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Go With the Flow: Battery System in Bonita to be Tested for Use in Microgrids

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Rob Nikolewski

A battery storage demonstration project already providing a carbon-free source of electricity to California’s grid is about to be tested to see how well it can work on microgrids.

Located on a bluff at a San Diego Gas & Electric substation in Bonita, the energy storage project uses vanadium redox flow battery technology that stores electricity when the grid has excess supply and then discharges the energy when the power system needs it.

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Residents Sue Oasis Mobile Home Park Over Tainted Water and Unsanitary Conditions

/in , /by /Desert Sun (Palm Springs)by Mark Olalde

Nearly two dozen residents of the Oasis Mobile Home Park on Torres Martinez Reservation land filed a lawsuit against park management on Wednesday, alleging “willful disregard” for the safety of drinking water, fraudulent electricity charges and “wholly unacceptable” living conditions.

In total, the lawsuit brings 20 causes of action against park owner Scott Lawson and his daughter Sabrina, who helps manage the park.

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Storm System To Drop Heavy Rain, Snow In San Diego County

/in , /by /KPBS

The third winter storm of the week has arrived in San Diego County, bringing heavy rain to the region Friday along with the possibility of snow in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

The “atmospheric river” is making its way east across the county, with the heaviest rainfall expected early Friday morning, then scattered showers into Friday afternoon, forecasters said.

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San Diegans Are Drowning in Water Debt During COVID-19

/in , /by /Voice of San Diegoby MacKenzie Elmer Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

Once the water bills started piling up, Shara Sin and her children switched to eating off paper plates to avoid the cost of washing.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the 53-year-old mother of four’s finances were already precariously balanced. She doesn’t work anymore because mental health complications cause her short-term memory loss and pain.

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Greater San Diego Could Get 1.5 inches of Rain from Atmospheric River

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Gary Robbins

Greater San Diego could get 1.5 inches of rain from an “atmospheric river” weather system that will flow ashore Thursday night and last through Friday, when it also will leave a few inches of snow on the county’s highest mountain peaks, says the National Weather Service.

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Improve Your Landscaping Soil With a Soil Test

/in , , /by /Water News Network

One of the first steps in your landscape makeover project involves preparing the soil to allow efficient use of irrigation. San Diego County soil quality needs a lot of help. The area is defined by impermeable soils with poor infiltration areas. Water doesn’t flow through the soil to replenish the groundwater, because it is made primarily of clay which is too dense.

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San Diego Water Managers Push for State Relief

/in , , /by /KPBS FM/TVby Erik Anderson Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County water managers are lobbying state officials to help get financial relief for customers and water agencies struggling with water debt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The region’s water wholesaler was surprised by the amount of debt looming over water customers and the agencies that sell it.

State water officials estimate 1.6 million customers are behind on their water bills. The debt is worth more than $1 billion.

Glenn Farrel, San Diego County Water Authority director of Government Relations, said there are long-term issues that need consideration.

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New Regional Degree Program Responds to Water and Wastewater Workforce Needs

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Driven by the rapidly growing demands for skilled career professionals in the water and wastewater industry, National University and Cuyamaca College will launch a new degree pathway program starting in February 2021.

Developed in collaboration with regional employers, the new Bachelor of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Waterworks Management provides a seamless pathway for graduates of the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies to transfer into the bachelor’s program after earning their associate’s degree. Transfers are also available to graduates of other community colleges.

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Tens of Thousands of San Diegans Are in Debt Over Their Water Bills

/in , , /by /NBC7 San Diegoby Bob Hansen and Nicholas Kjeldgaard Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The coronavirus pandemic shook the economy of the United States and San Diego.

More than 100,000 people in San Diego County lost their jobs last year, and many have made tough choices financially. That’s led, in part, to nearly a billion dollars in statewide water-bill debt, according to a new report from the state water board.

“Folks are trying to scrape by and make ends meet,” said Allen Carlisle, the CEO & general manager of Padre Dam Municipal Water District. “The first things on our minds are those families who are struggling and how do we try to help them?”

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Mulching for Water-Use Efficiency

/in , , /by /Water News Network

Even though temperatures rarely drop below freezing in most parts of Southern California, many people overlook winter when it comes to caring for their native plants and traditional landscapes. There are many things that can help keep landscapes healthy and water-efficient, especially during the winter months when there is more natural rainfall. One of these things is to use a layer of mulch to prevent water loss and insulate landscapes during colder times.

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