Using 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. […]
John 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, […]
Once 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 […]
An 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 […]
A 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 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 […]
This 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 […]
Do 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 […]
Five 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 […]
Although 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 […]
New waterwise landscaping represents a significant investment in time and cost. Trees stand out as the most valuable players in your landscape design. No other landscape plant offers greater benefits to your landscape and the environment as a whole. Trees save energy and clean the air. They counteract the urban heat island effect and fight […]
Gary Bousquet, a 30-year civil engineering professional, has been appointed Director of Engineering for the San Diego County Water Authority as the agency launches the development of a major energy storage project that promises substantial long-term benefits for the region. Bousquet fills the position vacated by the retirement of Jerry Reed, whose 26-year career with […]
With the help of resources such as the San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover classes, video on demand, and Sustainable Landscape Guide, many homeowners feel prepared to create a beautiful new sustainable landscape on their own. But sometimes, it’s a smart idea to call on professionals trained in different aspects of the watershed […]
San Diego County residents continue to embrace a conservation ethic by creating beautiful, waterwise landscapes. The Vallecitos Water District reports that more District water customers are reducing their outdoor water use and adopting WaterSmart practices. Three Vallecitos customers are the most recent examples of the landscape makeover trend, creating beautiful landscapes, and winning the regional […]
The San Diego County Water Authority is the first public agency in California to participate in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which connects transitioning military service members to career-track job training opportunities. The regional initiative is off to a fast start with two SkillBridge interns starting their civilian careers at the Water Authority this summer. […]
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 […]
Trees: Landscaping MVP (Most Valuable Plant)
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalNew waterwise landscaping represents a significant investment in time and cost. Trees stand out as the most valuable players in your landscape design. No other landscape plant offers greater benefits to your landscape and the environment as a whole. Trees save energy and clean the air. They counteract the urban heat island effect and fight […]
Gary Bousquet Named Director of Engineering for Water Authority
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeGary Bousquet, a 30-year civil engineering professional, has been appointed Director of Engineering for the San Diego County Water Authority as the agency launches the development of a major energy storage project that promises substantial long-term benefits for the region. Bousquet fills the position vacated by the retirement of Jerry Reed, whose 26-year career with […]
Getting Professional Guidance on Your Sustainable Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWith the help of resources such as the San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover classes, video on demand, and Sustainable Landscape Guide, many homeowners feel prepared to create a beautiful new sustainable landscape on their own. But sometimes, it’s a smart idea to call on professionals trained in different aspects of the watershed […]
Winning Waterwise Landscapes in the Vallecitos Water District
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County residents continue to embrace a conservation ethic by creating beautiful, waterwise landscapes. The Vallecitos Water District reports that more District water customers are reducing their outdoor water use and adopting WaterSmart practices. Three Vallecitos customers are the most recent examples of the landscape makeover trend, creating beautiful landscapes, and winning the regional […]
Water Authority Taps SkillBridge Program for Talented Veterans
/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority is the first public agency in California to participate in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which connects transitioning military service members to career-track job training opportunities. The regional initiative is off to a fast start with two SkillBridge interns starting their civilian careers at the Water Authority this summer. […]