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.
Santee Garden Oasis Wins 2023 Padre Dam Municipal Water District Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSantee homeowners Edie and Tate Thomas created a beautiful landscape with California native plants to save water, beautify their home, and support the region’s wildlife. Their effort won the 2023 Padre Dam Municipal Water District landscape makeover contest. Preserving rainfall by design In 2018, the couple began working on their makeover project. Edie Thomas is […]
San Marcos Unified School District Benefits From Free Water Use Survey
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalFree water use surveys offered through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California provide both residential and commercial customers with recommendations to improve landscape and indoor water use efficiency. The surveys are available throughout Southern California, including San Diego County. The San Marcos Unified School District took advantage of the opportunity for water use surveys […]
Students Recognized For Conservation Art, Scholarship Excellence by Vallecitos Water District
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors recognized students from district area schools for their excellence in the classroom in two separate contests: poster art for fourth graders and an essay competition for scholarships. Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. […]
Helix Water District Named Water Energy Leader with Energy Use Reductions
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalHelix Water District received recognition from The Climate Registry as a Water-Energy Leader Gold organization after the district reduced its electric use by 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. The Climate Registry is a nonprofit organization that helps companies, governments, and institutions reduce their emissions. Its Water-Energy Nexus Registry is sponsored by the California […]
Citizens Water Academy Returns for Summer 2023
/in Education, Features /by Kimberlyn VelasquezOn June 27, the San Diego County Water Authority kicked off its first Citizens Water Academy since 2020, when COVID-19 forced a shutdown of the program. The academy offers attendees the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission. Participants learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go […]
Free Landscape Workshops Convenient for Vallecitos Customers
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalIn partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the City of San Marcos, the Vallecitos Water District offers a series of five WaterSmart landscape design workshops in August and September to help its customers redesign and install new water-saving, sustainable landscapes at a convenient North County location. Classes take place every other Wednesday […]
Vista Irrigation District Landscape Winner Complements Home Design
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalVista Homeowner Diane Krupnak redesigned her front yard to save water and won the 2023 Vista Irrigation District WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The annual contest recognizes outstanding waterwise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient irrigation methods. Workshops provide homeowner know-how Concerned by the severity of […]
Six Student Artists Win 2023 Otay Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSix students from schools in the Otay Water District are the winners of the annual Student Poster Contest. More than 53 students submitted entries from schools in Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Spring Valley. The poster art depicts the value of water and using water wisely. Students in all grades were asked to create and […]
Sweetwater Authority Welcomes Roberto Yano as Assistant General Manager
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeSweetwater Authority has brought on Roberto Yano as the agency’s new Assistant General Manager. With 30 years of experience in public works, engineering and leadership at the City of Chula Vista and the City of National City, Yano brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Authority. As the Assistant General Manager, Yano […]
Landscape Transformation Wins Sweetwater Authority Contest
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalNational City homeowner Catalina Schultz decided to reinvent her yard. Her landscape transformation from grass to a low-water use design is the 2023 winner of the Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest. Schultz’s landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Schultz was recognized for her accomplishment at the Authority’s […]
Neena Kuzmich Named Director of Engineering
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeNeena Kuzmich has been appointed director of engineering for the San Diego County Water Authority – the first woman to lead the Engineering Department since the agency’s formation in 1944. Kuzmich brings more than 25 years of experience as a civil engineer to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Gary Bousquet. The Water […]
Nana’s Garden Wins Otay Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest
/in Features /by Gayle FalkenthalLois Scott transformed her El Cajon home’s green front lawn with rose bushes into a colorful water-wise landscape with a little help from her friends. Now called “Nana’s Garden,” it is this year’s Otay Water District Landscape Makeover Contest winner. Nana’s Garden is in Otay Water District’s division 5, which is represented by Board President […]
Historic La Mesa Home Wins Helix Water District’s 2023 Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA charming 1925 La Mesa home featuring a rich tapestry of thriving low-water use plants won the 2023 Helix Water District Landscape Makeover Contest. Homeowner Joy Andrea, a retired schoolteacher and La Mesa resident for more than 50 years, created a landscape with a tremendous amount of curb appeal, reflecting the character of the home. […]
San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl Retires
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeSan Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retired June 29, after more than 40 years of public service. Deputy General Manager Dan Denham is acting GM until the Water Authority Board of Directors permanently fills the position. Kerl’s tenure at the Water Authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four […]
Smart Irrigation Month Highlights Outdoor Water Saving Tips
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalWater agencies in San Diego County are sharing outdoor water-efficiency tips during “Smart Irrigation Month.” July was chosen as Smart Irrigation Month in 2005 since its traditionally the month of peak demand for outdoor water use in the county. Landscape irrigation consumes 50% of the typical California home’s monthly water use. Each year during Smart […]