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.
‘Women in Water’ Conference Aims to Expand Career Options
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIt boils down to bringing more women into the water and wastewater industry. That’s the central message from organizers of the second annual Women in Water – Exploring Career Pathways conference set for Jan. 17 at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon. Registration for the day-long series of workshops and […]
Does Your Landscaping Need Water?
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalBefore adding irrigation to landscaping, make sure it’s needed. Appearances can be misleading, and cause water to be used unnecessarily. First, use “digital” technology. Because soil may appear dry on the surface, stick your finger into the soil and see if the soil is wet beneath the surface. If the soil is moist up to […]
Building a Water Savings Account
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalManaging water wisely in a landscape is a lot like managing a bank savings account. Approximately half of the water spent by average California homes is used outdoors, mostly for irrigation. Unfortunately, up to half of commercial and residential irrigation water is squandered by evaporation, wind, improper system design, or overwatering, according to the U.S. […]
Give New Landscape Plants Space To Grow
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWhen choosing plants for new sustainable landscapes, it’s important to account for the height and the width of each plant species when it matures. This allows you to properly space plants in the landscape without having them feel crowded. Proper plant placement, taking into account the mature plant’s size, also should limit the need for […]
Mirroring Native Plant Communities in Sustainable Landscaping
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn nature, plants arrange themselves into communities of “friends” based on common microclimates, water and nutrient needs, and how they interact with the physical environment. Native plant communities also are based on interactions with each other and other species such as insects, birds, and other animals. Most plant communities occur repeatedly in natural landscapes under […]
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 […]