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.
Protect Your Hillsides and Slopes
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County features many native canyons, and many homes are located in proximity to a native canyon. Native canyon hillsides near your home should not be disturbed. The more you can adapt your home’s landscaping to Nature’s landscaping, the healthier and more low maintenance it will be. Your home may have been built on […]
Investments Protect San Diego Region from Drought
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceIt has been a very busy few weeks in the water world, with the governor declaring a drought emergency in two Northern California counties and increased discussions across the West about how to manage water through a very dry year. While the challenges are real in some parts of the state, I applaud Governor Newsom […]
Value of Water Photo Contest Celebrates Water Awareness Month
/in Features /by Andrea MoraDuring May, share what the value of water means to you on Instagram for the chance to win great prizes from our partners around San Diego County, including Balboa Park attractions, San Diego Botanic Garden, and the Water Conservation Garden. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies are hosting their annual […]
Five Pushy Plant Pests To Avoid
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County’s mild Mediterranean climate allows nearly any type of plants to flourish with adequate irrigation. But when non-native plants are planted alongside native plants, they do their best to take over. These are plant pests. The worst of them overrun valuable native plant species. They drain limited rainfall and soil nutrients away from […]
San Diego County Students Innovate to Solve Water Challenges
/in Education, Features /by Kristiene GongIn March, Water Authority staff judged water-related projects by students at the 67th annual Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Judging the fair is a longstanding tradition at the Water Authority and a component of the education outreach program. For decades, the Water Authority has recognized the top water-related projects with a scholarship and […]
Five Firefighting Plants Worth Adding to Your Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalAs spring temperatures rise, San Diego County residents know wildfire season is not far behind. Although wildfire is a serious threat during warm, dry summer and fall months, wildfire can strike year-round especially in wildland interface areas. Regional landscaping must follow fire safe guidelines in design, plant selection and consistent maintenance. Protecting your home with […]
Enter 2021 Landscape Makeover Contest, Share Your Skills
/in Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County residents who have converted to more water-efficient landscaping can enter the 2021 WaterSmart Landscape Contest hosted by 12 regional water agencies. Entry is as simple as submitting your photos and plant information by Friday, May 14. Eleven San Diego County Water Authority member agencies are participating, including the Helix Water District, Otay […]
12 Grand Groundcovers to Use as Lawn Substitutes
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalYou’ve decided to eliminate the thirsty turf areas in your current landscaping when planning your new sustainable landscape. It’s tempting to install hardscape. It needs no water at all. It might seem like a smart idea, but it creates a new problem: stormwater runoff. It can also increase temperatures and add in its own small […]
Love Your Lawn Organically
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn a waterwise landscape, there’s still a place for turf. You may not need as much, and you need to create the most efficient and organic maintenance plan possible to work turf into your design. The good news: lawns maintained organically and with efficient irrigation can offer a cool, practical surface for active recreation, or […]
Water Authority Credit Remains Strong as Risks Emerge
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceAll three major rating agencies affirmed the San Diego County Water Authority’s strong credit ratings, which will help us minimize the cost of financing important water reliability projects. It is particularly gratifying that the reports cited the Water Authority’s strategic management, our conservative approach to water sales projections, and the benefits of rate case litigation […]
How Much Water Can Your New Landscape Conserve?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalLandscape designs using the least amount of potable water necessary are greatly encouraged in arid or Mediterranean climates like in San Diego County. It’s an important motivation for homeowners to consider efficiency and sustainability to lower water use, saving a precious resource. Maximizing your landscaping’s ability to capture and use natural rainfall can also help […]
Vallecitos Water District Recognized for Innovative Technology at Mahr Reservoir
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vallecitos Water District received two awards for its innovative use of technology to reduce algae blooms at the Stanley A. Mahr Reservoir in San Marcos. The district received the “Excellence in Action” award from the national WateReuse Association, and the “Innovation and Resiliency” award from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, or CASA. The […]
Know Your Plant Factor Water Requirements
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalLandscaping plants have different water needs. The water requirement of each plant in your landscaping can be determined by gathering information about the plant and then comparing it to the amount of water needed by the cool-season grass growing in your climate zone. Take a tip from landscaping professionals. They use a resource called the […]
Welcome to the Board: Ismahan Abdullahi, City of San Diego
/in Features, Welcome to the Board /by Ed JoyceEditor’s Note: This feature highlights new members of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 36-member Board of Directors. Each of the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies appoints at least one representative to the Board, which sets policy for the Water Authority. Welcome to the Board: Ismahan Abdullahi, City of San Diego Who: Ismahan Abdullahi was […]
One Simple Key to Watering Your Plants
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWhen you’re replacing your landscaping with an eye to conserving water, it’s important to understand how much water plants really need. A quick, simple way landscape experts do this is a method the home landscaper can use, too. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the process of assessing various factors to determine how much water plants use, and […]