaders at the Festival of Science

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On March 1, the San Diego County Water Authority connected with thousands of future water leaders at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering at Petco Park. The annual event provided the Water Authority with a great opportunity to engage with students and their families about the science behind water management.

Water Authority staff at their booth at the 2025 San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.

More than 21,500 children and their families attended the free festival – 4,000 more than the previous year. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from 160 different organizations about a myriad of topics, from what the universe looks like through VR goggles to more utilitarian topics like how water gets cleaned before arriving at their homes.

The Water Authority’s interactive booth drew a large crowd of kids who were eager to learn more about everything the Water Authority does – from the miles water travels to reach their tap to what happens after it’s used – to keep our region’s supply safe and reliable. The Water Authority team played a game with the kids that sparked conversations about where our water comes from, the incredible infrastructure that keeps the water flowing, and the people who make it all work.

Martín Fuentes, father of two, told the Union-Tribune, “it’s important that [the kids] get to know that there’s many things out there for them to learn.”

Both kids and their parents left with a greater understanding of the complex world of water management in our region, and some inspiration to pursue careers they didn’t know were possible. Events like this are an important way to inspire the next generation of leaders in science and engineering fields.

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering advocates for investments in STEM education as a way to build a secure socio-economic environment for everyone regardless of their background.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week. Fix-A-Leak-Week reminds consumers to check for leaks and repair them promptly. Photo: NithinPA/Pexels

Find and Fix Leaks During Fix-A-Leak Week 2025

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual “Fix A Leak Week” program focuses on the importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and other commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers, as well as in the home.

In 2025, Fix a Leak Week will take place March 17 – 23. It is supported by the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 22 member agencies and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Fix a Leak Week was created in 2009 by the EPA’s WaterSense program. It offers a reminder annually to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

Southern Californians Leaders In Water Savings

Bathroom plumbing and fixtures are common sources of household leaks. Graphic: EPA

Bathroom plumbing and fixtures are common sources of household leaks. Graphic: EPA

According to a recent report to the California legislature, Southern Californians have reduced their per-person potable water use by 45% since 1990, a decline driven by the region’s commitment to embracing a conservation ethic led by its residents who have adopted a conservation ethic.

Total per capita water use in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area has dropped from over 220 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) to less than 120 GPCD in FY 2023. During this timeframe, potable water use fell by over 30 percent, even though the region’s population grew by about 17 percent.

Since 1991, the Water Authority’s water-use efficiency programs and initiatives have cumulatively conserved more than one million acre-feet of water. These savings were achieved through various measures, including incentives on water-efficient devices, legislative efforts, and outreach programs.

Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a significant cost in water and energy bills.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week, while a showerhead leaking ten drips per minute wastes about 10 gallons per week. Worn-out washers or loose connections are common culprits. Turn off the water, replace old washers, and tighten any loose fittings.

Be Alert For Leaks By Following These Tips

  • Listen and look for unexpected water use indoors and outdoors, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors.
  • Don’t wait for a high water bill to find problems. Read water meters during off-peak hours when water use is lower. If the meter continues to show high use, there may be a leak.
  • During the colder months, check your water usage on your water bill. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, you may have a leak.
  • Check your water meter after two hours when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Contact your water agency immediately. If you aren’t sure how to read your meter, this video will help
  • Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • If your garden hose leaks during use, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and use pipe tape and a wrench to ensure a tight connection to the spigot.

The EPA offers a helpful checklist to ensure you identify and find any possible sources of leaks.

Rebates and Incentives Water Authority customers who implement efficient water technologies and practices can take advantage of a range of rebates and incentive programs. These include rebates on irrigation devices, turf replacement, high-efficiency clothes washers, and toilets. These programs have helped hundreds of thousands of residential, commercial, and agricultural water users improve their water efficiency.

Audits and Surveys. Programs offering residential, commercial, and agricultural customers free, on-site water-use evaluations that identify specific measures to save water are great resources.

Learn about the residential, commercial, and agricultural programs and rebates available to help residents and businesses conserve water and save money.

Urban Water Management Plan-Water Authority-Primary photo-Colorado River Aqueduct

Value of Water, Explained

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For more than 80 years, the Water Authority and its 22 member agencies have worked together to deliver safe and reliable water to our community. Thanks to our coordinated efforts and investments, the 3 million people who call San Diego County home have the water they need for generations to come.

Where does San Diego’s Water Come From?

San Diego County has three main sources of water: The Colorado River (61%), local supplies (33%) and the State Water Project (6%). Together these three categories provide a diversified water supply to ensure we’ve got abundant options to keep the water flowing.

Local supplies – Seawater desalination, recycled water, water purification, and brackish groundwater, are sources of local water supplies in the San Diego region. Local water agencies have worked to maintain and create these supply sources, with support from the Water Authority. The Water Authority also invested in the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Plant, brought online in 2015.

Colorado River – Most of the region’s water from the Colorado River is generated through increased conservation measures on farms and canals in the Imperial Valley.

State Water Project – The Bay-Delta is the hub of the State Water Project, a water storage and delivery system that is owned by the State of California and operated by the California Department of Water Resources. The Water Authority purchases State Water Project supplies through the Metropolitan Water District.

The Colorado River Basin provides essential water supplies to approximately 40 million people and 30 Tribal Nations, nearly 5.5 million acres of agricultural lands, and habitat for ecological resources across parts of several Western states (including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and Mexico.

How far does water travel to reach San Diego?

Water can travel up to a thousand miles before coming out of your tap. Snow and rain falls in the Rocky Mountains and travels to the region through the Colorado River. For the State Water Project, rain falls in northern California over 500 miles from San Diego and travels to the region through water infrastructure. In addition, the region has a growing array of local water supplies, including desalinated seawater and recycled water.

What does San Diego’s water infrastructure look like?

The Water Authority takes ownership of pipelines just south of the Riverside-San Diego county borderline and maintains more than 300 miles of pipelines in San Diego County that transport water throughout the region. Local water agencies operate thousands of miles of smaller pipelines that deliver water to homes and businesses.

Karla Sanchez-Engineers Week-Senior Engineering Technician

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

How many facilities does the Water Authority operate to keep our system running?

With 1,600 structures and over 100 flow control facilities, the Water Authority’s countywide infrastructure is vital to provide San Diego with a safe and reliable source of water.

What is leading to rate increases?

Water rates are rising across the state for a variety of reasons, including inflation that is driving up the cost of items like electricity, steel and chemicals needed for water delivery and treatment.

The Water Authority and its member agencies are not immune from those impacts. In fact, San Diego County’s strategic investments in supply reliability, coupled with the work to maintain the aqueduct system, means that residents and businesses will pay more for water in future years.

The good news is that even during long dry spells, the Water Authority can meet the regional demand for water that sustains our economy and quality of life.

 

What else is the Water Authority doing to help the region understand its role?

The world of water is a complex one that needs color and context. That’s why, over the past few months, the Water Authority has developed a bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach strategy to tell residents across the region who we are and what we do. This program delivers targeted messaging across multiple channels, focusing on the value of water, infrastructure investments, climate adaptation and the people who make the water systems work. We hope that this effort will provide a deeper appreciation of the Water Authority and a better understanding of everything we do.

Partnerships Propels Future Wave of Water Workforce

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The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) recently hosted a behind the scenes event aimed at propelling students to dive into careers in water and energy. The Education to Workforce Tour took participants into four programs aimed at preparing the next generation of water professionals in these fields.

The time to build that future workforce is now. According to the US Water Alliance, more than 300,000 people work to operate and maintain water systems around the country. In the next decade, about a third of water utility operators will be eligible to retire. Every year, water utilities must fill more than 9,000 water treatment operator jobs, with thousands of additional openings for other water-related occupations. Tours like this help provide insight and education about the potential careers for San Diego students.

At Cuyamaca College participants explored wastewater training facilities and discussed ways to build a talented workforce.

In partnership with the Water Energy Education Alliance, San Diego County Office of Education, Cuyamaca College, and Metropolitan Water District, this educational program is part of an ongoing partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE).

The tour travelled to four key locations: the Linda Vista Innovation Center (LVIC), Chula Vista Hydro Facility, Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies (CWS), and the construction site for Pure Water San Diego. Attendees from water districts, utilities, and educational institutions all came together to see how education and hands-on learning can create dynamic career pathways for students.

Tour attendees connected at the County Office of Education’s Linda Vista Innovation Center.

At LVIC, visitors saw STEM classrooms in action and talked about how to replicate this kind of learning environment across the San Diego region. The group then headed to Chula Vista Hydro Facility, where fifth-grade students learned about water-powered energy uses and the skilled workforce that supports it.

The third stop was Cuyamaca College, where participants explored wastewater training facilities and discussed ways to build a talented workforce. The final stop was Pure Water San Diego, where new job opportunities in advanced water treatment were on display.

The tour highlighted the benefits of early career exploration and opportunities in the water sector. When given the chance to understand what careers are available and match those with their unique skills and interests, students are more likely to choose the right courses and training programs early on, ensuring a steady stream of talent for the water industry as it enters a critical period of filling essential roles.

These educational and workforce partnerships between SDCWA, SDCOE, and other organizations are crucial for connecting the youth to future water industry jobs, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for future generations.

(L to R) Women in Water committee members Vicki Quiram, Senior Consultant, MKN (recently retired General Manager of Carlsbad Municipal Water District); Vanessa Murrell, Center for Water Studies, Cuyamaca College; Maria Rose and Karla Sanchez, San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

8th Annual Women in Water Conference Schedule Announced

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The popular Women in Water Symposium has set its return for 2025 with a full-day event on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College. Registration is now open.

This inclusive event welcomes everyone from high school and college students to seasoned industry veterans. It offers the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and gain insights from knowledgeable speakers. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

The 2025 Women in Water Conference theme is "Riding the Career Wave."

The 2025 Women in Water Conference theme is “Riding the Career Wave.”

This year’s program theme is “Riding Your Career Wave.” Speakers from a wide variety of disciplines at all levels will discuss career opportunities and paths.

Participating presenters confirmed to date represent the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District.

Aspiring student water and wastewater professionals are encouraged to attend the 2024 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Aspiring student water and wastewater professionals are encouraged to attend the 2024 Women in Water Symposium. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“Our Women in Water Symposium brings together exceptional women from throughout the region, including those who currently work in the water industry, as well as those who are interested in joining,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a San Diego County Water Authority management analyst.

“This annual symposium offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and to network with our peers and leaders from throughout San Diego County.”

Career discussions address varied experience levels

A career discussion session at the 2024 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

A career discussion session at the 2024 Women in Water Symposium. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Planned sessions address career development and transitions,  improving communication skills, and breaking through work stagnation.

Panel discussion topics include “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges,” “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions,” and a review of the county’s current Potable Reuse Programs including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

The conference starts with a newly added networking session, which takes place during check-in from 8 to 10 a.m., as requested by previous attendees. It replaces the reception time after the conference at the end of the day.

General admission is $40. Attendance is free for students, educators, and counselors. Event registration is available online.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women in Water Conference on Thursday, March 20 at Cuyamaca College. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women in Water Symposium at Cuyamaca College on Thursday, March 20. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“Our sessions provide essential training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support women at every stage of their careers. Join us in empowering women to reach their full potential across diverse roles, from engineering to management and beyond,” said Rose.

Event details and updates are posted on the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies website.

Wide diversity in career opportunities

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

Work continues on the Water Authority's historic First Aqueduct to ensure safe, reliable water supplies for the San Diego region well into the future. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Major Milestone Reached on San Diego’s Historic First Aqueduct

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The San Diego County Water Authority is at the halfway point on a critical construction project to extend the life of the historic First Aqueduct and ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water supplies for the region.  

Work on the project, known as the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, is expected to run through summer 2026 with renovations to 99 structures along two large diameter pipelines that run from north to south county. 

 “The First Aqueduct has served our region for over 70 years, and this investment is about making sure it continues to do so reliably,” said Nick Serrano, chair of the Water Authority Board of Directors. “This project is a great example of our water bills at work – ensuring that the infrastructure delivering safe and clean water to our homes and businesses remains strong for generations to come.”  

San Vicente Aqueduct

Officials commemorate installation of the first portion of pipe along the new Second Pipeline of the San Vicente Aqueduct in 1951. Photo: Water Authority

The project represents one of the most extensive maintenance efforts in the agency’s history. The First Aqueduct serves 11 water agencies countywide. Improvements are focused on two parallel pipelines that were construction in the late 1940s and 50s.  

The three-and-a-half-year project stretches 21-miles starting north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15, continuing south to Slaughterhouse Canyon in unincorporated San Diego County and ending at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Along the way the work crosses Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and parts of unincorporated San Diego County.  

Funding for the $66 million effort comes from water bills across the region as part of the Water Authority’s Capital Improvement Program.  

Phase One of the work began in spring 2024 on Pipeline 2 structures. That work is scheduled to conclude at the end of February with Pipeline 2 being put back in service. The second phase will take Pipeline 1 out of service so that

work on its structures can begin. By working on the parallel pipelines separately, the Water Authority keeps one pipeline in service and minimizes potential for interruptions to water delivery during construction. 

 “As Phase One of the project moves toward completion, the Water Authority is grateful to the many neighbors and property owners impacted by the construction for their patience and support as this vital work continues,” Serrano said. “By making these improvements before they become urgent, we avoid more costly repairs and reduce the overall cost of system maintenance, while keeping our water supply safe and the taps flowing.” 

To expedite the transition to Phase Two of the project, construction will take place around the clock for 10 days from Feb. 23 to March 4. Night work is planned for seven locations. Most of the 24-hour worksites are on undeveloped land with negligible impacts on residents or businesses.  

The Water Authority is coordinating with local water agencies to minimize the potential for interruptions to water service during construction. Residents with questions or concerns about water service should contact their local water supplier, while questions about the project should be directed to the Water Authority at .  

For more information about the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can find work sites near their own addresses, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct. 

 

The Coronado Tank was rehabilitated by the Vallecitos Water District, giving it many more years of service. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

Vallecitos Coronado Water Tank Gets Upgrade To Prepare For Wildfire Season

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Although no system can guarantee 100% effectiveness against a large wildfire, maintaining water tanks and rehabilitating them when needed is vital to ensure they are ready in an emergency.

There are few direct water sources in the San Diego region. Other than rainfall and saltwater desalination, water must be imported. Regional water districts store water for daily use and irrigation for their customers. They also store water in reservoirs and tanks to aid in emergency outages and fire protection.

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Water District (District) recently completed the rehabilitation of its Coronado Hills Tank in San Marcos. Originally constructed in 1984, the 40-year-old tank showed signs of age and wear.

Time and Weather Affect Tank Aging Process

Mike Preston, a construction inspector for the district, explained why the tank needed the upgrade. “Like everything else, they get old. The interior steel structure and coating start to deteriorate over time, as well as the exterior coatings from the weather,” explained Preston.

The first step in assessing the tank's condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The first step in assessing the tank’s condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Before any tank is taken out of service to be upgraded, a diver enters the tank with an underwater camera to conduct a visual inspection and assess the interior steel structure. Exterior visual inspections complete the assessment.

A specialized contractor undertakes the rehabilitation process, sandblasting both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tank to bare steel. This allows a thorough structural inspection of the steel tank. Structural integrity improvements were made to rafters, beams, and stands.

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The District also upgrades technology and updates safety standards. The Coronado Tank’s access portals were made larger to allow safer access for annual cleaning, and a new climbing system provides access for water quality testing.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the project in this video.

 

Coronado Hills Tank Gets a New Look

When repairs were completed, the tank received a new interior coating specially approved for drinking water and new exterior surface epoxy coatings to safely extend its lifespan. Traditionally, water tanks have been painted dark green to blend in with their natural surroundings.

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

However, the dark color creates warmer water temperatures inside the tank, which makes it more difficult to maintain water quality standards.

As part of the rehabilitation project, the tank’s color was changed to beige to improve its light-reflectance value (LRV) from 11% when painted dark green to 67%. This means the tank surface now reflects 67% of the light hitting it rather than absorbing it.

Preston says the district is looking into changing the color of its other tanks, pending further monitoring to determine the long-term benefits.

“I already have had confirmation from one of our operators that when they were out sampling tanks. Already they’ve noticed a temperature change at this particular tank, which is a good sign. But only time is going to tell, over time, the main effect and how it’s really going to help us,” said Preston.

Water Tanks Play Vital Role in Fire Protection

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Water tanks are placed on hills at elevation above populated areas to reduce pumping costs and ensure adequate water pressure for firefighters in the event of wildfire.

“Our Vallecitos Water District rehabilitations are necessary to provide constant, safe, potable drinking water for our customers, as well as a reliable source of fire protection by keeping these tanks in service for a very long time to come,” said Preston.

Preston says he’s thankful the Vallecitos Water District makes time to listen to employee input with suggestions on ways to improve district operations, “not only for just our customers, but also our employees as well.”

Catherine and Bryan Binotti replaced the outdated and drab landscape of their charming and recently-historically-designated 1950 house in the Brier Patch neighborhood of La Mesa. Photo: Helix Water District landscape contest

Landscape Makeover Contest Open For 2025 Entries

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The popular WaterSmart Landscape Makeover annual competition is now open for 2025 entries. The contest highlights residential landscaping with grass areas that have been transformed into flourishing and colorful water-smart landscapes.

Contest judges look for winners who represent the best in landscaping makeover projects from 12 participating San Diego County water agencies.

Winning entrants feature unique approaches to their landscape projects. They demonstrate the wide range of options for creating lush, beautiful landscapes that rely more on native plants and less on large areas of thirty grass.

Jason and Taylor McAllister turned a tired Santee yard into a tropical landscape visited by pollinators and other wildlife. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Jason and Taylor McAllister turned a tired Santee yard into a tropical landscape visited by pollinators and other wildlife. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Entries are judged on overall attractiveness, efficient irrigation methods, design, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. The creative results and personal stories help inform and inspire other homeowners to consider their own new yard designs.

“The cooler winter months are the ideal time to make changes to your landscaping,” said Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn. “Take advantage of our ongoing educational programs and rebates to create your own water-wise wonderland.

“To help choose the plants that best fit your style and climate, check out the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists. These lists can help everyone create  beautiful, lush, colorful, thriving landscapes filled with birds, bees, and butterflies.”

Which Agencies Are Participating In 2025?

Rain barrels help supplement the irrigation system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Rain barrels help supplement the irrigation system in this year’s Vista Irrigation District Landscape Makeover Contest winner. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Participating agencies in 2025 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, and Vista Irrigation 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, which can help defray project costs. Applications must be complete and approved prior to beginning your landscape work.

The winning Olivenhain Municipal Water District 2024 landscape contest design includes a seating area to let visitors sit and enjoy the space Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The winning Olivenhain Municipal Water District 2024 landscape contest design includes a seating area to let visitors sit and enjoy the space Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

This year’s contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 9, 2025. Homeowners may submit their entry online or through their participating agency. This is where you pay your water bill. You must be a resident within agency boundaries to participate.

Find the application for your participating water agency here, or on your agency’s website.

WaterSmart Landscaping Saves Estimated 36 Million Gallons Annually

The Palmer family's winning entry in the 2024 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: City of Escondido

The Palmer family’s winning entry in the 2024 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: City of Escondido

Outdoor water use accounts for 62% of San Diego County’s water consumption, mainly for landscape irrigation. Yards with a lot of grass can greatly increase overall water consumption.

Conservation education efforts, including the WaterSmart Landscape Contest, provide ways to create landscapes customized for your favorite activities, incorporating the needs of children, pets, accessible areas, pollinators, and specialty gardens.

Free Landscape Makeover Classes Offered by Water Authority

The Water Authority offers free options to help homeowners plan their makeovers. Homeowners can get started by viewing step-by-step videos on the Water Authority website.  Additional online resources includes free video workshops.

Each winner will receive a $250 gift certificate and recognition in the appropriate agency’s newsletter, on their website, and other promotional materials.