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.
Irrigation Efficiency Impacts Plant Health and Water Use
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongIrrigation systems have a lot of interconnected mechanical elements. They must be thoughtfully designed, installed and programmed. Once in place, irrigation systems must be maintained properly for optimal performance. “Irrigation efficiency” is a way of describing how well your irrigation system is delivering water for the beneficial use of the plants in your landscaping. Issues […]
Contouring Tips Help You Make The Grade
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIt’s smart to use existing depressions, slopes and contours for guidance when planning your landscape grading. If your yard is perfectly flat, you’ll need to move soil and features around to create more rain-holding contour areas. Do a Percolation Test, and prep your soil as needed to make it as much of a water-retaining sponge […]
Save Water During Fix a Leak Week
/in Education, Features /by Ed JoyceLocal water agencies are planning to offer rebates or professional help to customers who find and repair water leaks as part of national Fix a Leak Week activities March 18-24. Fix a Leak Week is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks. The Water Authority offers tips on how […]
Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival Returns to Cuyamaca College, Water Conservation Garden
/in Education, Features /by Ed JoyceButterfly releases, thousands of landscape and garden plants for sale, and museum tours are among the activities at the Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival at Cuyamaca College on April 27. Several thousand visitors from throughout the region and beyond are expected to visit the college, which houses The Water Conservation Garden and the Heritage of […]
Catch the Rain By Slowing and Storing It
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIf rain gutters are installed on your house, water will be directed into downspouts, where it can move with great force and speed. This is especially true in a large storm. Instead of allowing downspouts to discharge directly on hard surfaces like a driveway, path, or patio, think about ways to redirect downspout water into […]
2009: Taking A Bite Out Of Water Use
/in From the Archives /by Andrea MoraTen years ago, the state and region were facing a water crisis — snowpack levels were below normal and water restrictions were in place. Thinking outside the box, the Water Authority sweetened its conservation outreach efforts by partnering with the San Diego-Imperial Council of the Girl Scouts to distribute water conservation tip sheets across the […]
Capturing the First Flush of Rainwater
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe most important water to capture in your landscape is the first inch of rainfall after a dry spell. This is called the “first flush.” Rainfall in dry climates like the San Diego region is often a “first flush” repeatedly due to long stretches between rainy periods. The first rainfall washes away pollutants that have […]
National Report Highlights Success of San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program
/in Achievements, Features /by Kristiene GongSan Diego’s Sustainable Landscapes Program ranked among the most effective landscape transformation programs in the nation in a study released today by the Chicago-based Alliance for Water Efficiency. The “Landscape Transformation Study: 2018 Analytics Report” compiled data from 14 similar landscape conservation programs in the U.S. and Canada. The Alliance for Water Efficiency concluded that San […]
Where Does Water Flow in Your Landscaping?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTo capture rainwater and any excess irrigation inthe soil or rain barrels, it is first necessary to understand what happens when water comes off the roof of buildings and moves across the property. Where is water moving? Make a copy of your landscaping site plan, and label it “Water Plan.” It should have the position […]
Opening the Doors to Careers in Water
/in Education, News /by Gayle FalkenthalEl Cajon, Calif. – Cecilia Bernal came looking for a career. Essie Mae Horne was focused on occupational advancement. Michaela Maddox-Gomez wanted to explore her options before she graduates from Mt. Carmel High School. Bernal, Horne and Maddox-Gomez were among the approximately 250 people packing the Center for Water Studies 2nd annual Women in Water – Exploring […]
Creative Kids Educate Region About Water Conservation
/in Agency News, Education, Features, News /by Gayle FalkenthalEighteen talented San Diego, Coronado and Imperial Beach elementary school students used their artistic skills to communicate the importance of water conservation in the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department 18th annual Kids Poster Contest. Winning entries in the contest are featured in the 2019 Water Conservation Calendar, which debuts this month. They are […]
Take a Soil Percolation Test
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn the San Diego region, rainfall can be unreliable and insufficient to sustain landscaping without careful planning and a little help. An alternate water source, such as irrigation, may be required. To make choices about the best, most efficient irrigation system for your landscape, it’s important to learn how well your soil drains. How does […]
Young Artists Featured in Fallbrook PUD Conservation Calendar
/in Agency News, Education, News /by Gayle FalkenthalFourth-graders from five Fallbrook-area elementary schools put pens, crayons and watercolors to work with the goal of creating the best and brightest water-conservation posters in competition to become part of the 2019 Fallbrook Public Utility District’s “Be Water Smart” calendar. Two hundred posters demonstrated the students’ enthusiasm and creativity. Out of these entries, 14 were […]
New Partnership Introduces South Bay Students to Water Industry Career Opportunities
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSweetwater Authority and Otay Water District have forged a new partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District to introduce fifth grade students to opportunities and issues in the water and wastewater industry – including compelling career options. The “Hydro Station” program is designed to address a significant shortage of skilled workers entering these career […]
Rainwater as a Resource for Your Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalDuring the rainy season, runoff from hard surfaces around the home such as roofs and patios can be directed to the permeable landscaping. By capturing as much rainwater as possible in the soil, it is possible to build an ecosystem that can last through the summer months with minimal additional irrigation. The entire built environment […]