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.
Indoor Water Efficiency at No Cost
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongThere are many ways to use water more efficiently indoors, and a lot of these are completely free! You don’t have to go through the expense of replacing appliances or installing new ones to improve indoor water efficiency. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing a few old water usage habits. Here are some easy ways […]
Award-Winning, Time-Saving Tool Created by Sweetwater Authority Employee
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFor his initiative in designing and creating a new tool designed to improve safety and efficiency on the job, Sweetwater Authority employee Julio Salazar won the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority H.R. LaBounty Safety Award. The award recognized Salazar for creating a ‘Large AMS Stabilizing Tool.’ Salazar’s design resulted in making […]
Creative WaterSmart Landscaping Wins Sweetwater Authority’s 2019 Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalBonita residents Efren and Ily Niervas won the Sweetwater Authority 2019 Landscape Contest after transforming their front yard from a traditional thirsty expanse of lawn to a WaterSmart landscaping approach. When the Niervas moved to their home in 2017, they realized the cost of watering their yard, with a large lawn and assorted shrubbery, was […]
Proactive Partnerships Keep Pipelines in Top Shape
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Kristiene GongThis summer, the Water Authority is partnering with three technology companies to test the condition of the agency’s oldest pipelines forming the First Aqueduct in Valley Center. Technology providers test their new and improved tools on Water Authority and member agency pipes. The tools are then used to assess the condition of those same pipes. […]
San Diego County Students Inspire Water Conservation Through Art
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThree talented fourth grade students in north San Diego County will have their winning drawings featured in the 2020 “Be Water Smart” calendar produced by the Vallecitos Water District. The students were honored by the District’s Board of Directors at its July meeting. To develop and promote water conservation awareness from an early age, the […]
Sweetwater Authority Wins ‘Best Tasting Membrane Water’ Award
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Sweetwater Authority Governing Board was presented with the Southwest Membrane Operators Association (SWMOA) ‘Best Tasting Membrane Water in the Southwest Region Award’ at its July 24 board meeting. The award recognizes the Authority’s Richard A. Reynolds Desalination Facility as the winner of the Best Tasting Membrane Water Competition held during the SWMOA Annual Symposium […]
Winning Vista Irrigation District WaterSmart Landscape Reduces Water Use
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalVista resident Deborah Brandt showed how attractive water-wise landscaping can be when low-water use plants are combined with other landscape components in winning the Vista Irrigation District’s 2019 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. District officials selected Brandt’s entry this month among many quality entries received. The Vista Irrigation District is among 13 San Diego member agencies with […]
Summer Plant Care
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongSummer is heating up! While you’re heading to the beach or pool to cool off, your landscape might need a little help keeping cool too. Summer plant care is easy with a little planning. Native plants Most native Southern California plants do well in hotter temperatures if they are established before the summer begins. Avoid […]
La Mesa Conservation Garden Wins 2019 Otay Water District WaterSmart Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalLa Mesa residents Bob and Shan Cissell’s conversion of 2,500 square feet of thirsty irrigated lawn into a creative conservation garden was selected by the Otay Water District as the winner of its 2019 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The annual competition recognizes landscape redesign projects among 13 participating San Diego County water agencies which best represent […]
San Diego’s Water Portfolio Approach ‘Model for California’
/in Features, Supply & Demand /by Mike LeeState officials Thursday toured San Diego County water infrastructure to get a first-hand look at the region’s successful water portfolio approach for supply diversification. California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, Deputy Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Gibson, State Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, and State Water Resources Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel […]
Innovation Improves Safety, Wins Award for Escondido Wastewater Technician
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalAn Escondido water employee’s ingenuity improved safety at a city treatment plant and won a statewide water industry award. City of Escondido Plant Maintenance Technician Joseph Lucero won third place in the “Gimmicks/Gadgets” category in the 2019 California Water Environmental Association Awards competition. His innovative safety device turns a difficult two-person job working on wastewater […]
Fire Prevention Tips for Landscapes
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongFire is a real and constant threat in Southern California. This is especially true in wildland interface areas. For effective fire prevention, it is important to select plants, choose landscape designs and perform consistent maintenance in accordance with fire safety guidelines. Plan for fire safety Landscapes should resist ignition and provide 35 ft. of actively […]
Smart Irrigation Month Highlights Water-Efficient Technology
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego regional water agencies are sharing water-efficiency tips during “Smart Irrigation Month.” July is traditionally the month of peak demand for outdoor water use and the reason it was chosen as Smart Irrigation Month when it started in 2005. The month celebrates the social, economic, and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation for landscapes, recreation […]
How to Compost the Right Way
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongYou can make composting on-site a goal for your sustainable landscape maintenance to reduce waste and help the soil thrive. You’ll know when the compost is ready to use when it has an earthy smell, has cooled off, and doesn’t reheat when stirred. Next, look for a uniformly dark brown or even black color. You […]
Water Authority Celebrates 75 Years of Service to San Diego County
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeThe San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors celebrated the agency’s 75th anniversary during today’s Board meeting, which included 20 proclamations honoring the agency for its service to the region dating back to 1944. Cities across the region joined the state Assembly and Senate, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and other state and […]