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.
Getting Help From Landscaping Professionals
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongThe perfect time to plan your new beautiful, livable and WaterSmart landscape is in summer because fall is the ideal time to plant a garden in this Mediterranean climate we all enjoy. The WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series and related educational programs are a great way to gather the skills needed to make a lawn transformation […]
California Native Garden Wins Helix’s 2019 Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMatt and Lauren Kirkpatrick of La Mesa are this year’s winner of the Helix Water District’s ‘WaterSmart Landscape Contest,’ an annual competition recognizing outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on overall attractiveness, design, efficient irrigation and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. Compared to the thirsty turf in the Kirkpatricks’ previous landscaping, the growing, colorful and entirely […]
Use Our Sustainable Landscaping Project Checklist
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhen you’re beginning a sustainable landscaping project, it can be challenging to remember all the things you need to consider along the way. Use our Sustainable Landscaping Guide Project Checklist to stay on track and achieve your goals. Take the steps you need to prepare your property. Make all your plans before you start digging. […]
Encinitas Students Take Home Honors in OMWD’s 2019 Water Awareness Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOlivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized the winners of the 2019 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May 22 meeting. Fourth-grade students living or attending school within OMWD’s service area were invited to enter the contest earlier this year. The top three posters all hailed from Mrs. Goyette’s class […]
Setting Your Landscaping Objectives for Success
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhen you’ve taken the time to learn about the concepts behind the watershed approach to creating a healthy and sustainable landscape, you should step back and consider the goals you want to achieve in your garden. If you’re facing an ocean of grass lawn and you’ve never given much thought to landscaping goals, it might […]
Aging Water Workforce Spurs Industry Recruiting Efforts
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA flood of water industry professionals nearing retirement has prompted local agencies to form a task force charged with assessing ways to develop the water workforce of the future. Education leaders are stepping up outreach to fill their career training programs, and water agencies are looking for new ways to attract employees. “For many years […]
Make a Map of Your Irrigation System
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongIt’s easy (and fun) to produce a landscaping plan showing where every shrub and flower is placed on site. Drawing what you can see is relatively easy. But what about the irrigation system underneath your landscaping? Do you know the location of your water mainline, irrigation system clocks, valves and sprinkler heads? Understanding the layout […]
What’s Your Landscape Irrigation IQ?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongLearn the basics of most irrigation systems, the key components of intelligent irrigation systems, and how to employ low pressure to maximize your system’s efficiency. Conventional irrigation systems are notoriously inefficient Conventional irrigation systems can suffer due to poor design, inadequate maintenance, and improper management. Well designed and operated systems can reliably deliver the necessary […]
San Diego County Students Shape the Future of Water
/in Education, Features /by Kristiene GongOn April 25, the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors honored the latest group of water-related award winners from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair as part of the agency’s effort to inspire young people to pursue water industry careers. This year’s middle school and high school science and engineering projects […]
Drones Offer Water Agencies Cost, Safety Benefits
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Ed JoyceWater agencies across San Diego County are saving time and money while improving employee safety with drones. Industry analysts say drone use by water agencies worldwide is growing. The Helix Water District, Otay Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority have embraced the technology, using drones to inspect and monitor facilities, and to […]
San Diego Grown Photo Contest Highlights County’s Agricultural Bounty
/in Education, Features /by Ed JoyceThe San Diego County Water Authority is hosting a social media photo contest during Water Awareness Month in May to celebrate how safe and reliable water supplies fuel the region’s local farms and food production. The “San Diego Grown Photo Contest” on Instagram and Twitter highlights the significance of agriculture to the regional economy. As […]
Spray Versus Drip Irrigation: Which is Best for You?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongSpray irrigation emits water in an overlapping pattern, while drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants. How do you decide which meets the needs of your landscaping? The case for spray irrigation Spray irrigation can be an efficient way to irrigate large landscapes with groundcover or uniform plant materials like lawns or […]
Farm-to-Table Event Highlights San Diego County Products
/in Education, Features /by Kristiene GongOn April 25, the San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing a one-of-a-kind tasting and education event to the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields. Up to 300 people from around the county will experience a remarkable variety of recipes and beverages, all prepared from locally sourced ingredients by some of the best chefs in the region. […]
Put Your Irrigation to the Test
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongTurn on each valve of your irrigation system, and observe how quickly water begins to run off your landscaping. Note the time when each runoff occurs. For some systems, this could be immediately. For others it may take as long as five minutes. Make sure that the spray irrigation is never running for longer than […]
Photographers Capture ‘Water in Everyday Life’
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Helix Water District honored student photographers for their award-winning photos in the agency’s annual high school photo competition. Winners were recognized during a special board meeting on March 20, 2019. Seventy-four students from four schools entered the competition with photos depicting the theme ‘Water in Everyday Life,’ illustrating the importance and beauty of water. […]