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Ismael Hernandez-Skillbridge-military

SkillBridge Interns Explore Career Opportunities After Military Service 

/in , /by by Noah Harrel

The San Diego County Water Authority is providing training opportunities to military veterans looking for new careers in public service as part of the SkillBridge Program. The program is helping military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry. 

Transitioning out of the military from a foreign county and coming back to the states is not an easy task, said Ismael Hernandez. In the case of Hernandez, now finishing his service in the Marine Corps, this involved finding new connections upon returning, leaving behind the military mindset of consistency in day-to-day life and figuring out his future career. 

Ismael Hernandez is interning at the San Diego County Water Authority as part of the Skillbridge Program. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“I was lucky enough to have SkillBridge, but for other [military] members it’s not as easy,” Hernandez said.  

The Water Authority is the first public agency in California to participate in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which connects transitioning military service members to career-track job training opportunities. Skillbridge interns continue to be paid their military salary and benefits.  The program was developed by the federal government to provide experience and future career opportunities to military members as they transition to civilian life.

Skillbridge Program a “win-win” for service members and employers 

Since joining the federal program in June 2020, the Water Authority has had four SkillBridge interns working in various departments. The program is a win-win for both employers and the transitioning military member – the military servicemember 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 no cost.

Hernandez heard about the program from a few of his fellow service members who saw the work he was doing and recommended he look into the program to prepare himself for the future.  

 “To set yourself up right after the military is very beneficial because the trend for many military members is to not get help at all or have bad living situations and I didn’t want that for myself,” said Hernandez. 

Valuable experience for future career

 Shengliang “Justin” Jin, is also a SkillBridge intern finishing his contract with the Navy. Like Hernandez, he is also working to prepare himself for his future after he leaves military service. SkillBridge is providing him the opportunity to gain experience in the career he wants to pursue.  

Shengliang “Justin” Jin is an intern with in the San Diego County Water Authority Finance Department. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Interning in the finance department while finishing his associates degree was Jin’s first step in getting his foot in the door. After spending some time in budgeting, Jin will move into the accounting division at the Water Authority. The move is important to Jin because he wants to add a wide breadth of experience to his resume while pursuing his college education.  

“I will be finished with my associates by the end of this year and plan on getting into a university by next fall,” said Jin.

Hands-on work for military vet

Currently, Hernandez is gaining experience in heavy equipment operations, vegetation management, and other duties related to construction. Hernandez said his intern experience in construction or electrical work is exactly what he hopes to be doing in the future.   

“I’m more of a hands-on person and I want to learn these trades,” said Hernandez.  

The hands-on work Hernandez has done so far has included working on pipelines, grading roads, as well as laying down cement and wires. While it’s different from the rigid schedule of the same day-to-day tasks Hernandez experienced in the military, he sees this as a learning experience and opportunity for his professional growth. 

Hernandez said his goal is to turn his SkillBridge internship into a job and career at the Water Authority.

“If military members believe that they can do it, that they can make something happen, they make it happen,” Hernandez said. “It’s challenging, but at the end of the day you have to keep pushing through and have that mindset and you’ll make it happen.” 

Water and wastewater industry job opportunities

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.  

Lisa Marie Harris-CFO of the Year-San Diego Business Journal

Water Authority Finance Director Lisa Marie Harris is CFO of the Year

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San Diego County Water Authority Finance Director Lisa Marie Harris has been named CFO of the Year in the Public Sector category by the San Diego Business Journal.

Harris has served as director of finance and treasurer for the Water Authority since May 2014, capping 30 years of experience in both public and private finance. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing the Water Authority’s $1.98 billion debt portfolio, a $503 million investment portfolio, the development of the biannual $1.7 billion operating budget, and setting annual rates and charges.

Reducing costs for water ratepayers

“The San Diego Business Journal could not have selected a better example of dedicated public service than Lisa Marie Harris,” said Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl. “Over the past seven years, Lisa Marie has led strategic initiatives that have improved the financial health of the Water Authority, benefitting our member agencies and the region’s ratepayers, while demonstrating leadership for employees who provide essential water services to San Diego County.”

CFO of the Year

Each year, the San Diego Business Journal honors the financial executives with its CFO of the Year Awards that recognize contributions to growth, leadership, and community involvement. A panel of independent judges, drawn from the region’s financial leaders, selected the 2022 candidates.

Lisa Marie Harris-CFO of the Year-San Diego Business Journal

During the peak of the pandemic, she advocated for refinancing Water Authority debt and then timed the market to minimize costs for the agency. Harris’ financial savvy and keen sense of timing saved the region $48 million, which will be applied to future rate cycles. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Harris and finance team minimize water rate increases

Harris’ sustained excellence and financial acumen have been critical to minimizing wholesale water rate increases despite inflationary pressures on energy, chemicals, and other materials.  In addition, she is helping to lead agency initiatives to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, reliability, and affordability.

“I am honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the work of the entire Water Authority Finance Department team,” said Harris. “It’s also important to recognize our Board of Directors, which provides strategic direction and ultimately makes the difficult decisions to balance all of the complex factors necessary to sustain water supplies for San Diego County.”

Among her recent accomplishments, Harris led the Water Authority’s successful efforts to earn strong credit ratings from the three major U.S. rating agencies. High ratings allow the agency to optimize its debt portfolio and minimize the cost of financing vital water reliability projects, which reduces long-term costs.

Debt refinancing saves region millions of dollars

During the peak of the pandemic, she advocated for refinancing Water Authority debt and then timed the market to minimize costs for the agency. Harris’ financial savvy and keen sense of timing saved the region $48 million, which will be applied to future rate cycles.

Lisa Marie Harris-CFO of the Year-San Diego Business Journal

“I am honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the work of the entire Water Authority Finance Department team,” said Harris. “It’s also important to recognize our Board of Directors, which provides strategic direction and ultimately makes the difficult decisions to balance all of the complex factors necessary to sustain water supplies for San Diego County.” Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

CFO of the Year has extensive public service experience

Prior to joining the Water Authority, Harris served as chief deputy treasurer for the County of San Diego Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office; executive director of California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission; assistant deputy airport director for the City and County of San Francisco – San Francisco International Airport; and senior vice president for Siebert Brandford Shank LLC.

Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Harris is a past executive board member of the Debt and Nominations Committees for the Government Finance Officers Association; past executive board member for Women in Public Finance; and founding member and vice president for the San Diego Chapter of Women in Public Finance.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria appointed Harris to the City of San Diego Employees Retirement board in May 2021, and she serves on the Investment Committee. Harris was recently appointed to the board of directors of San Diego-based Wakeland Housing Corporation, which develops affordable housing in California.

Gary Croucher-Board Chair-San Diego County Water Authority-Primary

Looking Out for Water Ratepayers in San Diego County

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Every year at this time, water agencies launch the long and thoughtful process of setting rates for the next year. It’s always complex and challenging – and in 2022 we’re starting in an even tougher spot due to larger economic uncertainties that are compounded by inflation.

Thankfully, the Water Authority strategically invested in supply reliability in decades past when costs and inflation were lower – and we are reaping the benefits of those investments during the worst megadrought in 1,200 years. Further, the Water Authority’s locally controlled sources have cost-control measures built into the contracts to help guard against sudden price increases.

However, water costs in San Diego County are heavily influenced by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. And now, MWD is proposing the largest increases in more than a decade – 17% over the next two years.

Under new management, MWD is undertaking several long-range financial and planning efforts while beginning an investment cycle to ensure its future water supply will be reliable. Over the next several years, MWD is starting a $3.7 billion recycled water plant in Carson followed by a multibillion-dollar tunneling project in the Bay-Delta. While these are important projects for MWD to shore up its supplies – especially for their member agencies that may have cutbacks due to their location in MWD’s system – they will drive up the cost of water from MWD far faster than the cost of Water Authority water. One result is that MWD’s water is expected to be more expensive than our supplies within the next decade (as shown in the chart).

Water ratepayers-water cost trends in California

On behalf of our member agencies, farmers, small businesses, and you, we are asking MWD to prioritize affordability and aggressively control costs before imposing significant rate increases. We have worked very hard to do that at the Water Authority and we are committed to advocating on our region’s behalf at MWD while supporting the very important work they do.

Photographer @rosie_barnett_photography is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Content first-place winner.-Otay Water District-drought-Water Conservation

Otay Water District Selects Instagram Photo Contest Winners

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The Otay Water District selected four winners in its New Year-themed Instagram photo contest as part of its campaign to encourage water-saving efforts during the statewide drought. One is an Otay Water District customer, and three others live within San Diego County.

The four talented photographers put their skills to use, helping to make their community’s residents and businesses more aware of the need to save water.

“This contest was one of many ways we continue to educate the community on the importance of saving water,” said Otay Water District Board President Tim Smith. “Although San Diego County may have reliable supplies for 2022 and beyond, the state remains in a drought, and the Otay Water District is doing its part to support the state’s efforts asking residents and businesses to step up conservation efforts now for current and future conditions.”

Photo contest winners depict family and nature

All photo entries were posted to social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, using the hashtag #OtaySaveWaterResolution. Although the contest was open to all U.S. residents, the Otay Water District encouraged its customers to enter and share their ideas.

“Most Likes” 

Emily Tutor is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Contest for "Most Likes," and it's easy to see why. Photo: Otay Water District

Emily Tutor is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Contest for “Most Likes,” and it’s easy to see why. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District

First-place winner is Emily Tutor, @emily_anne04. She wrote, “In 2022 we’re conserving water by fixing our dripping sinks!”

Second-place winner @jwilzen’s photo champions composting to help with conserving water. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District

Second-place winner Janna Wilzen, @jwilzen, explained, “Indoor and outdoor composting helps with conserving water by improving the soil chemical properties; thereby assisting to increase soil matter. Additionally, collecting runoff water from the rain helps to reduce the amount of polluted waters which can affect all wildlife in all ecosystems. Self-watering planters are also beneficial in conserving water as they have reservoirs that sit at the bottom of the planter which evenly distribute water when it’s needed.”

Winning photos selected by the Otay Water District

Otay Water District personnel chose their winners based on theme, originality, and creativity.

Photographer @rosie_barnett_photography is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Content first-place winner. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District

Photographer Rosie Barnett of @rosie_barnett_photography is the first-place winner. She offered tips for her fellow residents as part of her entry.

“Your garden is an extension of your home and a great place to start when conserving water! Did you know you can have a beautiful garden and still be #waterwise! Here are a few tips:
* Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
* Water your lawn only when it needs it
* Water during the cool parts of the day
* Plant drought resistant trees and plants
* Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
* Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps
*You could possibly save up to 100 gallons a day!”

Of her win, Barrett commented, “What an honor!”

Heaven Morgan shared her gardening know-how in her winning photo. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District

Second-place winner in selected by Otay category is Heaven Morgan, @heavenmajesta, who shared her gardening know-how.

“Rehab plants + Water saving tricks = pure joy! 🌱💦✨ A really easy way to save a bit of water around the garden is to keep a dish under potted plants! This allows the runoff to be either used to water other plants or absorbed back into the plant by way of wick watering which means you don’t have to water as often! Another easy way to make use of the run off is to hold potted plants over in ground plants or planters while watering this method allows the extra water to run right off onto the next plant! Happy gardening!”

Winners received either restaurant gift cards or Amazon gift cards.

To learn more about conservation practices, water-use efficiency, and other resources available to Otay customers, go to otaywater.gov/conservation.

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

WaterSmart Drought-Tolerant Plant Giveaway in Encinitas

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The San Diego County Water Authority and three member agencies are partnering with Altman Plants for an Adopt-A-Plant event Saturday in Encinitas.

Vista-based Altman Plants, the largest nursery plant grower in the nation, has led efforts to increase water-efficiency and sustainability. The first 500 guests will receive free Smart Planet-brand drought-tolerant succulents to spur more residents to adopt water-efficient landscaping.

Water Authority member agencies – City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District – have joined Altman Plants to highlight how WaterSmart plants, and landscaping and irrigation techniques can save our most precious natural resource.

Adopt-A-Plant

The event, at the Encinitas Home Depot from 9 a.m. to Noon, also includes an appearance by Geena the Latina, an iHeart radio personality who is promoting WaterSmart living on behalf of the Water Authority, and even an Altman employee dressed as a cactus.

Adopt-A-Plant-Giveaway-drought

WaterSmart landscaping

The plant giveaway is intended to promote WaterSmart landscaping as drought conditions statewide underscore the importance of carefully managing water.

“Tossing your turf and converting to a WaterSmart landscape is one of the most important ways that residents and businesses can reduce their water use permanently,” said Denise Vedder, Water Authority director of public affairs. “There are many beautiful low-water and native plants available that thrive in our region and combining those plants with water-efficient irrigation systems and sustainable landscape practices creates a beautiful landscape.”

Reliable water supplies are essential to the success of Altman Plants and the more than 5,000 farmers in San Diego County. The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies support the region’s growers, who generate more than $1.8 billion annually.

“San Diego farms have specialized in integrating agricultural activity and urban living, growing crops that optimize limited acres,” according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “San Diego far surpasses its fellow top producing counties in terms of average dollar value per acre with an agricultural production more valuable than other urbanized areas of California, such as San Francisco, Orange County, and Los Angeles combined.”

Small beginnings for nursery giant

The nation’s largest nursery plant grower has small roots, beginning in a Los Angeles backyard, and now stretches from San Diego County to the East Coast.

Altman Plants started in Ken & Deena Altman’s backyard in 1975. What began as a hobby, based on the couple’s interest in plants slowly transformed into a wholesale nursery business encompassing more than 1,700 acres in six states. The business began with a plant catalog of unusual succulents.

Later, the Altman’s would sell plants to local retail nurseries. The retailers loved the unusual and varied plants, and so did their customers. Altman Plants became more and more important to retailers because of their quality plants and innovative products.

For Altman Plants, water-efficiency, sustainability and WaterSmart operations are second nature, and the March 26 plant adoption event is another example of how the company gives back to the community.

The Water Authority, its 24 member agencies, and partners, offer numerous classes, rebates and other resources to help make WaterSmart living simple. More information at watersmartsd.org. 

(Editor’s note: The  City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District are three of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

WaterSmart Landscape Contest-Lauren Grey's new landscaping filled with vibrant blooming plants is the 2021 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Makeover Contest winner. Photo: Vista Irrigation District Vista 2021 Contest

San Diego Water Agencies Seek Inspiring WaterSmart Landscape Contest Entries

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Eleven participating San Diego County water agencies invite homeowners to share their inspiring landscaping makeover stories by entering the 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

The annual contest recognizes outstanding WaterSmart residential landscapes. The winning landscape from each participating water agency will receive a prize valued at $250 and may be recognized in print and online publications. The deadline to apply is May 13, 2022. Applications are available at www.landscapecontest.com.

Judges are looking for overall attractiveness of the landscaping including its curb appeal and whether the plants are well maintained; a design with adequate plant coverage and permeable soil able to thrive with less water; efficient methods of irrigation; and climate-appropriate plant selection with minimal turf.

“With rebates available for turf removal, now is a great time to replace your lawn with a beautiful WaterSmart landscape,” said Brent Reyes, Vista Irrigation District water conservation specialist.

Winning garden is an explosion of color

Lauren Grey's new landscaping filled with vibrant blooming plants is the 2021 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Makeover Contest winner. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Lauren Grey’s new landscaping filled with vibrant blooming plants won the 2021 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

In 2021, Lauren Grey won  “Best in District” award for the Vista Irrigation District. What started out as a project to halt the rush of soil down a steep front slope turned into a multi-hued garden with a view from the top. Grey renovated her front slope and landscape by installing retaining walls surrounded by beds of colorful blooms. She lined the staircase zigzagging through the hillside with a variety of potted succulents. Bright orange poppies, lush green jade, silvery ghost plants, and Purple Heart Tradescantia dot the slope.

The winning result is an explosion of color.

“What fun to have a beautiful garden and a sweet place to sit and contemplate it all!” said Grey.

Most household water use is outdoors

The Zeigler family of Vista replaced a labor intensive lawn with a beautiful pollinator friendly landscape to win the 2020 VID Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

The Zeigler family of Vista replaced a labor intensive lawn with a beautiful pollinator-friendly landscape to win the 2020 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Residents of all participating water agencies are eligible to enter. Agencies 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, and Vallecitos Water District along with the Vista Irrigation District. Each District has slightly different requirements. Read the contest rules webpage for information.

Up to 80% of local household water consumption is outdoors. The contest intends to inspire residents to consider a landscape makeover by showcasing the beauty and variety of water-efficient landscapes.

In addition to the benefits of reducing water consumption, water-efficient landscaping can improve a home’s curb appeal and value, and reduce the need for costly, time-consuming maintenance. Many native plant selections have fire-resistant qualities and provide habitat for local wildlife.

(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 the Vista Irrigation District are 11 of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones demonstrates how to find leaks in the new Fix-A-Leak-Week 2022 video from the Vallecitos Water District. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Invest In Water Conservation During Fix a Leak Week 2022

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Fix a Leak Week is a time to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks. This year’s reminder about water conservation comes as California and much of the U.S. Southwest are in the third consecutive year of drought.

Minor water leaks account for more than one-trillion gallons of water wasted each year in homes across the United States. One-trillion gallons equals 3.068 million acre-feet, nearly enough water to meet the needs of San Diego County for seven years.

Fix a Leak Week started in 2009 by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program to educate water users and promote the importance of repairing leaks to conserve and protect the water supply.

The week highlighting water conservation is supported by regional WaterSense partners throughout North America, including the San Diego County Water Authority, its 24 member agencies and water agencies throughout the country.

Fix a Leak Week 2022 resources

The Water Authority won its third WaterSense award for Excellence in Collaboration and Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products in 2021.

The Water Authority also partnered with San Diego Gas and Electric to install nearly 4,000 WaterSense labeled showerheads for residents in the area and helped residents save water outdoors through its WaterSmart Contractor Incentive Program, which installed more than 1,000 WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers to achieve six million gallons in water savings

Repairing a leaky toilet can save up to 500 gallons of water a day. In just a month, that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.

The Vallecitos Water District and City of San Marcos are partnering to provide Fix a Leak resources to its customers, including a new website, bill statements, and a demonstration video. It features San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones showing a simple method for detecting a toilet leak.

The Sweetwater Authority will participate in Fix a Leak Week 2022, offering tips for consumers and rebates of up to $75 for leak repairs made through June 30. See its website for details and an application. Sweetwater customers can schedule a free water audit by calling the Water Efficiency Hotline at 619-409-6779 or email

Simple fixes save water and costs

Spending a little time during Fix-A-Leak-Week 2022 to repair simple leaks saves water and costs. Photo: Pixabay

Spending a little time during Fix a Leak Week 2022 to repair simple leaks saves water and costs. Photo: Pixabay

Common water leaks such as leaky showerheads or dripping faucets are often easy to fix, requiring common tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. How much? According to the EPA Fix a Week Leak website, each average household with unaddressed leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water loss every year, enough to wash 300 loads of laundry.

Investing just 10 minutes to perform a quick search of your home and fixing them can save an additional 10% on your water bill.

Check WaterSmartSD.org for tips, rebates, and more information about Fix a Leak Week.

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District and Sweetwater Authority are two of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

Helix Water District-Lake Jennings-Winners-Photo Contest

Lake Jennings 2022 Spring Photo Contest Call For Entries

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The 11th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest is now open for entries.  The theme is “Life at the Lake.”

The contest goal is to share the beauty of the reservoir and its surroundings with the local community while highlighting public recreation opportunities. Photos can capture any aspect of the lake, including recreation, fishing, lake vistas, wildlife, and wildflowers.

Photos taken at Lake Jennings between March 1 and May 31, 2022 are eligible.

Contest participants can get a free day-pass to access, explore and photograph the scenic reservoir in Lakeside.

Judging will be performed by a panel of Helix Water District staff. Entries are judged based on this year’s theme, visual appeal, technical quality, and creativity.

Second Place – Johnathan Bradley, "Sun Star" Spring Photo Contest

Photographer Johnathan Bradley of Lemon Grove won first place in 2021 for his image titled “Open Field.” Photo: Helix Water District

“We encourage photographers of all skill levels to visit Lake Jennings and enter the 2022 Spring Photo Contest,” said recreation manager Kira Haley. “Lake Jennings offers visitors plenty of beautiful things to photograph like its scenic views, clear water, numerous trails, fishing, and plenty of wildlife.”

Cash prizes and public recognition for winners

In the Youth category, second place to Gabriel Heilpern, “Fishing on the Lake.” Photo: Helix Water District Lake Jennings 2022

Gabriel Heilpern’s photo “Fishing on the Lake,” was second in the youth category last year. Photo: Helix Water District

Contest sponsor, Helix Water District, will award prizes in two divisions, adult and youth. First-place winners in each division will receive $150; second-place winners will receive $100, and third-place winners will receive $50. Awards will be presented at a public board meeting in June.

Participants must submit entries digitally to by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31. There is a limit of three photo submissions per photographer. Photos may not contain watermarks. See rules, and entry, and model release forms at http://www.lakejennings.org/photo-contest/.

Third Place – Jeff Morin, "Ladies on a Lunch Break" Spring Photo Contest

In 2021, third place in the Adult category went to Jeff Morin for “Ladies On A Lunch Break.” Photo: Helix Water District

Sixty-one photographers submitted their work in 2021. Photographer Johnathan Bradley of Lemon Grove won first place for his image titled “Open Field” and second place for the photo “Sun Star.” Third place went to Jeff Morin for “Ladies On A Lunch Break.”

In the Youth category, first place went to Aaron De’Souza for “Cacti by the Lake,” and second place to Gabriel Heilpern, “Fishing on the Lake.”

Photographers planning their visit should check the Lake Jennings website for current information on hours and access.

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

The Water-Energy Program works toward increasing water efficiency throughout the region by focusing on replacing inefficient fixtures with state-of-the-art water-saving devices in disadvantaged communities. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Water-Energy Program Helps Low-Income Families Achieve Savings

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The San Diego County Water Authority’s water-energy partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric is seeking $1.8 million in additional funding through 2026 to continue saving water and energy for thousands of income-qualified residents across the San Diego region.

For more than 25 years, the Water Authority’s Water-Energy Nexus Program, or WEN, has maximized energy savings while supporting water efficiency in the San Diego region. SDG&E and the Water Authority have worked together to trim water and energy use and costs in one of the longest-running partnerships of its kind in California. As part of its role, the Water Authority funds the installation of water efficiency devices for eligible customers and communities.

Water savings benefit the entire region

Adding water efficient upgrades will help meet long-term regional conservation goals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Adding water-efficient upgrades will help meet long-term regional conservation goals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Toilets account for nearly 30% of a typical home’s indoor water use. The WEN Program increased water efficiency by replacing inefficient fixtures with state-of-the-art water-saving devices in disadvantaged communities.

“The Water Authority is committed to helping the San Diego region make the most of our water supplies through a variety of innovative programs,” said Kelley Gage, director of the Water Resources Department at the Water Authority. “Through our partnership with SDG&E, we extend help to families that might not be able to afford these environmentally friendly upgrades without support.”

SDG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance Program installs both water- and energy-saving measures in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes. The Water Authority reimburses SDG&E for water-saving devices installed by its contractor, Synergy Companies. This partnership has received funding to continue through 2025.

Installation of high-efficiency toilets and irrigation controllers is a collaboration with SDG&E’s Multifamily and Manufactured Housing Programs, which was recently approved for four more years of funding.

Financial barriers to long-term conservation removed

Removing upfront costs helps all residents benefit from water efficient fixtures ih the home. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Removing upfront costs helps all residents benefit from water-efficient fixtures in the home. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Low-income residents are sometimes unable to participate in water and energy conservation programs due to the upfront costs. The Water Authority’s program invests in water-efficient upgrades upfront. Adding funding capacity for additional retrofitting will help meet long-term conservation goals.

For more water-use efficiency resources, go to WaterSmart.SD.org.

Farley visits one of the new hydration stations in San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Wags and Water

New Hydration Stations in San Marcos Save Water, Promote Sustainability

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The City of San Marcos and the Vallecitos Water District partnered on a new project with funding from the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to encourage water conservation and reduce the use of plastic.

Five hydration stations have been installed in San Marcos parks to encourage the use of refilling reusable bottles during outdoor activities instead of using purchased bottled water. Both the City of San Marcos and the Vallecitos Water District are committed to reducing single-use plastics.

The new hydration stations help conserve water and avoid the production of single use plastic bottles. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The new hydration stations help conserve water and avoid the production of single-use plastic bottles. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The hydration station project received $25,000 in grant funding from the Water Authority and MWD to cover the purchase and installation of the stations and educational signage informing the public about the benefits of tap water over bottled water. The signage also offers several additional steps people can take to conserve water.

New stations encourage reusable water bottle use

“Adding hydration stations throughout the community has been a longtime goal for Vallecitos and is a step in the right direction to increase access to clean drinking water and reduce single-use plastic waste for environmental sustainability,” said Vallecitos board member Mike Sannella. Sannella accepted a proclamation from the City of San Marcos commemorating the partnership, making this project possible.

(L to R): Vallecitos Water District Board President Mike Sannella, San Marcos City Councilmember Randy Walton, Mayor Rebecca Jones, Councilmembers Maria Nunez, Ed Musgrove, and Sharon Jenkins, and Vallecitos Water District Board Jim Pennock. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Hydration stations

(L to R): Vallecitos Water District Board President Mike Sannella, San Marcos City Councilmember Randy Walton, Mayor Rebecca Jones, Councilmembers Maria Nunez, Ed Musgrove, Sharon Jenkins, and Vallecitos Water District Board Jim Pennock. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Each of the five new hydration stations features a quick-fill mechanism to encourage reusable water bottle use, a regular water fountain spout, and a dog bowl. Vallecitos worked with the City of San Marcos’ Public Works Department to install hydration stations at Mission Sports Field Park, Woodland Park, Bradley Park, Connors Park, and Buelow Park.

Bottled water is a wasteful convenience. According to the Water Footprint Calculator, it takes 1.5 gallons of water to manufacture a single plastic bottle holding 16 ounces of drinking water. All plastic drinking bottles are made from new plastic material, so there is no recovery due to recycling.

(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 metropolitan San Diego region.)