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.
Fallbrook Students Won’t Let Pandemic Stop 2021 “Be WaterSmart” Poster Contest
/in Features, Home Headline, Media Coverage, San Diego County /by Mike Lee /Water News NetworkThe annual “Be WaterSmart” student poster contest is a favorite tradition in many San Diego County classrooms, including elementary schools in the Fallbrook Public Utility District. In most years, 250 students submit entries, with the top submissions selected for publication. But 2020 wasn’t a typical year.
Welcome to the Board: Eric Heidemann, City of Poway
/in Features, Welcome to the Board /by Mike LeeEditor’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: Eric Heidemann, City of Poway Who: Eric Heidemann was seated […]
Fallbrook Students Won’t Let Pandemic Stop 2021 “Be WaterSmart” Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe annual “Be WaterSmart” student poster contest is a favorite tradition in many San Diego County classrooms, including elementary schools in the Fallbrook Public Utility District. In most years, 250 students submit entries, with the top submissions selected for publication. But 2020 wasn’t a typical year. Remote learning challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic meant […]
Local Water Agencies to Receive $44.4 Million Rebate
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeI’m so pleased report that yesterday the Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted to distribute a rebate of $44.4 million to its 24 member agencies across the region after receiving a check for that amount from the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to pay legal damages and interest. The rebate resulted from […]
Develop a Mulch Master Plan
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalHow much mulch does your landscaping plan need? To develop your mulch master plan and answer this question, you first need to understand the job it will perform in different areas of your watersmart landscaping plan. If you want to hold in moisture and keep down weeds: Use three to six inches of mulch on […]
Water Utility Hero of the Week, Phil Stevens, Padre Dam MWD
/in Achievements, Features, Heroes /by Mike LeeEditor’s Note: This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential. Phil Stevens, Padre Dam Municipal Water District Senior Lab Analyst, is the Water Utility Hero of […]
Let Nature Be Your Guide: Compost vs. Mulch
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalYou may not know the difference between compost and mulch, but your landscape soil does. Compost and mulch represent two different soil treatments with different advantages when used in a watersmart landscape plan. Compost is made of organic matter such as food scraps, landscape debris, or livestock manure that have already been partially consumed and […]
Water Conservation Garden Growing Strong With New #FreeDayFriday Program
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn a normal year, The Water Conservation Garden in east San Diego County provides resources and education for 88,000 children and families annually. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, meeting the Garden’s mission took a little extra effort and creativity. To remain open after its initial closure and re-opening in June 2020, the Garden now charges […]
Tish Berge Joins Water Authority Executive Leadership Team
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeVeteran water industry executive Tish Berge is joining the San Diego County Water Authority as assistant general manager, bringing experience from every aspect of water utility management to serve the region. Berge is currently general manager of the Sweetwater Authority, one of the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies. Berge starts her new role February 22 […]
Soil Probe Tips for Success
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalKnowing how to use a soil probe as an important soil management tool will support your effort to create a healthy, thriving landscape full of beautiful plants. You need to first know as much as possible about your soil to understand your irrigation needs. Irrigation is critical to keep your landscaping green and growing. But […]
Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring Water Pros
/in Education, Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle FalkenthalIf you’re a student considering college studies leading to a career in the water and wastewater industry, several California water associations and San Diego regional member water agencies offer college scholarships. Scholarships are available for community college, college, and graduate-level programs. Here are a few of the funding opportunities for study in the 2021-2022 academic […]
Oxygen, Water, and Life Create Healthy Landscape Soil
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalYour landscaping soil needs three things to feed the billions of microbes within it to transform brick-hard, lifeless dirt into healthy, living soil sponges: oxygen, water, and life. Think OWL to remember these important, interconnected factors. Oxygen lets microbes breathe free Oxygen is needed by healthy plant roots and soil organisms. Healthy soil has lots […]
Women in Water Symposium
/in Education, Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle FalkenthalThe fourth annual Women in Water Symposium in March will be online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Previously hosted at Cuyamaca College, symposium sessions will be each Thursday starting March 2. This year’s conference theme is “Flow With The Change.” Three specific career level tracks are offered to address needs at each level: […]
Improve Your Landscaping Soil With a Soil Test
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOne of the first steps in your landscape makeover project involves preparing the soil to allow efficient use of irrigation. San Diego County soil quality needs a lot of help. The area is defined by impermeable soils with poor infiltration areas. Water doesn’t flow through the soil to replenish the groundwater, because it is made […]
New Regional Degree Program Responds to Water and Wastewater Workforce Needs
/in Education, Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle FalkenthalDriven by the rapidly growing demands for skilled career professionals in the water and wastewater industry, National University and Cuyamaca College will launch a new degree pathway program starting in February 2021. Developed in collaboration with regional employers, the new Bachelor of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Waterworks Management provides a seamless pathway […]