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.
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 […]
Poster Contest Winners Illustrate ‘Water Is Life’
/in Agency News, Education, Features, News /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Sweetwater Authority 2019 “Water is Life” poster contest is one of many educational opportunities the Authority offers. The annual contest gives kindergarten through sixth grade students the chance to demonstrate how water is a precious and essential resource. By creating water-related art, students enhance their understanding of the importance of water. The Authority invests […]
San Diego’s Farmer of the Year Taps Every Drop
/in Achievements, Features /by Kristiene GongGrowing water-intensive crops like avocados in San Diego County is no small feat. Producing avocados requires the use of innovative farming methods to supply the trees with enough water. It’s the use of innovative farming methods that earned John Burr the title of San Diego County’s Farmer of the Year – an honor he recently […]
Top 10 Tips for Saving Water This Summer
/in Education, Features /by Mike LeeThe start of summer brings the hottest, driest months of the year in San Diego County and a good time to remind residents of the Top 10 tips for using water more efficiently. Top 10 tips to use water more efficiently Check it out. Inspect irrigation equipment to eliminate overspray. Monitor soil moisture using a […]
Fallbrook PUD Offers Plant Vouchers For Sustainable Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Fallbrook Public Utility District will offer residents in its service area free low-water or drought-tolerant plants beginning July 1. The district will give qualified residents vouchers redeemable for plants at Silverthorn Ranch Nursery in Fallbrook, which produces plants using recycled water. “Customers will go through an application process and qualified applicants will receive free […]
Tips for Responsible Lawn Maintenance
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhile the goal of many sustainable landscaping plans is to remove the traditional suburban lawn, sometimes a portion of lawn area is maintained. You can ensure that your lawn stays healthy, permeable and green by using sustainable landscaping tips for lawn maintenance: Grass cycling Using proper mowing height and frequency Eliminating chemical use Monitoring watering […]
Take Good Care of Your Landscaping Trees
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongTrees are the most valuable players in your landscape design. They benefit both the environment and the communities in which they are planted. They save energy and clean the air we breathe. They help counteract the urban heat island effect and combat climate change. Trees provide protection from the elements, and even support healing. Invest […]
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates Decade of Outdoor Education
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalResidents, volunteers, and officials gathered June 1 at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Interpretive Center honoring Susan J. Varty. Located at OMWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, the center was constructed as a centerpiece of environmental education through a cooperative effort between OMWD and the Escondido Creek […]
San Diego Grown Photo Contest Highlights Agriculture
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeMore than 260 photos were submitted during May as part of the “San Diego Grown Photo Contest” highlighting how safe and reliable water supplies fuel the region’s thriving agriculture industry. The San Diego County Water Authority hosted the social media contest during Water Awareness Month. The contest highlights the significance of agriculture to the regional […]
Getting Help From Landscaping Professionals
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongThe perfect time to plan your new beautiful, livable and WaterSmart landscape is in summer because fall is the ideal time to plant a garden in this Mediterranean climate we all enjoy. The WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series and related educational programs are a great way to gather the skills needed to make a lawn transformation […]
California Native Garden Wins Helix’s 2019 Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMatt and Lauren Kirkpatrick of La Mesa are this year’s winner of the Helix Water District’s ‘WaterSmart Landscape Contest,’ an annual competition recognizing outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on overall attractiveness, design, efficient irrigation and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. Compared to the thirsty turf in the Kirkpatricks’ previous landscaping, the growing, colorful and entirely […]
Use Our Sustainable Landscaping Project Checklist
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhen you’re beginning a sustainable landscaping project, it can be challenging to remember all the things you need to consider along the way. Use our Sustainable Landscaping Guide Project Checklist to stay on track and achieve your goals. Take the steps you need to prepare your property. Make all your plans before you start digging. […]
Encinitas Students Take Home Honors in OMWD’s 2019 Water Awareness Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalOlivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized the winners of the 2019 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May 22 meeting. Fourth-grade students living or attending school within OMWD’s service area were invited to enter the contest earlier this year. The top three posters all hailed from Mrs. Goyette’s class […]
Setting Your Landscaping Objectives for Success
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Kristiene GongWhen you’ve taken the time to learn about the concepts behind the watershed approach to creating a healthy and sustainable landscape, you should step back and consider the goals you want to achieve in your garden. If you’re facing an ocean of grass lawn and you’ve never given much thought to landscaping goals, it might […]