Features Archives

Local Media Turn To Water Authority at Start of Dry Year

January 9, 2025/in Education, Features, San Diego County /by Jordan Beane

As San Diego enters the driest start to the water year since record keeping began in 1860, the San Diego County Water Authority has the reliable water supplies needed by the region for 2025 and beyond.

“We’ve been preparing for over three decades to have reliable water supplies, whether we’re in a drought or whether we have a wet year,” Water Authority Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez told CBS 8. “We have a lot of emergency storage in case there’s a disruption to our system.”

With coverage from CBS, KPBS and KUSI/Fox 5, the Water Authority has been informing and updating the public at every available opportunity.

The City of San Diego recorded only 0.14 inches of rain since Oct. 1, when typically it would have received between three and four inches.

While the lack of rain negatively impacts San Diego County’s flora and fauna — including increasing fire risk during the Santa Ana windstorms — the San Diego region doesn’t depend on local rainfall to supply the water that powers our economy and sustains our quality of life. Instead, the region uses a combination of desalinated seawater, conserved water from the Colorado River, recycled water, and runoff from the Sierra.

“San Diegans don’t need to worry about any water restrictions or any conservation mandates — we have plenty of water,” Lopez said.

Meanwhile, Northern California has been relatively wet. That means the state’s six major reservoirs are at 121% of their historical average levels at the beginning of 2025, slightly better than the same time last year. Additionally, the statewide snowpack is 115% of its historical average.

Precipitation over the next few months will be key to determining the state’s overall water supply for 2025. Regardless, the San Diego region has sufficient water for the foreseeable future.

Summer 2023 Water Academy class visiting the Olivenhain Dam and Pump Station.

Applications Now Open for Spring 2025 Citizens Water Academy

January 7, 2025/in Education, Features /by Jordan Beane

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity for emerging leaders throughout San Diego County to join the Citizens Water Academy and get an up-close understanding of our most important resource.

Over multiple sessions participants will learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go behind the scenes with water managers, planners, and engineers to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission.

Citizen Water Academy participants check out the Olivenhain Dam.

Since its launch in 2015, this award-winning program has equipped nearly 800 civically engaged leaders with the water knowledge they need to make a difference in their communities and careers.

Whether you’re a staffer or a working professional, an elected official or business leader, the information and relationships you’ll gain from the Citizens Water Academy will be impactful. Finally, graduates will have access to a robust and growing alumni network from across the region.

The application period runs from January 6 to February 28, with the class taking place in early April. Citizens Water Academy participants must attend all three sessions. The application is available on the Water Authority website through this link.

Session Guide:

Session 1 – Wednesday lunch hour, April 9 via Zoom. Welcome and overview by General Manager Dan Denham.

Session 2 – Thursday evening, April 10. Dinner, presentations, and activities. Topic: planning for a water-resilient future.

Session 3 – Saturday, April 12, half day. Breakfast and lunch, and behind-the-scenes tours of the Water Authority’s Operations Center and Olivenhain Dam and Pump Station.

L to R (back row): Burbank Conservation Program Specialist Amy Tremmel, Metropolitan board Vice Chair Michael Camacho, Chair Ortega, Director Stephen Faessel, Director Desi Alvarez, Cucamonga Valley Water District President Randall James Reed and Metropolitan mascot Admiral Splash, with attending student artists. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Student poster winners

San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2025 Calendar

January 6, 2025/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Four San Diego County student artists from four member water agencies are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2025 Metropolitan Water District’s 36^th annual “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.

The creative artwork of 37 kindergarten through 12th-grade students, including the students from San Diego County, was recognized for being selected at the district’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in December.

The 2025 calendar features art from 37 students in Southern California, including four from San Diego County. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

During the first in-person calendar celebration in five years following virtual recognition ceremonies, the artists, their families, and local educators heard from Metropolitan Chair Adan Ortega, board director Brenda Dennstedt, and other student artists featured in the calendar.

Students also met five water mascots and took photos with them.

MWD board chairman Adán Ortega, Jr. thanked the students, their family and friends, and the many educators who support the annual contest.

San Diego student art featured in July and August 2025

Charlotte Chatham’s winning artwork is featured on the July 2025 page in the calendar.

Charlotte Chatham, a talented eighth-grade student at La Mesa Arts Academy, represents the Helix Water District in the 2025 calendar for July 2025. Her teacher is Alison Lindsay.

Three additional winners are featured on the August 2025 page.

Kenziee Bowen, Ava Fabunan, and Tristan Ong are featured in August 2025.

Kenziee Bowen, a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Her teacher is Amile Sicat.

Ava Fabunan, a sixth-grader at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista, is the Otay Water District’s winner. Her teacher is Christina Stencil-Dare.

Ava’s creative piece highlights ways to use water wisely at home. She explains, “I thought that by making a character talking about how to conserve water, it would really inspire kids of all ages.”

Ava Fabunan’s original artwork is on display with the other winners at the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. Photo: Otay Water District

Calendars are available to Otay customers at its offices at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley.

Tristan Ong, a fourth-grade student at Allen Elementary School in Bonita, represents the Sweetwater Authority. His teacher is Ellen Sinong.

Conservation message delivered through creative talent

Winners were recognized at a celebration in December. Photo: Otay Water District

The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was created 36 years ago. It selects student art submitted from grades K through 12 to help convey vitally important water conservation messages. Member agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions.

Artwork from the student winners will remain on display at Metropolitan’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in January. The traveling artwork will visit member agencies throughout the year. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.

San Diego County's member water agencies are channeling their holiday spirit into charitable holiday giving to nonprofits once again this season. Photo: Otay Water District holiday giving

Member Agencies Support Communities During Holiday Season

December 19, 2024/in News, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2024 to benefit a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Otay Water District Supports San Diego Food Bank

The Otay Water District’s elves decorated its valve maintenance truck with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista as part of its annual holiday parade. Photo: Otay Water District

This holiday season, the Otay Water District is partnering with the San Diego Food Bank to provide food assistance through a virtual food drive. The District encouraged its more than 238,000 customers, employees, and anyone able to help to join the fight against hunger by donating safely online at their convenience.

Through the Virtual Food Drive, donors select and purchase food items, such as canned meats, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, oatmeal, and cereal. Monetary donations are also accepted. For every $1 donation online, the San Diego Food Bank can provide two meals to families in need.

District staff and board members enjoyed participating in the annual Chula Vista Starlight Parade on December 14. Its valve maintenance truck was covered with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista’s Downtown Third Avenue. This truck is typically used for operating, exercising, and turning valves, a vital task in maintaining Otay’s water infrastructure.

Gratitude Walk and Toys for Tots Drive at Helix Water District

Helix Water District employees and customers have packed its Helix sleigh (service truck) with donations to Toys for Toys. Photo: Helix Water District

At Helix Water District, Toys for Tots boxes are overflowing with donations from customers and employees. “I can’t remember ever receiving this many toys,” said Helix General Manager Brian Olney. “I’m really touched by the generosity of the residents and businesses we serve and our team here at Helix. Thank you. The more smiles we can bring to children’s faces, the better.”

As of this week, over 350 action figures, Lego sets, musical instruments, balls, and more have been collected, and the donations keep coming. Participating in Toys for Tots is part of Helix’s year-round Helix Helps program.

Helix also kicked off its first annual Gobble and Go Gratitude Walk Thanksgiving week at Lake Jennings. Participants were asked to bring food items for the San Diego Food Bank.

Agencies Support Water For People Fundraising

Padre Dam staff with some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Padre Dam staff display some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Employees of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District assembled fundraising gift baskets for the nonprofit the CA/NV AWWA-Water for People nut basket fundraiser. Water for People works across Latin America, Asia, and Africa to equip communities with lasting access to clean water and sanitation.

Padre Dam employees prepared 100 gift baskets for the Water for People San Diego Chapter’s annual fundraiser. The organization relies on volunteers to assemble and sell baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. Once sold, the gift baskets prepared by Padre Dam employees will raise $2,200 for the nonprofit.

Olivenhain employees participate in a long tradition of support for Water For People. Photo: Olivenhain MWD

For 19 years, Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees have enthusiastically supported fundraising for the nonprofit Water for People. Olivenhain employees have volunteered abroad, helping set up water and sewer systems with the full support of the agency.

Olivenhain employees volunteered on weekends to assemble nut baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. OMWD also sold baskets to the public as holiday gifts. A total of 171 baskets were sold, with a total donation of $3,800 going to WFP.

Helping Hand From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees Gloria Achutegui, Records Management Specialist, and Michael Garcia, Assistant Board Secretary, display employee donations for the Authority’s annual holiday giving effort. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for more than two decades. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the items and brings them back unwrapped to the office. The Salvation Army picks up and delivers the donated toys. This year, employees donated enough toys to help make Christmas bright for 20 South County families and kids.

“Sweetwater Authority employees care about the community we serve,” said General Manager Carlos Quintero. “We’re happy to spread some holiday cheer through our participation in the Angel Tree Program.”

Generous Escondido Employees Make Holidays Brighter

City of Escondido donation drive leaders Gio Cortes and Emma Potratz gather donations to drop off to recipients at the Park Avenue Community Center. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido employees participated in their annual Holiday Donation Drive effort. Employees put together holiday stockings filled with personal care items, emergency supplies, and fun items for seniors at the Park Avenue Community Center. City staff donated enough items to fill 125 bags for recipients.

Donations from Escondido city employees gathered for distribution. Photo: City of Escondido

Olivenhain MWD Triples the Giving

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees back multiple traditions for deserving recipients.

Kicking off the giving season in October, donations were collected and dropped off to the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need during the holiday season.

For its November effort, employees created care packages for senior Meals on Wheels clients. Employees wrapped up the year with participation in Toys for Tots and Water for People.

Innovative Water Deal Deliver Benefits to Regional Ratepayers

December 4, 2024/in Agency News, Features, News, Uncategorized, WaterSmart Living /by Jordan Beane

For the second year in a row, the San Diego County Water Authority and its partners have struck a deal to conserve water in Lake Mead, support the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River and save local ratepayers money.

The agreements between the Water Authority, the Imperial Irrigation District, and the Metropolitan Water District, with funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, are designed to promote voluntary water conservation. The 2024 agreement was announced during a meeting of the Colorado River Board of California at this year’s Colorado River Water Users Association’s conference in Las Vegas.

As a part of these deals, the Water Authority agreed to leave 50,000 acre-feet of water from its Quantification Settlement Agreement supplies in the Colorado River, helping California meet federal conservation goals.

The 2023 agreement between the three parties was the first of its kind. The 2024 deal will save San Diego County ratepayers approximately $20 million, which will be applied to 2026 wholesale water rates.

“For the second year in a row, the Water Authority and its partners have struck a deal to conserve water in Lake Mead and save our local ratepayers approximately $20 million,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “This is a win-win for all of us and demonstrates how the Water Authority is strategically using its assets to help protect ratepayers and the Colorado River through innovative thinking.”

The Water Authority’s efforts are part of a larger commitment by California water users to protect the overtaxed Colorado River, including plans to save at least 400,000 more acre-feet in 2025 after conserving more than 1.2 million acre-feet over the last two years.

“It is really a model partnership and collaboration between states and local entities and the federal government,” said U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner M. Camille Calimlim Touton.

California’s efforts have led to the equivalent of 16 feet of water being added to Lake Mead in two years, providing much-needed stability to the entire river system as the seven Basin states work with the federal government to create a post-2026 operations plan for the river.

“Our collective achievements not only have made a profound impact on Lake Mead today, they also illustrate the can-do spirit that the Water Authority and our partners bring to future conservation work on the river,” said Colorado River Board Vice Chair and Water Authority Director Jim Madaffer. “We are both proud of what we have accomplished and committed to delivering additional solutions for the Southwest in the years ahead.”

The Colorado River Basin is the most important water source in the West, providing water for more than 40 million people and generating hydropower in seven U.S. states.

The Water Authority will continue to pursue other water transfers and exchanges to maximize the value of San Diego County’s water resources and minimize the cost to local ratepayers. Those steps include budget cuts, project deferrals, debt refinancing, increasing grant funds and restructuring rates.

Rainwater harvesting using rain barrels can be part of your irrigation management strategy. Photo: National Audubon Society

Rainwater Harvesting Rebates Help San Diegans Meet Irrigation Needs

November 26, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Weather scientists predict modest or below-average rainfall this winter due to the La Niña weather pattern arriving in late 2024. Capturing rainfall is a smart water management tactic. Now is an ideal time to take advantage of several upcoming rainwater harvesting workshops and rebate programs available in San Diego County and the rainfall available in the months ahead.

The National Weather Service predicts drier than average conditions. Photo: National Weather Service

City of San Diego rebate programs

City of San Diego residents can take advantage of rebates for rain barrels, rain gutter installation, downspouts and other water management tools. Visit the City’s Public Utilities Rebate page to learn about your options and requirements.

Rain barrel rebates are available through several programs in the San Diego region. Photo: Suzy Morris / Creative Commons

The Solana Center For Environmental Innovation offers a rain barrel purchase program for City of San Diego residents. The Solana Center will help set up your household for water harvesting success. Order your discounted rain barrel by January 11, 2025, for pick up at the North Clairemont Recreation Center on Saturday, January 25. You can attend a free rainwater harvesting workshop at 10 a.m. More information is available on the Solano Center website.

County of San Diego rebate programs

The County’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host free rainwater harvesting workshops in 2024. Workshops teach residents how to capture rainwater to supplement your irrigation needs, save money on water bills, and protect our region’s environment by preventing pollutants from spilling into regional watersheds.

Workshop dates are expected to be scheduled soon. For future workshops, check the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program website.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible to receive a free rain barrel. Workshop participants in incorporated areas can check their rebate eligibility on the San Diego County website’s interactive map.

If you live in unincorporated San Diego AND receive your water from the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies, you are eligible for ALL rebates listed under the County program.

The County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP) partners with the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (through SoCal WaterSmart) and can assist residents in determining which program benefits are available.

Reduce water use to preserve the environment and save costs

Using rain barrels and other rainwater diversion tools helps keep runoff pollutants out of stormwater systems and the environment. Photo: Pixabay/CC

During San Diego County’s limited periods of rainfall, any rainwater captured from your roof and property saves money. It also helps the region maintain its water supplies.

In addition to rain barrels, directing downspouts to fill containers lets you choose how to use the rainwater you capture. The overflow should empty onto your yard or a landscape feature to infiltrate the excess flow into the soil. Rain chains can assist with this.

The County is committed to protecting the water quality in creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can pollute our waterways and threaten public health.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, we preserve healthy, safe waterways and more reliable water supplies while achieving cost savings.

How rain barrel rebates work

After you make your purchase of rain saving containers and any other items eligible for rebates and have installed them, you can apply for rebates. Current rain barrel rebates are $35 and limited to two per household for most San Diego County residents. You can submit for multiple projects. Learn more at SoCal Water Smart.

Conserve water for landscape maintenance

Directing downspouts into water collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego

Even light rain can provide enough water for later use. A roof with a 2,000-square-foot surface area can capture 300 gallons from only a quarter inch of rain.

Stored water can be released gradually into landscaping between winter rainstorms, building up the soil sponge and ensuring that native plants get adequate water during the winter months when they need it most. If you need additional water in the summer and capture enough of it during the winter, you may be able to use your stored water for supplemental irrigation.

Visit the Solana Center For Environmental Innovation website for additional details on conservation rebate programs and to order rain barrels.

The Santee Lakes holiday light show "Lights at the Lake" moves to a new location at the campgrounds for 2024. Photo: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau holiday activities

San Diego Reservoirs Offer Community Holiday Activities

November 19, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer special holiday season events through 2024 and host winter activities during the region’s cooler months.

Holiday Spirit at Santee Lakes

“Lights at the Lake” at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features 100,000 lights and three dozen displays nightly through December 31. Photo: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Enjoy San Diego County’s mild weather and spend Thanksgiving at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Campground space is available. A three-night minimum stay is required, but you won’t want to leave.

Santee Lakes hosts its annual “Lights at the Lake” drive-through holiday show from Sunday, December 1, to December 31. The show will be moved to the Campground in 2024 for a brilliant camping experience.

Visitors will enjoy three dozen beautiful displays with over 100,000 lights to make holidays bright. You can walk through the tunnel of lights or use a golf cart. Hours are 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). You must buy tickets in advance. More information about Lights at the Lake here.

A full list of additional holiday events including Christmas cookie making, crafts, and holiday movies plus visits with Santa are listed on the Santee Lakes website.

For the third year in a row, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve was nationally recognized by the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) as its large/mega park Plan-it Green Park of the Year for its environmentally friendly practices across all areas of park operations and its commitment to sustainability.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include camping, cabin rentals, fishing, boating, playgrounds, walking trails, facility rentals, special events, and approximately 230 bird species.

Lake Jennings Open For Winter Fun

Lake Jennings hosts a holiday “Gratitude Walk” to benefit the San Diego Food Bank.

Share your Thanksgiving blessings and walk off the pumpkin pie at the Lake Jennings Gobble and Go Gratitude Walk. Walk the five-mile plus perimeter loop during the lake’s operating hours on November 25, 26, and 27. Bring a food item for donation to the San Diego Food Bank, and your day-use entry fee will be waived. Check this list of the most desired food donations. Please, no glass jars or homemade items.

Lake Jennings opened its annual trout fishing season on November 15 and is open daily except on Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 7. The lake will be restocked regularly every two weeks from November 25 through April 14 with 19,000 pounds of trout.

The lake will be open for its New Moon Fishing event on Saturday, November 30, and Saturday, December 28, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, sunset watching, star gazing, and firepit rentals. Get more information about activities at https://lakejennings.org/

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during winter months for serious and casual wildlife viewers and photographers.

Sweetwater Reservoir Birdwatching in Winter Season

Look for the greater white-fronted goose at Sweetwater Reservoir. You may remember a greater white-fronted goose that landed on the field during a San Diego Padres playoff game in 2023. These birds breed in Alaska and Canada before heading south toward Mexico for the winter. Photo: Kathy Buscher

The range of habitats at the Sweetwater and Loveland Reservoirs supports diverse bird populations. Their proximity to the Pacific Flyway means many migratory species pass through on their way to warmer areas, making the winter months ideal for birdwatching and wildlife walks to burn off holiday meals.

Over 250 bird species have been documented at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Sweetwater Authority welcomes birds and other wildlife as part of its stewardship of the natural watershed, which helps keep reservoir water quality high and supports the balance of human and environmental needs.

View birds from public access areas at the Sweetwater Reservoir or Loveland Reservoir. Bring binoculars, a bird guide, and a notebook.

Managing both water and energy resources is vital to the success of Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California Farmer of the Year

Still Time to Act on Agriculture Rebate Offer

November 14, 2024/in Conservation Corner, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Jordan Beane

Calling all farmers! The Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program (AIEP) offers local farmers rebates to improve their on-farm irrigation system efficiencies.

Program participants who implement the recommended site improvements to achieve an estimated 0.2 increase in emission uniformity (EU) or distribution uniformity (DU) or greater are eligible for rebates. The base rebate is $1,000 per acre of land (up to the cost of equipment) for an estimated savings up to 1.12 acre-feet of water per year. Rebates may be prorated for site improvements projected to achieve greater water savings.

The program is currently scheduled to end in June 2025 or when funds are exhausted, so see if you’re qualified today. Participants must be a customer of a Water Authority member agency and irrigating one or more acres of agricultural property using municipal supplies. The program starts with an on-site evaluation and participants receive a detailed report with irrigation system efficiency levels and recommended improvements that integrate efficient irrigation technology and irrigation scheduling practices.

If you’d like to schedule a site evaluation or have previously received a site evaluation and would like to confirm your eligibility for a rebate, contact the Mission Resource Conservation District at (760) 728-1332 or click here for more information.

Report Shows Positive Impact of Manufacturing on Region

October 31, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

A new report from the San Diego Economic Development Corp. (EDC) shows the positive effect of the manufacturing sector on our regional economy. With $47 billion in economic impact across San Diego County, including more than 120,000 good-paying and low-barrier jobs, manufacturing is a cornerstone industry from San Ysidro to Oceanside.

Few of those jobs – or other economic benefits – would exist without the safe and reliable water supplies provided by the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies. While sustainable water sources are often taken for granted, they support virtually every manufacturing process in one way or the other, from the region’s famous craft beers to the water used in biotech labs.

To San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo, these kinds of jobs have a huge impact for workers in our region. “That means you’re putting kids through college,” Campillo said at an event unveiling the report. “That means you’re inventing devices that save lives. That means you’re bringing people here to see what San Diego has to offer and that helps everybody.”

The EDC’s report – sponsored by the Water Authority — highlights the outsized impact of small businesses in the manufacturing sector, careers that pay 31% more than the average regional salary, and the broad range of related industries helping to grow manufacturing in San Diego County.

Yet it’s not just about the sector itself but the broader impact it has across the region. “When factoring in supply chain activities and consumer spending from wages, the sector supports an additional 146,000 jobs across the county,” the report said. “This means that for every 100 jobs added in manufacturing, another 121 jobs are created elsewhere in the economy.”

“Nearly 1 in 10 private sector jobs in the region is a manufacturing job,” Eduardo Velasquez, EDC Senior Director, Research and Economic Development, said.

While the high cost of housing and the lack of developable space does hinder the sector’s ability for bigger growth, the companies in the sector are among the most innovative in the region and are dedicated to finding unique ways to expand even with those constraints.

To read the entire report, click here.

The Cervantes family landscape makeover replaced grass with a beautiful native habitat. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Beautiful Habitat Named Sweetwater Authority Landscape Makeover Winner

October 22, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Laura and Jaime Cervantes knew they wanted to conserve water but still wanted a functional and eye-catching design for their landscape.

Laura and Jaime Cervantes invested careful planning and hands-on work in their landscape makeover project. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformation from thirsty turf to a beautiful habitat is the 2024 Sweetwater Authority Landscape Contest winner.

The regional WaterSmart Landscape Contest allows residential water agency customers to showcase their waterwise landscapes. Customers submit applications to their respective water agencies, and each agency selects a landscape that best meets the elements of waterwise landscaping. These elements include:

Overall attractiveness
Appropriate plant selection and maintenance
Design
Efficient irrigation methods

Patient Planning and Prep Pays Off

The front yard prior to its makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The front yard before its makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

They planned and worked hard to eventually transform their front yard from thirsty turf into a space that not only required little water but also provided beauty and habitat.

“This rationale behind our landscape project was a no-brainer: we live in a desert, we need to conserve water, and we wanted a functional yet eye-catching design, said Laura and Jaime Cervantes.

“Although we’ve lived in our house for 11 years, it took us a long time to save up for and to plan our ideas, but we finally completed everything about two years ago.”

The completed landscape makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformed landscape includes low-water use plants such as Kangaroo Paw, Orange Bulbine, and Coral Pink Sage, along with various succulents. The yard also features a beautiful Palo Verde tree, which provides nice shade.

Plant Selection Drives Design Choices

A winding dry riverbed retains water overflow from numerous rain barrels. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The Cervantes family had a large front yard for their canvas, composed mainly of old turf.

“We transformed it by replacing the old turf with a much smaller area of drought-tolerant Bermuda grass,” they explained. “We wanted plants that not only require little water but also provide beauty and habitat.”

The new walkway was created from flagstone and decomposed granite. A winding dry riverbed retains water overflow from numerous rain barrels.

A new fence allows views of the new landscape both inside and outside to complete the picture. It also acts as a graffiti deterrent due to the hog wire and wood construction.

Unexpected Benefits From Landscape Makeover

Colorful containers and plant choices highlight the new front yard. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The Cervantes irrigate their yard using rainwater captured from their 14 rain barrels. They water by hand to get out into the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of their landscape. “We have no automated system – I like to get out in the yard and in the sunshine, so watering by hand is something I really enjoy,” said Laura Cervantes.

The winners reported an unexpected and pleasant outcome of their new yard from the nice comments and conversations it elicited from people walking by.

“It is a great feeling to not only add beauty to our neighborhood but also to know that we are able to contribute in our own small way towards being good stewards of the environment,” said Laura and Jaime Cervantes.

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