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.
Vista Irrigation District Honored for Governance and Transparency
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe Vista Irrigation District has received two major statewide honors, the District of Distinction Platinum Recognition award and the Transparency Certificate of Excellence. The District of Distinction recognition is awarded by the Special District Leadership Foundation to special districts that show their commitment to good governance, transparency, prudent fiscal policies and sound operating practices. The […]
New Digital Water Education Workbook Makes a Splash
/in Education, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority today released an interactive, digital workbook to help upper elementary students learn about the region’s most precious natural resource: water. The online digital water education workbook is the latest addition to the Water Authority’s long-running education program that has helped instill water knowledge in hundreds of thousands of students […]
Efficient Irrigation Delivers Water While Protecting Plants
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalDue to the lack of rainfall in the San Diego region, even sustainable landscaping sometimes relies on artificial irrigation. Irrigation systems must be thoughtfully designed, installed, and programmed. Once in place, the many interconnected mechanical elements must be maintained properly for optimal performance. “Irrigation efficiency” is a way of describing how well your irrigation system […]
Carlos Quintero is New Sweetwater Authority General Manager
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeCarlos Quintero was appointed as General Manager of the Sweetwater Authority. He starts his new position September 27. The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board approved Quintero’s contract at its September 8 meeting. “After a highly-competitive recruitment process, the Governing Board is excited to have Carlos Quintero joining the Authority as General Manager,” said Governing Board Chair […]
Tree Care Tips Preserve Benefits During Drought
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTrees are among the most valuable investment in San Diego County’s landscape – including your own waterwise landscaping. Trees stand out as key performers in your landscape design for multiple reasons. No other landscape plant offers greater benefits to your landscape and the greater environment. Investing in tree maintenance is vital to keep them healthy. […]
Bank Your Water Savings for the Future
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalUsing landscape irrigation efficiently can significantly reduce overall household water consumption while leaving adequate water in the ground to cover your plants’ needs. One tool that can help is to build up your water savings when rainfall is available. Approximately half of the water spent by average California homes is used outdoors, mostly for irrigation. […]
National Awards for Pure Water San Diego’s John Carroll
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalJohn Carroll, the City of San Diego’s Pure Water Treatment Plant superintendent, received the 2021 Robert O. Vernon Membrane Plant Operator of the Year Award from the American Membrane Technology Association and the American Water Works Association. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to water supply improvement by an individual working at a membrane filtration, desalination, […]
Become a Compost Champion
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOnce your sustainable landscape makeover is in place, commit to best practices in maintenance. This includes regular composting. Compost can also be used as mulch, applied directly to the soil surface. It can prevent erosion and help plants, and soil filter pollution, especially hydrocarbons and metals from road surfaces. Most greenwaste-based composts can be applied […]
Drought, Water Supply and Climate Change in the San Diego Region
/in Education, Features /by Kristiene GongAn update on San Diego’s water supply during the current drought, and how climate change affects regional weather, was the main focus of a recent event sponsored by several organizations. The Citizens Water Academy, Leaders 20/20 and San Diego Green Drinks hosted a lunch and learn session August 17 that also provided details on how […]
Interactive Display Added to Hydro Station Project in Chula Vista
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA new display added to the Chula Vista Hydro Station helps students learn about the water treatment process through interactive activities. This unique joint educational partnership between the Sweetwater Authority, the Otay Water District, and the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD), the Hydro Station opened two years ago on August 15, at the Richard […]
Mayor, EPA Chief Celebrate First Phase of San Diego’s Drought-Resistant Water Recycling Project
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeMayor Todd Gloria, along with state and federal leaders, formally kicked off construction of Phase 1 of the city’s Pure Water program August 20. The project is intended to provide nearly 50% of the city’s drinking water by 2035 and reduce the need for imported water. Helping the mayor celebrate the historic occasion in University […]
Help Protect San Diego County Through Voluntary Water-Saving Efforts
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeThis has been a tough week in the water world. On Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced the first formal shortages on the Colorado River for 2022. That will directly impact Arizona, Nevada and Mexico next year. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors increased its drought alert level […]
Check Before Overwatering Your Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalDo you know if your landscaping really needs water? Even if you have waterwise irrigation on a properly timed schedule for your individual landscaping plan, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s really needed. You could be wasting water assuming it’s necessary. Appearances can be misleading. Rely on data from an old-school method of […]
Young Artists Win Otay WD “Water is Life” Student Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFive young artists from Chula Vista area schools are the winners of Otay Water District’s 2021 “Water is Life” Student Poster Contest for illustrating the value of using water wisely. Otay’s educational program invites students to create artwork depicting the importance of water conservation and stewardship. The students are encouraged to illustrate the theme “Water […]
Class of 2022 Cheers New FPUD Rattlesnake Tank Artwork
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalAlthough the Fallbrook Public Utility District water storage tank uphill from South Mission Road has received a fresh set of painted numbers annually for 35 years, this week’s update was the most anticipated makeover ever. FPUD crews change the painted numbers on the tank to reflect the year incoming seniors will graduate at Fallbrook High […]