San Diego County / Southern California

The latest news and analysis covering water issues in the San Diego County region and Southern California.

Statewide energy alert issued as California bakes in summer heat

Sweltering temperatures across California prompted calls for residents statewide to reduce their energy use through 9 p.m. Wednesday, officials said. The so-called flex alert initiated by the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s electric grid for most of the state, was scheduled to run from 2 to 9 p.m. Utility companies urged their […]

‘Live WaterSmart’ Ads Coming to San Diego Malls, Billboards

San Diegans are likely already seeing advertisements at regional malls encouraging them to “Live WaterSmart,” which is the main message of an outreach campaign launched Tuesday by the San Diego County Water Authority. Although state water-use reduction mandates were lifted in May, the Water Authority’s hope is that customers of its 24 member agencies will […]

Two raging California wildfires grow, killing 1 and prompting closures in Los Padres National Forest

As fire crews made progress controlling a deadly wildfire in Southern California on Wednesday, another blaze continued to rage along the state’s picturesque Central Coast, killing a heavy equipment operator and triggering numerous trail closures and hiker rescues in Los Padres National Forest. The Sand and Soberanes fires, both of which erupted on Friday, tore through wildlands in Southern and Central California […]

VIDEO: Officials unveil new plan to conserve water

The San Diego County Water Authority has big plans to help us deal with drought conditions. On Tuesday, officials are unveiled a campaign to promote long-term water-use efficiency as a way of life.