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.
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 […]
Winners Announced in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalAmateur photographers turned their lenses on skies and streams, coyotes and cactus, and overlooked details in nature to produce seven winning images in the 15th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winners were announced at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District February 2022 board meeting. The seven photos are now on display in the […]
Multiple Water and Wastewater Industry Awards Won by City of Escondido
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe City of Escondido scored wins in three categories at the annual California Water Environment Association awards on January 29. CWEA is California’s oldest and most prominent association of water protection professionals. Hale Avenue Facility Named San Diego Section Wastewater Plant of the Year The City of Escondido’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) won […]
Water Authority Credit Ratings Remain Strong, Saving Ratepayers Money
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeWe received some welcome news from the three major U.S. rating agencies last week, when they reported strong credit ratings and credit quality for the San Diego County Water Authority. While that might not seem like a big deal, it really is. The newly released analysis by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, and Moody’s allow the […]
Water Authority Greenhouse Gas Emission Tracking Is Climate Leadership Case Study
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Water Utility Climate Alliance has added the Water Authority’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to its mitigation case studies library. The case studies provide valuable information and inspiration for greenhouse gas mitigation or sewage thermal energy use projects from concept to implementation for water utilities across the U.S. Water Authority Senior Water Resources […]
Vallecitos Water District Wins Multiple Industry Awards
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vallecitos Water District received three awards from the California Water Environment Association on January 29. The Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility was named the 2021 Tertiary Recycled Water Plant of the Year, Matt Wiese received the “Operator of the Year” award and the District also received the Community Engagement and Outreach award for Best Use […]
Credit Agencies Cite Water Authority Diversification, Reliability for Strong Ratings
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe three major U.S. rating agencies reported strong credit ratings and credit quality for the San Diego County Water Authority kicking off 2022. Newly released analysis by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, and Moody’s allow the Water Authority to optimize its debt portfolio and minimize the cost of financing vital water reliability projects. The ratings reports […]
Improving Personal Financial Literacy at San Diego County Water Authority
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeEnhancing the financial literacy of employees at the San Diego County Water Authority was a primary objective when staff submitted a grant application for a portion of $1.4 million in funds available to public employers by the Mission Square Research Institute. The Water Authority was among 24 public sector employees selected for a grant and […]
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. […]
College Scholarships Offered for Water Industry Education
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMultiple California water associations and water agencies in San Diego County are offering college scholarships to help candidates achieve their goals. A large number of recent retirements combined with the need for a skilled workforce up to date on new technologies have resulted in a critical need to increase the talent pool of skilled individuals […]
New Video Highlights Olivenhain Municipal Water District Achievements in 2021
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn its ongoing effort to keep ratepayers and the community informed, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District produced its first “Year In Review” video report for 2021. The video showcases key achievements of the District, using an accessible digital video format to share details, images, and key facts with ratepayers through a familiar, trusted online platform […]
Sweetwater Authority Opens 2022 High School Photo Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Sweetwater Authority calls on high school student photographers to enter its 2022 High School Photo Contest. This year’s contest challenges students to creatively photograph the many ways people use water. The 2022 theme is “Water In Daily Life.” Water supports our daily lives. It flows into our homes, helping to quench our thirst, cook, […]
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, […]
Vallecitos Supervisor Retires After Three Decades of Service
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFrom her first day on the job at Vallecitos Water District in 1988, Dawn McDougle knew that she wanted to finish her career at the San Marcos-based water agency. McDougle accomplished her goal, officially retiring on December 23, 2021. McDougle’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to the community have paid off in many ways over three […]
State Agencies Commend COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring by City of San Diego
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe City of San Diego Public Utilities Department’s wastewater monitoring of coronavirus has received recognition from two state agencies. The City’s Public Utilities Department was one of five California utilities participating in the Center for Disease Control’s National Wastewater Surveillance System program in cooperation with the State Water Quality Control Board. The California Water Monitoring […]