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.
Jim Madaffer: We’re Here For You
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike Leeby Jim Madaffer, Board ChairToday, I have a special project to share with you that we have been working on with our member agencies across San Diego County. Since the pandemic started, the region’s water and wastewater agencies have collaborated closely to ensure that these vital services remain fully functional. After all, they are the foundation of both emergency […]
Water Utility Hero of the Week: Erick Del Bosque, Sweetwater Authority
/in Achievements, Features, Heroes /by Mike LeeThis 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. Water Utility Hero of the Week: Erick Del Bosque Job/Agency: Engineering Manager at Sweetwater Authority How did you […]
Escondido Employee Named California Laboratory Person of the Year
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalCity of Escondido Water Quality Lab Associate Chemist Oyuna Jenkins has been named “Laboratory Person of the Year” by the California Water Environment Association for 2019-20. Supervising Chemist Ralph Ginese nominated Jenkins for the award, calling her “an incredible asset” during her seven years working at the lab. “The lab technically could not function without […]
Jim Madaffer: Strategic Steps to Address Emerging Fiscal Realities
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Kimberlyn Velasquezby Jim Madaffer, Board ChairAcross the country, public agencies are scrambling to fill holes created by the pandemic – financial holes and, worse yet, holes in the workforce. It is safe to assume, until a vaccine is developed or an antibody treatment is found, we are living the new normal. As we hope and pray that the worst days […]
Shows That Teach Creates Free Online Educational Videos
/in Education, Features /by Kristiene GongThe San Diego County Water Authority’s long-running and highly popular school assembly programs are suspended as students nationwide stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic. To help students, parents and teachers continue learning about water and science, the Water Authority is partnering with Shows That Teach, a Southern California company that specializes in school education […]
Opinion: Your Tap is the Safest Source of Water During this Pandemic
/in Education, Features /by Mike Lee /Times of San Diego / Helix Water Districtby Mark A. GracykAs we Americans face these unprecedented times, many are rushing to the store to stock up on bottled water and other supplies. At Helix Water District, we want to remind you that your tap water is still safe and reliable. While it’s always advisable to have a reasonable amount of emergency water on hand, the coronavirus […]
Jim Madaffer: Adjusting to the New Normal
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Kimberlyn Velasquezby Jim Madaffer, Board ChairAs we adjust to the new – and hopefully temporary – realities of this pandemic, it’s worth reflecting on the good that is happening in our community, our state and our nation. Doctors and nurses are bravely treating the sick by the thousands. Grocery store employees are working long hours to stock shelves and serve […]
2020 Landscape Makeover Competition Opens Call For Entries
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFourteen water agencies in San Diego County seek the best in landscaping makeover projects for the regional WaterSmart 2020 Landscape Makeover competition. The annual contest offers the opportunity to showcase residential waterwise landscaping as a way to inspire other homeowners to consider replacing water-guzzling turf based designs. The contest deadline for all participating agencies has […]
COVID-19: Carlsbad Desal Plant Workers Shelter-in-Place to Keep the Water On
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike Lee /The San Diego Union-Tribune and Water News Networkby Phil Diehl and Water News NetworkThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused companies and organizations around San Diego County to take measures to continue serving the public. As of Friday, 10 workers are quarantined inside the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plan for the next three weeks, monitoring and adjusting gauges and switches, watching for leaks, and doing whatever is needed to […]
San Diego Region’s Water Supplies Safe to Drink
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego region’s water supplies remain safe to drink. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have increased regional coordination and communication to ensure the coronavirus pandemic does not impact safe and secure water service for San Diego County. Public water supplies in the San Diego region remain safe to […]
Jim Madaffer: Supporting Our Community in Challenging Times
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Kimberlyn Velasquezby Jim Madaffer, Board ChairCoronavirus is on all our minds these days, with the countless challenges that we face at every level of society, including our homes and families. While there are many uncertainties, I want to assure you that the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies are doing everything possible to address this complex situation, from following […]
Take Ten Minutes to Track Down Leaks During Fix-A-Leak Week 2020
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalEasily fixed water leaks in American households account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted annually. The average household leaks nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year. This would wash 300 loads of laundry and could cost you an additional 10% on your water bill. Fix-A-Leak Week 2020 is March 16-22. It was created […]
Sweetwater Authority Displays Winning Photos at Board Reception
/in Agency News, Education, News /by Gayle FalkenthalTen South Bay area high school students were honored for their winning photos at the March 11 Sweetwater Authority Governing Board meeting. Nearly 100 students from Sweetwater’s service area entered its annual water photo contest, which challenges students to showcase the importance of water in everyday life through photography. Students submitted photos in two categories. […]
Vallecitos Water District Employee Leads By Example With WaterSmart Landscaping Makeover
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalVallecitos Water District Development Services Coordinator Eileen Koonce transformed the front yard at her new home into a beautiful water-efficient design with help from the San Diego County Water Authority’s Landscape Makeover Program. As a new homeowner, when Koonce received her first water bill, she decided to figure out a way to reduce her water […]
Water Authority Board Honors Retiring Otay Water District GM Mark Watton
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors on Thursday honored Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton for 37 years of public service in the water industry. The Board issued a proclamation congratulating Watton on “his long and distinguished service to San Diego County upon his upcoming retirement from the Otay Water District” […]