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.
Tearing Out the Turf: 1 Million Square Feet Targeted for Removal
/in Conservation Corner, Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County residents have targeted more than 1 million square feet of turf grass for replacement with WaterSmart landscaping through free landscape makeover classes sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority over the past five years. While not all the targeted turf has actually been removed, post-class surveys show that many participants end […]
Plants With Wet Feet and Dry Feet
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalPlants and people have similar likes and dislikes when it comes to their feet. Of course, plants don’t literally have the kind of feet that take them on a stroll, but a plant’s roots are often referred to as “feet.” Just like most people enjoy a walk along the beach or wading in a pool […]
Playing by the Hydrozone Landscaping Rules
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalHydrozones are the different areas of your landscape with different irrigation needs. These needs can vary greatly in a single yard. By managing your water distribution to meet the needs of each hydrozone, you can minimize water waste and promote healthy plants. For example, plants with similar growing requirements including water needs should be planned […]
Water Authority’s Outreach Efforts Honored
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe San Diego County Water Authority received two first place awards and a second place award for its public outreach and education at the 2018 San Diego Press Club’s 45th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. The event took place at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation’s Joe and Vi Jacobs Community Center on October 30. […]
500th Community Leader Graduates from Citizens Water Academy
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe San Diego County Water Authority’s pioneering Citizens Water Academy celebrated the graduation of its 500th community leader Friday at the conclusion of the fall class series. During the popular and award-winning academy program, civic leaders learn about visionary local efforts to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the San Diego region. Participants […]
Match Your Landscape Plants To Your Microclimates
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA previous Conservation Corner article explained how to map the different types of microclimates present in your landscaping. This information can help homeowners effectively arrange plants in their sustainable landscapes. For the most efficient water use, plants should be grouped together with similar water needs in their favorite microclimate. In nature, plants that like lots […]
Map Your Microclimates
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalEvery garden has areas where plants flourish, and other areas where plants struggle. Structures, walls, fences and other plants can affect the amount of sun and shade in a garden. Every garden is completely different, even if it is located in the same general climate zone. There may be hills and hollows in your front […]
Harris Headlines Fall Conference for Women in Finance
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFor Lisa Marie Harris, serving as the director of finance for the San Diego County Water Authority is far more than a job. It’s part of a calling that started in college. As an undergrad, Harris secured a fellowship to study public policy at the University of Michigan, which confirmed her desire to pursue a […]
Planting for Pollinators
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalPlants and insects need each other to survive. Nature provides checks and balances in a garden. You can attract insects and creatures that help maintain the healthy balance of a garden without pesticides. Flowering plants rely on insects for pollination, and thus reproduction. In turn plants feed and house insects. Some bugs eat too much, […]
Incredible Edibles In Your Sustainable Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalYou don’t have to be a farmer to enjoy edible plants in your sustainable landscaping. Many native plants and herbs have fruit and leaves you can harvest. They can be mixed into any climate-appropriate planting design. Organic growing methods including sheet mulching (as explained in an earlier post) and integrated pest management ensure the health […]
Kyocera First Recipient of New Water Authority Award
/in Achievements, Features, Supply & Demand /by Gayle FalkenthalIn an effort to remind regional stakeholders in the business community about the importance of water to San Diego’s regional economy, the San Diego County Water Authority presented its inaugural ‘Water Innovation & Efficiency Award’ to Kyocera International during the Industrial Environmental Association’s 34th annual conference at the San Diego Convention Center on September 28. […]
More Trees, Please
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalPlanting trees improves water quality by reducing runoff and soil erosion. It’s also good for the wallet. Healthy, mature trees can add an average of 10 percent to a property’s overall value. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent, and can save 20 to 50 percent of the energy […]
Waterwise Landscaping Blooms in San Marcos
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Marcos, Calif. – A beautiful native garden low on water use but not on style won first place in the Vallecitos Water District’s 2018 “WaterSmart Landscape Contest. To encourage customers to reduce outdoor water use, Vallecitos recognizes customers whose yards best exhibit the beauty of California-friendly, low-water gardening. The Vallecitos Board of Directors honored […]
Hold Onto Your Hillsides and Slopes
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMany San Diego County residents live near canyons, which are valuable natural resources. Native canyon hillsides should be not be disturbed. When planting in previously disturbed or built slopes and hillsides, low-water plants, trees, deep-rooted native plant species, and climate-appropriate plants with strong root structures should be selected. Their powerful root systems can help hold […]
Maintenance Men Bring Home the Hardware from National Contest
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTwo maintenance pros representing San Diego brought home awards from the 2018 American Public Works Association’s National Roadeo Skills Competition in Kansas City, Missouri , in late August. The San Diego County Water Authority’s Bobby Bond Jr. placed second in the backhoe/mini-excavator event, while John Brown, also of the Water Authority, placed third in the […]