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 National 2019 WaterSense Excellence Award
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today recognized the San Diego County Water Authority with a 2019 WaterSense Excellence Award for advancing water efficiency through its Qualified Water Efficient Landscape program, known as QWEL. The Water Authority received one of 25 WaterSense awards at the national WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas. Water Authority wins second […]
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Receives Water Efficiency Award
/in Achievements, Features /by Kristiene GongThe San Diego County Water Authority today presented its 2019 Water Innovation & Efficiency Award to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for significantly reducing its overall potable water use. The reduction was achieved through a successful water conservation program and new infrastructure for distributing reclaimed water. The award was announced at the Industrial Environmental Association’s […]
Fall for a New Landscape
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongMany people forget about fall when it comes to landscape care, especially in Southern California. When we don’t see the leaves change colors, it can be easy to overlook this important season. There are many things we can do during fall to keep our landscapes healthy and ready to collect as much water as they […]
San Diego Public Utilities Department Honored for Sustainability
/in Achievements, Features, Home Headline /by Gayle FalkenthalThe City of San Diego Public Utilities Department has been recognized as a “Utility of the Future Today” for its outreach efforts for the Pure Water San Diego Program. The honor was bestowed today by a partnership of water sector organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water […]
Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWitnessing the quick burst of color that often accompanies a butterfly or hummingbird’s flight is always exciting. It’s even more exciting when you see them in your own garden. Aside from being visually appealing, butterflies and hummingbirds also provide a service to your landscape by helping to pollinate plants. In doing so, they ensure seeds […]
Citizens Water Academy ‘Inspiration’ for Water Agency Board Members
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Citizens Water Academy helps educate civic leaders, and many graduates have gone on to become water agency board members in San Diego County. The application and nomination period remains open for the Fall 2019 class of the San Diego County Water Authority’s pioneering Citizens Water Academy. The closing date is September 18. More than […]
Firefighting with Plants
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWildfire is a constant threat in Southern California. But there are ways you can protect your landscape and home using native, fire-resistant plants. Plan your landscaping in three zones Zone 1: Help your landscape resist fires by choosing smart designs and fire-resistant plants. The first zone should provide 35 feet of defensible space around structures and […]
How Much Water Do Plants Need?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongIt’s important to assess how much water your outdoor plants need to stay healthy. The heat and humidity in San Diego County is far from over, with the official start of Fall September 23. Irrigation needs are generally highest during these warm months. Did you know that plants can be classified by their water needs? […]
San Diego Water Pros Aid Paradise Irrigation District Following Camp Fire
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSix water professionals from the Helix Water District and Padre Dam Municipal Water District spent one week in August assisting the Paradise Irrigation District with disaster recovery in the wake of the devastating Camp Fire. The Camp Fire burned through the town of Paradise, California in November 2018. CAL FIRE reported the fire burned 153,336 […]
Ornamental Horticulture Groundbreaking Cultivates Career Opportunities
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWith the turn of 11 gleaming shovels, groundbreaking took place on August 22 for a $16.7 million project to renovate and improve indoor and outdoor classrooms and facilities for Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture program. Thousands of students have graduated from the program since its launch in 1980. Many have gone on to careers in landscape […]
New Educational Hydro Station Project Opens in Chula Vista
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe first Hydro Station in California opened August 15 in Chula Vista. The interactive educational space is a joint partnership between the Sweetwater Authority, Otay Water District, and the Chula Vista Elementary School District. The Hydro Station, at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility, features learning exhibits and hands-on activities to introduce fifth grade […]
Design a Landscape to Live In
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongAs summer winds down and the days get shorter, it’s a great time to start planning for a landscape makeover. The Water Authority offers free landscape makeover classes to help you get started. Resources include a site visit from a landscape specialist, a professionally-drawn site plan, and one-on-one coaching. Cooler fall weather is an ideal […]
Water Conservation Garden Awarded SDG&E Environmental Champion Grant
/in Education, Features /by Mike LeeThe Water Conservation Garden’s Ms. Smarty-Plants program received a $25,000 Environmental Champion Grant in June from SDG&E. The award comes as The Garden, at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, celebrates its 20th anniversary. “SDG&E has been a long-time supporter of The Garden and its innovative Ms. Smarty-Plants education program,” said Jennifer Pillsbury, executive director/CEO of […]
Fallbrook High School Summer Intern Learns About Water Industry Career Opportunities
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Fallbrook Public Utility District’s intern program is designed to prepare potential future employees to fill jobs that open up due to the ‘silver tsunami’ or wave of retirements in the water industry. Mary Maciel, a junior at Fallbrook High, is Fallbrook Public Utility District’s second paid summer intern. She spends four hours a day each […]
Otay Student Poster Contest Winners Illustrate Importance of Water-Use Efficiency
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSix talented elementary school students were recognized on August 7 by the Otay Water District Board of Directors as the winners of the District’s “Water is Life” Student Poster Contest. As one of the Otay Water District’s educational programs, the contest offers an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while reflecting on the importance […]