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.
Water Authority Wins Four Awards for Outstanding Projects
/in Achievements, Features /by Kristiene GongThe American Public Works Association and American Society of Civil Engineers recently presented the San Diego County Water Authority with four awards for construction projects that exemplified outstanding skill, dedication and collaboration from staff in many departments. All of the projects were underway or completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and project teams navigated shutdowns, adapted […]
Vista Irrigation District Contests Award Student Scholarships, Art Prizes
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalEight North San Diego County high school seniors and three fourth-grade students were the winners of two separate Vista Irrigation District sponsored contests. Kulpreet Chhoker from Mission Vista High School, Kylie Konyn from St. Joseph Academy, and Delanee Haskins from North County Trade Tech High School each received $2,000 as winners of the Vista Irrigation […]
Recycled Water Facility is Plant of the Year
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeOlivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is the California Water Environment Association‘s Plant of the Year. The District’s Board of Directors accepted the award at its May 19 meeting from California Water Environment Association San Diego section. The Plant of the Year award acknowledges OMWD’s accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, and cost‐effectiveness. […]
Enjoy Urban Farming While Being Water Smart
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMany San Diego County native plants and herbs have fruits and leaves you can harvest. They can be mixed into any climate-appropriate planting design. You don’t have to be a farmer to grow and enjoy them in your sustainable landscaping. For the health of your urban farming crops, consider employing organic growing methods including sheet […]
Student Photographers Capture Water
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThirteen talented student photographers creatively captured the importance of water in their homes and in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in Sweetwater Authority’s 2021 High School Photo Contest. Winners were selected from 50 students from South San Diego Bay high schools who submitted more than 100 entries in two categories: black and white, and […]
Waterwise Tree Choices for Watersmart Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTrees are the single most valuable addition to your waterwise landscaping. Trees create improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. They also improve air quality and provide habitat for insects, birds, and animals. Healthy, mature trees are so beneficial, they can add an average of 10% to a property’s overall value. When thoughtfully […]
Water and Wastewater Scholarship Opportunities Available at National University
/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle FalkenthalThe new Waterworks Management Concentration in the Bachelor of Public Administration, offered by National University in partnership with Cuyamaca College, begins its second cohort of courses in August. Two new scholarship opportunities are now available to help prospective students overcome financial barriers and reach new career goals. Developed in collaboration with regional employers, and driven […]
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 Mike LeeIt 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 […]