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.
Design a Native Garden
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongIf you haven’t finished planting your sustainable garden yet this year, you still have some time. Choose native plants that will thrive in the arid San Diego County climate. Native plants are naturally drought-tolerant. They also support local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plants can fall […]
San Marcos Student Jordan Chan Wins Statewide Video Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMission Hills High School student Jordan Chan of San Marcos won third-place in the statewide 2020 California Special Districts Association video scholarship competition. The “Districts Make The Difference” contest is designed to promote public awareness and understanding of the special districts providing communities with essential services like water, sanitation, healthcare, fire protection, and parks. Chan […]
Lake Jennings Hosts Kids Fishing Day
/in Education, News /by Gayle FalkenthalHundreds of pounds of rainbow trout were biting for participants on Saturday during the sixth annual Kids Fishing Day at Lake Jennings in Lakeside. The event started in 2015 has been an annual highlight ever since its inception. Kids ages 9 and under fished for free all day Saturday at the Kids Pond, which is […]
Jose Martinez Appointed General Manager of the Otay Water District
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Otay Water District Board of Directors February 6 voted unanimously to appoint Assistant Chief of Water Operations Jose Martinez as the new general manager of the District. The Board announced they will negotiate contract terms and vote on those terms at the March 11 Board meeting. “Jose will be an asset to the District […]
Student Artwork Featured in 2020 Fallbrook PUD Calendar
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTalented fourth-graders from Fallbrook area elementary schools picked up their pens, crayons, and watercolors to create the best and brightest water-conservation posters for the Fallbrook Public Utility District 2020 “Be Water Smart” calendar. Out of the 250 posters submitted, the work of 14 artists was selected. Twelve of the winning images appear inside the calendar, […]
Atkins Receives Safe Drinking Water Champion Award
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeCalifornia State Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego on Monday received the 2019 Safe Drinking Water Champion Award from the California Municipal Utilities Association in Sacramento. “The award recognizes Senator Atkins’ leadership to work collaboratively with her colleagues in the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s office in securing funding for communities that do […]
Take a Test to Determine Your Soil Type
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongIf you put a shovel into the ground in San Diego County, you are likely to encounter the region’s impermeable soil structure. Impermeable soils are defined by poor infiltration areas. This means water doesn’t flow through the soil to replenish groundwater, because the soil is too dense. Having impermeable soil also means water does not […]
Escondido Water Quality Lab Leads By Example
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalCalifornia’s 600 certified water quality testing labs will face strict new accreditation standards in the near future. While final hearings still need to take place on the draft regulations before adoption, the City of Escondido Water Quality Lab isn’t waiting. Escondido is working now to adopt the anticipated regulations. Escondido is one of only two […]
Women In Water Conference Showcases Career Opportunities
/in Education, Features /by Mike LeeMore than 200 people explored career opportunities in the water and wastewater industry at the third annual Women in Water Symposium Thursday at Cuyamaca College. The conference’s goal this year was to create a community of people with the interest and aptitude to take on what were previously considered non-traditional careers. Speakers at the conference […]
Award-Winning Student Artwork Inspires 2020 Water Conservation Calendar
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe City of San Diego’s colorful 2020 Water Conservation Calendar features winning artwork from 19 students throughout San Diego. This is the 20th year the calendar has been produced by the City’s Public Utilities Department. The theme was water conservation. “The children’s artwork in these calendars is fantastic, and helps present the importance of reducing […]
Contour Your Landscape
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhen planning your landscape, look first at the terrain you’re working with. You can use the contours of your existing land – depressions and slopes – for guidance when planning your landscape grading. If your yard is flat, you’ll need to move soil and features around to create more rain-holding contour areas. A soil percolation […]
Workforce Diversity Focus of ‘Women in Water’ Conference
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalCareer opportunities for women in the water and wastewater industry at every level are the focus of the third annual Women in Water Symposium January 16 at Cuyamaca College. Vanessa Murrell, grant manager for the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, said the conference’s goal in its third year is to create a community […]
Student Artists Featured in 2020 ‘Water Is Life’ Calendar
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFive talented San Diego County student artists from four elementary schools were among 36 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2020 “Water Is Life” calendar. The five artists represent regional water agencies including Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam MWD, and Sweetwater Authority. Produced by the Metropolitan Water District of […]
Water News Network Top 3 Stories of 2019
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe Water News Network’s top three stories of 2019 reflect the San Diego region’s interest in water conservation, sustainable landscaping, and successful efforts to diversify water supply sources. Conservation Colorful art created by elementary school students communicated the importance of saving water. This was the most viewed story of 2019. Creative Kids Educate Region About […]
The Nifty 50: Best Plants for WaterSmart Landscapes
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongAre you looking for new plants or trees to upgrade your WaterSmart landscape? Check out the Nifty 50. These 50 plants and trees thrive in San Diego County’s arid climate, and the rainy fall and winter are a perfect time to introduce them into your landscape. They are attractive, non-invasive, easy to maintain and drought-tolerant. […]