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 […]
One dozen San Diego County water agencies are looking for the best in landscaping makeover projects for the 2022 regional WaterSmart landscape competition. This annual competition showcases residential water-saving landscaping projects to inform and inspire other homeowners to consider replacing their turf-based yard designs. The contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 13. […]
December rainfall and cooler temperatures in San Diego County make it the perfect time of year for homeowners to create low-water-use landscaping to fit their needs. The San Diego County Water Authority offers its first 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series of free online classes starting Wednesday, February 2. The classes provide homeowners site-specific knowledge, skills, […]
Put your creative skills to use and help the Otay Water District encourage residents and businesses to save water in 2022. The District has launched a New Year’s-themed Instagram photo contest as one way to help make the community aware of water-saving efforts during the drought in California. “The state is in a drought, and […]
On the rare and welcome occasions when San Diego County gets rainfall, the water runoff from hard surfaces around the home such as roofs and patios should be re-directed to your permeable landscaping. By capturing as much rainwater as possible in the soil, it is possible to build an ecosystem that can last through the […]
More than 130 people took advantage of a drought-tolerant plant giveaway program offered by the Fallbrook Public Utility District. Since picking up their free succulents in November, homeowners have started their drought-tolerant home garden projects. Participants were provided empty flats and invited to select from an assortment of three-inch potted succulents to suit their needs. […]
The Emerald Heights homeowner’s association in Escondido recently completed a successful clubhouse upgrade including a landscaping makeover replacing existing turf with a beautiful drought-tolerant design. The gated community is located within the Vallecitos Water District. It covers 6.2 acres including a private athletic club with tennis and basketball courts, plus a community pool and spa. […]
The end of daylight saving time is a reminder to residents to assess their outdoor watering needs and adjust their irrigation systems to reduce water waste – an especially important step after more than two years of statewide drought. Plants simply don’t need as much water during cooler months, and they typically don’t need irrigation […]
Nine-thousand trees, mostly willows, are being planted in the 1,000 acre Managed Marsh wildlife habitat in northern Imperial County. The planting is part of the final construction phase of the Managed Marsh, located off Highway 111 between the city of Calipatria and Niland. Funded by the Quantification Settlement Agreement Joint Powers Authority (QSA JPA), the […]
The San Diego County Water Authority today activated Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to sustain California after two record-dry years. The agency’s 36-member Board of Directors voted unanimously to activate the regional drought response plan for the third time this century. The […]
The San Diego County Water Authority is preparing to activate Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to sustain California after two record-dry years. The agency’s 36-member Board of Directors will decide at its formal monthly meeting on Oct. 28 whether to activate the […]
To support and protect your investment in waterwise landscaping, you need to have a strong irrigation IQ and understand the basics. You’ll be able to best maintain and maximize your system’s efficiency, which is vitally important during times of drought in the San Diego region. Conventional irrigation systems can be inefficient Well-designed and operated systems […]
Your choices in irrigation methods come down to spray or drip systems. Spray irrigation emits water in an overlapping pattern. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants. This question is more important than ever during a drought cycle. How do you decide which meets the needs of your landscaping? The case for […]
Staying on top of your irrigation system – especially in the midst of a drought – can mean the difference between maximizing your water efficiency and unknowingly wasting water running down sidewalks unused into the storm drain. Follow these tips for a thorough checkup. Turn on each valve of your irrigation system and observe how […]
As drought continues to affect California, homeowners must balance two needs: preserving landscaping with irrigation while doing so as efficiently as possible to conserve water. Even when not in a drought, trees planted in a Mediterranean climate often need additional water. For the most effective irrigation, mimic the way Mother Nature provides water. Nature designed […]
New Hydration Stations in San Marcos Save Water, Promote Sustainability
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe 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 […]
2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest Open For Entries
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOne dozen San Diego County water agencies are looking for the best in landscaping makeover projects for the 2022 regional WaterSmart landscape competition. This annual competition showcases residential water-saving landscaping projects to inform and inspire other homeowners to consider replacing their turf-based yard designs. The contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 13. […]
Winter Weather Perfect Time for WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalDecember rainfall and cooler temperatures in San Diego County make it the perfect time of year for homeowners to create low-water-use landscaping to fit their needs. The San Diego County Water Authority offers its first 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series of free online classes starting Wednesday, February 2. The classes provide homeowners site-specific knowledge, skills, […]
Otay Water District Instagram Photo Contest Highlights Importance of Water
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalPut your creative skills to use and help the Otay Water District encourage residents and businesses to save water in 2022. The District has launched a New Year’s-themed Instagram photo contest as one way to help make the community aware of water-saving efforts during the drought in California. “The state is in a drought, and […]
Make the Most of Rainfall
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOn the rare and welcome occasions when San Diego County gets rainfall, the water runoff from hard surfaces around the home such as roofs and patios should be re-directed to your permeable landscaping. By capturing as much rainwater as possible in the soil, it is possible to build an ecosystem that can last through the […]
Drought-Tolerant Plant Giveaway Popular in Fallbrook
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMore than 130 people took advantage of a drought-tolerant plant giveaway program offered by the Fallbrook Public Utility District. Since picking up their free succulents in November, homeowners have started their drought-tolerant home garden projects. Participants were provided empty flats and invited to select from an assortment of three-inch potted succulents to suit their needs. […]
Escondido HOA Saves Water, Costs with WaterSmart Landscape Upgrades
/in Conservation Corner, News /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Emerald Heights homeowner’s association in Escondido recently completed a successful clubhouse upgrade including a landscaping makeover replacing existing turf with a beautiful drought-tolerant design. The gated community is located within the Vallecitos Water District. It covers 6.2 acres including a private athletic club with tennis and basketball courts, plus a community pool and spa. […]
Fall Back and Adjust Irrigation Systems to Save Water
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeThe end of daylight saving time is a reminder to residents to assess their outdoor watering needs and adjust their irrigation systems to reduce water waste – an especially important step after more than two years of statewide drought. Plants simply don’t need as much water during cooler months, and they typically don’t need irrigation […]
Nine-Thousand Trees For Salton Sea Wildlife Marsh Habitat
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeNine-thousand trees, mostly willows, are being planted in the 1,000 acre Managed Marsh wildlife habitat in northern Imperial County. The planting is part of the final construction phase of the Managed Marsh, located off Highway 111 between the city of Calipatria and Niland. Funded by the Quantification Settlement Agreement Joint Powers Authority (QSA JPA), the […]
Water Authority Activates Water Shortage Contingency Plan
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority today activated Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to sustain California after two record-dry years. The agency’s 36-member Board of Directors voted unanimously to activate the regional drought response plan for the third time this century. The […]
Water Authority Prepares to Activate Water Shortage Contingency Plan
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority is preparing to activate Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to sustain California after two record-dry years. The agency’s 36-member Board of Directors will decide at its formal monthly meeting on Oct. 28 whether to activate the […]
Boost Your Irrigation IQ
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTo support and protect your investment in waterwise landscaping, you need to have a strong irrigation IQ and understand the basics. You’ll be able to best maintain and maximize your system’s efficiency, which is vitally important during times of drought in the San Diego region. Conventional irrigation systems can be inefficient Well-designed and operated systems […]
Choosing Your Best Irrigation Method: Spray or Drip
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalYour choices in irrigation methods come down to spray or drip systems. Spray irrigation emits water in an overlapping pattern. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants. This question is more important than ever during a drought cycle. How do you decide which meets the needs of your landscaping? The case for […]
Give Your Irrigation System a Fall Checkup
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalStaying on top of your irrigation system – especially in the midst of a drought – can mean the difference between maximizing your water efficiency and unknowingly wasting water running down sidewalks unused into the storm drain. Follow these tips for a thorough checkup. Turn on each valve of your irrigation system and observe how […]
Borrow Tree Watering Tips from Mother Nature
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalAs drought continues to affect California, homeowners must balance two needs: preserving landscaping with irrigation while doing so as efficiently as possible to conserve water. Even when not in a drought, trees planted in a Mediterranean climate often need additional water. For the most effective irrigation, mimic the way Mother Nature provides water. Nature designed […]