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.
Nifty Fifty Plant Choices Featured in Winning Escondido Landscape
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalEscondido homeowners Marcus and Leanne Fowler decided it was time for a landscape makeover two years ago when their effort to keep their lawn green required a lot of water. But they didn’t know where to start, lacking experience with landscape design and working with a limited budget. The couple started from the beginning, and […]
Family Friendly Watershed Approach Wins Olivenhain MWD 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalBy taking a watershed approach to his landscape redesign, homeowner Brad Lefkowits won the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest. Lefkowits was recognized at the June 21 OMWD Board of Directors meeting. The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County. Entries highlight colorful and lush landscapes that […]
Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalImages from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting. The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to […]
County Fair Exhibits Delight Visitors with Low-Water Use Landscaping
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalIf you’re ready to move ahead with plans to create a water-efficient landscape, the San Diego County Fair is a good place to start. There are several award-winning examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the fair’s popular Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit area. (The San Diego County Water Authority has […]
Landscape Optimization Service Simplifies El Norte Park Homes Makeover
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County residents continue to embrace low-water use landscapes taking advantage of rebates to swap grass for native and drought-tolerant plants. There are also incentives for areas with larger landscapes to increase water use efficiency. Landscape upgrade projects which previously were too complex for volunteer associations to manage are now possible with expert assistance […]
Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl Celebrated for 40 Year Public Service Career
/in Achievements, Features /by Mike LeeCalifornia Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins June 16 recognized the accomplishments of San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl, who is retiring later this month after a 41-year career in public service. During a ceremony at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, Atkins presented Kerl with a framed plaque of […]
DWR Opens Apprenticeship Program Exams
/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Mike LeeThe California Department of Water Resources has opened the process to apply for its apprenticeship program that can lead to a career with the state agency. DWR’s Operations and Maintenance Apprenticeship Program has released four exams that are the first step in applying for a career with DWR as an electrician, operator, mechanic, or utility […]
Water Awareness Artwork Wins Escondido 2023 Student Poster Contest
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTwelve students have won the 2023 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest by illustrating the theme, “Love Water, Save Water.” Winners have the opportunity to have their work featured in a regional North San Diego County water agencies calendar. First, second, and third-place winners will be featured in next year’s regional calendar. Fourth-grade students in […]
Student Artists Show Water Conservation Through Winning Art
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Sweetwater Authority selected 10 elementary school students as the winners of its “Being Water Wise Is…” 2023 Student Art Poster Contest. The annual contest is open to kindergarten through sixth-grade students in the Authority’s service area. The contest encourages students to think about the importance of water in their everyday lives, and how they […]
Experience a Sustainable Demonstration Garden Self-Tour
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSustainable landscape demonstration gardens inspire homeowners to create and maintain their own beautiful, water-efficient landscapes. In California, where more than half of urban water usage goes towards landscape irrigation, any reduction in water consumption contributes to successful conservation efforts. The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies host demonstration gardens that residents can […]
“Thanks for Planting Me!” Spokesplants Promote Landscape Transformation
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Kristiene Gong“Thanks for Planting Me!” encourages more widespread adoption of sustainable landscapes to prepare the Southern California region for a hotter and drier climate. The “Thanks for Planting Me!” summer campaign offers gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of San Diegans who have transformed their landscapes using low-water and native plants as part of a larger […]
Outstanding Students Receive Helix Water District College Scholarships
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalValhalla High School senior Lily Martinez and Grossmont High School senior Stephen Abkin are the 2023 recipients of the Helix Water District’s Robert D. Friedgen and Dr. Lillian M. Childs college scholarships. Martinez and Abkin were presented with their $1,000 scholarships at the May Board of Directors meeting. Lily Martinez Lily Martinez will attend UC […]
Otay Water District Calls On Student Artists for Contest Entries
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Otay Water District calls on student artists in its service area to unleash their creativity in its annual Student Poster Contest. All students in district schools from kindergarten to 12th grade are invited to illustrate a new theme for the 2023 contest – “Being water wise is …” Otay Water District’s annual educational program […]
Helix Water District Student Poster Contest Winners Highlight What “Being Water Wise Is”
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTen talented student artists were honored for their winning work in the annual student poster contest at the May 17 Helix Water District board meeting. The students created their winning posters to visually depict the theme “Being Water Wise Is.” The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California holds the regional poster contest to increase student […]
Makeovers Conserve Water, Saves Costs for Lake San Marcos HOAs
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThrough a partnership between the Vallecitos Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, and the County of San Diego, landscape makeover projects in unincorporated areas can take advantage of water-use efficiency rebates as well as professional expertise to maximize conservation and cost savings. The Waterscape Rebate Program applies to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers who […]