All Features
Behind-the-scenes stories about regional water issues, projects, and people.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
Water-Use Efficiency for Large Landscapes Focus of Free Webinar
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeIn the third year of drought, water agencies are providing opportunities, including rebates and resources, to increase water-use efficiency. A free webinar August 31 is geared for people who manage or own properties with large landscape areas. Managers of homeowner associations, rental housing, commercial, industrial and public properties are invited to the webinar on the […]
World Water Week 2022: Partnership Video Illustrates Value of Groundwater
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA new video illustrating the role and the value of groundwater has been released by the Vallecitos Water District. “The Value of Water: Groundwater” was produced for World Water Week 2022 through a collaboration with the Vallecitos Water District, the California Department of Water Resources, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense. World Water Week […]
Make Landscape Trees a Priority During Drought
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalAs the unprecedented drought continues to affect California and the San Diego region, homeowners can still balance the need to conserve water as efficiently as possible while preserving valuable landscaping, including trees. Trees can be maintained while following California’s water guidelines. Trees are among the most valuable investment in San Diego County’s landscape – including […]
Colorful WaterSmart Landscape Wins Vista Irrigation District in 2022
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors recognized Jennifer Dell as its 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner for her creative, colorful use of materials and plants. The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation. Pollinator-friendly WaterSmart landscape Replacing the water-intensive […]
Do It Yourself or Hire a Landscape Professional?
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalIf you choose to design, implement and maintain a new WaterSmart landscape yourself, you can follow the Homeowner’s Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape to help you plan, prepare, and work through each step. Free classes and online videos can help. If you’re interested in hiring a landscape professional, the WaterSmart Landscape guide is also helpful […]
Caring For Your WaterSmart Living Landscape
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalWhether you install a new WaterSmart Living landscape or are just looking for tips on how to conserve water in your existing landscape, the following section can help you make an immediate impact on your landscape water savings. View these tips, and follow the guidelines below Plan ahead. Keep a copy of the plant legend, […]
Water Industry Wants You: Military Career Day at Cuyamaca College
/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Kimberlyn VelasquezThe Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College and San Diego County water agencies are hosting a free career day August 10 for military veterans looking to transition into the water and wastewater industry. The in-person career day is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway […]
Helix Water District Names Brian Olney New General Manager
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Helix Water District Board of Directors appointed Brian Olney as the organization’s new general manager, effective September 1, 2022. Olney was previously the Assistant General Manager and before that, the water district’s Director of Water Quality and System Operations. He has 28 years of experience in the water industry. “Brian’s experience spans system operations, […]
Water-Use Efficiency Rebates for Businesses
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kimberlyn VelasquezAs extreme drought grips the Southwest, businesses across California are taking a variety of water-saving actions. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies offer business rebates and other incentives to help businesses save money while saving water. State ban on commercial turf The state’s watering ban was put into place on […]
Escondido Landscape Makeover Winner Goes from Weeds to Wow
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWhen Jeanne Reutlinger moved to her Escondido home in 2019, the neglected front yard was full of weeds, baked by the sun, and car exhausts from the street. Three years later, Reutlinger’s vision and hard work for a natural low maintenance habitat created a pollinator’s paradise full of native plants. Her efforts won the 2022 […]
Plant Installation Brings Your New WaterSmart Landscape to Life
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalWith your new WaterSmart landscaping plans complete, demolition and turf removal done, and your new irrigation system in place, it’s time to get started on the plant installation. For most homeowners, this is the most rewarding part of the process seeing your new landscaping come to life. Review the following tips to help you through […]
Chula Vista Homeowners Win Otay Water District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalChula Vista homeowners Bryan and Denee Felber earned “Best in District” honors as the winner of the Otay Water District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Converting 2,143 square feet of turf to a drought-tolerant garden in 2015 continues to save water and pay off for the Felbers while beautifying their neighborhood. The Felbers live in the […]
Installing WaterSmart Living Irrigation
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalSuccessfully installing WaterSmart Living irrigation starts long before you get out your tools. You need to complete an assessment of your landscape plan’s specific water needs, draw a complete plan showing the layout, then select your irrigation and purchase your irrigation equipment. If your soil needs amendments (and it almost certainly does), you must get […]
Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl Named CUWA Board Chair
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeSan Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl is taking the reins as board chair of California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), a nonprofit corporation that supports development of sound water policy statewide. The Water Authority is one of 11 member agencies of CUWA that are collectively responsible for serving drinking water to about […]
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates 30th Anniversary
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSince its opening in 1992, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has evolved into one of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources. Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, the reserve, or EFRR, was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as […]