San Diego County Water Authority Archives

Water Authority Supports Farm Economy with Rate Discount

November 20, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today voted unanimously to renew the Permanent Special Agriculture Water Rate (PSAWR) Program, ensuring discounted water remains available to the region’s farmers in the coming years.

The extension of the program, which began in its current form in 2020, was backed by the San Diego County Farm Bureau. San Diego County is home to more farms than any county in the nation, making the discount water rates program vital to the continued success of the local agricultural sector. More than 1,000 farmers across 11 retail water agencies are enrolled in the program.

“The Water Authority has worked closely with San Diego’s ag community to sustain a program that is valuable to farmers while also benefitting the entire region,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “This is a win for our region’s economy and residents, supporting jobs and a way of life that is part of San Diego County’s identity.”

Special Agricultural Water Rates - WNN - Slider

Farmer watering crops in San Diego County. Photo: Water Authority

PSAWR was designed to provide qualified agricultural customers the benefit of discounted water in exchange for an interruptible, lower level of service during times of water supply shortages or emergencies. The program is valuable to non-farm customers because it helps maintain water sales and spreads fixed costs over larger volumes of water that otherwise would be paid by non-farm customers.

PSAWR rates were already in place for 2026. Today’s action by the Water Authority Board creates a framework for extending the program in 2027.

“The Authority has long been – and clearly remains – a dedicated supporter of the region’s 5,000 farms and farmers,” San Diego County Farm Bureau President Jimmy Ukegawa said in a Nov. 4 letter to Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano urging the renewal of the ag rate program. “The Farm Bureau sincerely appreciates the time, effort, and thoughtful attention the Board and staff have devoted to this critical issue.”

A map display showing the new path as part of the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation trail system. Sweetwater Reservoir Trail

New Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Open for Recreation

November 19, 2025/in News, Science/Environment /by Gayle Falkenthal

A brand-new 2.2-mile trail is open along the east side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Originally a maintenance road, the trail has been transformed into a scenic pathway for walking, running, and mountain biking.

Previously accessible only as a maintenance road, the 2.2-mile route has been repurposed into a safe and inviting public trail ideal for walking, running, and mountain biking.

“Sweetwater is committed to increasing public recreation while protecting water quality and preserving the environment and habitats at Sweetwater Reservoir,” said Sweetwater Authority board chairman Manny Delgado. “This new trail and the accompanying improvements are a testament to those continued commitments.”

This enhancement was made possible through a $1.16 million grant awarded to the Urban Corps of San Diego County by the California Conservation Corps, dedicated to trail improvements and habitat restoration. Additional support came from the County of San Diego, through two generous grants to the San Diego Mountain Biking Association.

Trail Provides New Access to Open Space

(L to R) Sweetwater Authority Assistant General Manager Roberto Yano, Otay Water District board member Mark Robak, and National City Vice Mayor, Sweetwater Authority vice chair and San Diego County Water Authority board member Ditas Yamane at the ribbon cutting for the new Sweetwater Reservoir southern trail. Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

(L to R) Sweetwater Authority Assistant General Manager Roberto Yano, Otay Water District board member and San Diego County Water Authority board member Mark Robak, and National City Vice Mayor, Sweetwater Authority vice chair and San Diego County Water Authority board member Ditas Yamane at the ribbon cutting for the new Sweetwater Reservoir southern trail. Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

Dedicated in September, the new trail connects the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Area (SWRRA) with the County of San Diego’s Southern Trail, offering the South Bay community fresh opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The trail connects to existing paths in the area and was created while preserving native vegetation and sensitive habitats, benefitting local wildlife.

The trail runs parallel to the reservoir’s shoreline east of Bonita and south of Spring Valley. It provides beautiful views of the water and the surrounding open space. It also connects to the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that preserves native plants and wildlife as part of a regional conservation effort.

The trail is designed to be more accessible for beginners and families than some of the more rugged trails in the adjacent Wildlife Refuge to encourage fitness and recreation. By linking with existing paths, the trail also strengthens the region’s recreation network, creating new opportunities for exploration and connectivity.

Along with opening the trail, Sweetwater Authority has taken steps to protect the environment. Crews are restoring nearby habitat by removing invasive weeds, improving drainage, and planting native vegetation. These improvements will make the area healthier, support local wildlife, and reduce wildfire risk.

Trail Preserves Local Environment

South Bay community leaders and members of the public gathered to celebrate the opening of the newest trail at the Sweetwater Authority Recreation Area. Photo: Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

The addition of the new trail builds on Sweetwater Reservoir’s long tradition of outdoor recreation, which already includes a popular shoreline fishing program open Friday through Monday. With the new trail, visitors have another way to enjoy the natural beauty of Sweetwater Reservoir while also helping to protect the local environment.

The Sweetwater Reservoir Shared Maintenance Road and Trail officially opened to the public on September 5, 2025. Trail maps, visiting hours, and safety guidelines are available on Sweetwater Authority’s website at www.sweetwater.org.

After 14 years serving in the United States Marine Corps, Carlos Cortes found civilian employment in the water industry with the City of Poway. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego Veterans Find Purpose and Opportunity in Water Industry Careers

November 10, 2025/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle Falkenthal

In honor of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, the San Diego County Water Authority and the region’s member agencies recognize the contributions of veterans to San Diego County’s water and wastewater industry, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply.

Water industry professionals and members of the U.S. armed forces share a common commitment to serving the public. Military veterans are ideally suited to work in water and wastewater industry jobs when they enter the civilian workforce.

The San Diego region employs approximately 4,500 water and wastewater workers, many of whom have successfully made the transition from the military to a new career.

Marine Corps Veteran Finds His Next Mission in Poway

City of Poway Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes says the wide variety of roles offer the opportunity to explore different jobs and find the best fit for your skills. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

City of Poway Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes served his country for 14 years in the United States Marine Corps and Reserves. After completing his degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management Information Systems at Cal State San Marcos, Cortes entered the water industry workforce at the City of Oceanside in 2022. He was hired by the City of Poway in his current role in early 2025.

Cortes describes the similarities between the mission and workforce culture of the military and the water and wastewater industries.

“In the military, oftentimes you’re very mission-focused. It’s a type of collaborative environment. You’ve got to be able to work well with your team. You’ve got to be able to stay focused on the mission and stay resilient. Those things all transfer to the water sector.

Carlos Cortes served 14 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, seen here at a promotion ceremony. Photo: Courtesy Carlos Cortes

“A lot of people join the military so they can give back to the country. In that same way, when you work for a water agency, you’re providing a critical service to the public. So there’s that alignment,” explained Cortes.

Cortes added there is also a shared sense of camaraderie. “In my mind, it’s an easy transition from whatever your role is in the military to continuing to do something similar on the civilian side.”

Cortes said the wide variety of roles offer something for every interest and ambition, with the opportunity to explore different jobs and find the best fit for your skills.

“There’s a great opportunity for career development within the water sector, because there’s always some position where you can start and get your foot in the door, and then develop your expertise within the industry.

“You want to turn your tap on and have water, but you don’t often think about the fact that behind it were dozens or hundreds of people and pipelines and projects and decades-long water agreements that brought that water to your tap.

“Oftentimes people don’t realize that those jobs are there, and that we are looking for highly capable and ambitious staff to fill them,” said Cortes.

Making A Smooth Career Transition

Carlos Cortes discusses water treatment at the City of Poway with Water Treatment Plant Manager Aaron Huff. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Cortes says the biggest barrier is often the concern by veterans facing a new role and a new structure. But Cortes says there are more similarities than differences.

“It’s important to understand that a lot of those skills that you gain (in the military) translate. They just require a little bit of like relating it now to a new field,” said Cortes.

“It requires just a small shift of the terminology to transfer those skills and feel a little bit more comfortable,” adding that a thirst for learning new things shared by many veterans will also serve them well in water and wastewater careers.

Army Prepares Veteran To Serve The Public In Oceanside

Roman Gomez, who works as a Meter Service Worker II for the City of Oceanside, served on active duty for six years in the United States Army and was pursuing his college degree while working full-time as a fast food restaurant employee when he learned about job openings for meter readers from a family contact.

After eight years, he’s happy with his decision to pursue the job and prizes the stability it offers, along with the sense of purpose it provides.

Gomez says learning how to remain cool under pressure allows him to easily handle emergency calls. “Especially when you know it’s a main break, and you’re trying to get that water back on as quickly and safely as possible. For me at least, it’s definitely satisfying.”

Translating Military Skills Into Water Industry Success

Military veterans can continue their service to the public in the water industry by taking advantage of programs for veterans such as Skillbridge. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Cortes recommended the San Diego County Water Authority’s Skillbridge program, which connects veterans with internships leading to jobs in the water industry during the last six months of their military service.

As the home to both Navy and Marine Corps families, San Diego has more than 110,000 active-duty personnel, with military families constituting nearly eight percent of the county’s population. Of the more than 30,000 service members departing from the military each year in California, over half reside in the San Diego region.

The Water Authority’s successful participation in SkillBridge highlights the agency’s commitment to military personnel and families.

Veterans can find career degree programs at one of the many San Diego community colleges including Cuyamaca and Palomar College, as well as CSU San Marcos, and National University. Options range from certificate programs to public administration and engineering degrees.

1000th Community Leader Graduates from Citizens Water Academy

October 20, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority’s award-winning Citizens Water Academy celebrated the graduation of its 1,000th community leader last Saturday at the conclusion of this year’s fall class.

During the popular and long-running academy program, civic leaders learn about how the Water Authority has built the safe and reliable water supply San Diego County depends on over the past 80 years. Additionally, attendees visit vital Water Authority sites like the Olivenhain Dam, hear from staff about a wide range of topics from physical infrastructure that makes the system work to the future of the Colorado River, all while building relationships with staff and each other.

“The Citizens Water Academy is a valuable and effective way to help community leaders better understand how the Water Authority manages our most important natural resource,” Board Chair Nick Serrano said. “With more than 1,000 graduates, this academy has helped increase transparency about who we are and what we do to guarantee water reliability and security for the region.”

The Citizens Water Academy launched in fall 2014 and produced a diverse inaugural class of 49 graduates. Over the years, 99 percent of participants said they would recommend the Water Academy to a colleague.

Participants said the class series helped them understand the physical movement of water into and around the region, the importance of the region’s water supply diversification strategy, how large-scale water projects are built and maintained, and how water managers are preparing for future water supply needs.

The Fall 2025 Citizens Water Academy class.

The Water Authority typically hosts two academies of roughly 50 participants each year. This year’s class included representatives from several state and local elected offices, leading companies in the region, and an array of non-profits, universities and public agencies.

In addition, the Water Authority maintains an active network of Water Academy graduates who participate in specialized tours, lectures and other events, like the recent “Future of the Colorado River” panel held in conjunction with the San Diego Global Affairs Council and the Burnam Center for Community Advancement. They also stay connected through an alumni newsletter – part of the Water Authority’s commitment to supporting engaged and knowledgeable regional leaders.

The Water Authority will host its next academy in the spring of 2026. For more information about how to take part in this unique experience, visit www.sdcwa.org/in-the-community/citizens-water-academy/.

The City of San Marcos replaced 11,000 square feet of nonfunctional turf through a new pilot program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Partnerships Support San Marcos Turf Replacement Projects

September 17, 2025/in News, Science/Environment, Supply & Demand /by Gayle Falkenthal

In an effort to conserve water and promote sustainable landscaping, California has enacted Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), which prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf on specific property types, including commercial, industrial and institutional properties, and common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

Signed into law in 2023, it begins to take effect for different property categories from 2027 through 2031.

The City of San Marcos and the Vallecitos Water District applied to the San Diego County Water Authority’s Commercial Direct Install Program, a grant-supported pilot program accepting seven large-scale projects countywide. Eligible projects focus on nonfunctional turf replacement at commercial sites located in income qualifying neighborhoods.

Two sites in San Marcos were selected for this pilot program, along with two schools and three other locations in San Diego County.

Nonfunctional turf like in this before photo was replaced with low-water use landscaping. Photo: Vallecitos Water District turf replacement

Nonfunctional turf like in this before photo was replaced with watersmart landscaping. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“We’re very grateful to the Water Authority and Vallecitos Water District for reaching out about this program,” said Amanda Haas, City of San Marcos park maintenance supervisor.

“They came to us, shared the idea and the concept. We instantly thought about Bradley Park having the turf removed and a drought-tolerant landscape installed. We hope it inspires the community to do the same thing, and we hope that other cities follow our lead,” explained Haas.

Bradley Park Project Leading The Way

Nonfunctional turf in Bradley Park next to a parking lot. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Haas said Bradley Park was an ideal candidate. It is located in an income-qualifying neighborhood and is highly visible along busy Rancho Santa Fe Road, with 11,000 square feet of turf needing replacement. “It’s a good location to showcase a project like this because it is so visible,” said Haas.

Haas says the Bradley Park project helps the City of San Marcos meet ambitious goals to reduce water use in municipal landscapes.

The parking lot with new low-water use landscaping. Photo: Vallecitos Water District turf replacement

The parking lot filled with waterwise plants. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“We’re reducing our turf print and we’re increasing beautiful plants, reducing our water use, taking advantage of good partnerships with the (Vallecitos) water district and the Water Authority,” said Haas.

Haas says having a program help subsidize the costs of turf replacement makes it an ideal time to pursue projects. “This helps us get ahead of the curve when it comes to fulfilling the state mandate to remove nonfunctional turf. We hope that it helps inspire the community to do the same thing in their landscapes.”

The second proposed project in the City of San Marcos is for a commercial building in operation since 1979 and well-known in the community, with more than 10,000 sq. ft. of turf to be replaced with watersmart landscaping. This 12,000 sq. ft. site, highly visible from the 78 freeway, will be replaced with a colorful watersmart plant palette.

For information on these plants and more, check out the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists.

Watch a video review of the Bradley Park turf replacement project.

Who Must Comply With AB 1572?

Properties owned by state or local governments
Commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties
Common areas of HOAs and common interest developments

What is Nonfunctional Turf?

Nonfunctional turf is grass that serves only an aesthetic purpose, not used for recreation, and is irrigated with potable (drinking) water. Examples include:

Medians: Grass on medians and parking lots that serve no active purpose.
Commercial: Decorative grass areas on commercial and industrial properties, such as office buildings or hotel landscaping.
Entrances: Grass near commercial buildings, school grounds, and building entrances, used only for aesthetic purposes, is not allowed.

Properties using recycled water are exempt from AB 1572.

What is Considered Functional Turf?

Functional turf is grass that serves a useful purpose beyond just looking nice. It is turf or lawn actively used for recreation, sports, or community events.

It’s grass that people and pets walk, play, or gather on.

Examples include public parks, school fields, sports fields, and golf courses, used for recreation or civic events. Pet relief areas, veterinary offices, boarding facilities, animal shelters, and within cemeteries used for visitation and gathering are also considered functional turf.

This new law does not apply to residential properties and apartment buildings. There are also exemptions for trees and all non-turf plants.

Nonfunctional turf is replaced by new landscaping plus a walking path. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Property maintenance staff must attend a training on proper maintenance, adhere to maintenance recommendations, and agree to maintain the landscape long term to participate in the Water Authority’s Direct Installation Landscape Program.

Each project includes a professional landscape design, irrigation upgrades, storm water retention features, Watermart plants included in the Water Authority’s “Happy 100” list, and trees where possible. It must comply with local city ordinances, including the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

For more information about the Direct Installation Landscape Program or nonfunctional turf regulations, please contact Debby Dunn at or 858-522-6745.

Water Leaders Discuss the Future of the Colorado River

September 10, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority and partners convened an expert panel conversation on the future of the Colorado River for a packed room of Citizen Water Academy alumni and special guests on Sept. 5. The conversation, co-sponsored by the San Diego Global Affairs Council and the Burnam Center for Community Advancement and titled “The Future of the Colorado River”, comes as the deadline for negotiations on new river allocations approaches at the end of this year.

Panelists for the event also included Sally Spener, Foreign Affairs Officer with the International Boundary and Water Commission; Dan Denham, General Manager with the San Diego County Water Authority; Tina Shields, Water Department Manager with the Imperial Irrigation District; Jordan Joaquin Member and Past President of the Quechan Indian Tribe of Fort Yuma Indian Reservation and Carlos A. de la Parra, Founding Partner, with Centro Luken de Estrategias en Agua y Medio Ambiente in Tijuana.

Panelists at the “Future of the Colorado River” event put on by the San Diego County Water Authority.

Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano kicked things off, recognizing both the tenuous conditions on the ground but also the opportunities ahead.

“This is truly an extraordinary, unprecedented time for so many reasons,” Serrano said. “I believe history will look back on this moment as one where Southern California came together to secure the future of the Colorado River — not just for ourselves but for all those who depend on it.”

The speakers weighed in on the past, present and future of the Colorado River – with an emphasis on ongoing negotiations among the basin states and other interest groups on how to share this precious resource and what that holds for the 40 million residents of seven states, two countries and tribal nations who depend on this lifeline.

From the impacts of climate change, the perspective of the tribes and Mexico and a deep discussion on where things stand with negotiations on water use from the Colorado River, this lively conversation was both a cautionary conversation about the obstacles ahead but also included notes of optimism about where things are headed.

“I do think there is hope and I think that hope comes from the sense of urgency we all have to embrace,” said Denham.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese and historian Kristie Hawthorne perform the ribbon cutting at the new location of the Weese Oceanside History Center with members of the Oceanside Historical Society. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Oceanside History Center’s New Home Named After Water Pioneer

September 3, 2025/in Education, Features, Heroes /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Oceanside Historical Society opened the Weese Oceanside History Center at its new permanent home with a ribbon-cutting on August 29. It is now located at 510 Civic Center Drive next to The Star Theatre.

The Weese Oceanside History Center is named in honor of Robert and Bessie Weese. Robert Weese dedicated more than 40 years of service to the City of Oceanside Water Department and to the San Diego region as a San Diego County Water Authority board member. He was known as “Mr. Water” for his expertise.

Weese Honored For 40 Years of Water Industry Service

Robert A. Weese worked for the City of Oceanside water department for 40 years. Photo: City of Oceanside

Weese, a native of Ontario, Canada, came to the U.S. and became a naturalized citizen after serving in the Canadian Army as a teenager. He drove an ambulance in England during World War I.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1924 and was stationed on the USS Arizona based in San Diego. After meeting and marrying his wife Bessie, he was discharged from the Navy and went to work for the Oceanside Water Department as a meter reader, beginning a life of service in the water industry.

Weese gained a firsthand knowledge of the water system by reading and repairing every water meter in Oceanside, and through weekly checks of the city’s wells and the water table. In 1935, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a new pumping station and reservoir at Buddy Todd Park, where Weese would chlorinate the water.

In 1938, Weese was appointed Oceanside’s Water Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1968.

Weese had the foresight to divert sewer effluent away from the Pacific Ocean into Whelan Lake. He also proposed an underground barrier at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River as a means of holding back the ocean during periods when the water table was pumped below sea level.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, in front of an exhibit honoring his parents at the Reese Oceanside History Center. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, in front of an exhibit honoring his parents at the Weese Oceanside History Center. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Weese wrote a history of the water department, which was published in the Oceanside Blade Tribune newspaper. He oversaw the building of the Fire Mountain Reservoir in 1955.

In addition to serving as chairman of the Water Authority’s Engineering and Operations Committee, Weese was a member of the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Feather River Project Association, the American Water Works Association, and other water-related organizations. Weese also served as a director of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.

Oceanside’s water treatment plant, built in 1983, was named the Robert A. Weese Filtration Plant.

New Exhibit Space Includes Weese Papers

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, speaks at the August 29 ribbon cutting event for the relocated Reese Oceanside History Center as historian Kristi Hawthorne looks on. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, speaks at the August 29 ribbon-cutting event for the relocated Weese Oceanside History Center as historian Kristi Hawthorne looks on. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

The new location of the Weese Oceanside History Center has more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits spanning a century from the 1880s to the 1980s. Among the exhibits is a collection of Weese’s personal and professional papers, donated by his son Thomas Weese in 2022.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the history center is free.

Traffic Impacts Planned for Two Escondido Sites During Aqueduct Upgrades

July 31, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

Starting the second week of August, pedestrians and motorists in Escondido will notice traffic impacts due to construction work on Water Authority facilities as part of the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement project.

Beginning on August 11, work will take place on Bear Valley Parkway just north of San Pasqual Valley Road where a traffic lane and a bike lane on Bear Valley Parkway will be closed, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At a second site on Harding Street, just north of the intersection with East Valley Parkway, traffic will be rerouted in the evenings starting on Aug. 18. The southbound traffic lane, left turn lane, and #1 northbound lane will be closed for nighttime construction from 5 pm to 7 am, Monday through Friday.

Signs and flag crews will help direct traffic around the work areas. Construction activities will include excavation, saw cutting, welding, concrete placement, backfill and paving. Work crews will be driving heavy construction equipment with required backup alarms

A map of the worksite on Bear Valley Parkway.

Work at each of these locations is estimated to last four weeks.

This is part of the Water Authority’s work to upgrade the historic First Aqueduct and ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water supplies for the region.

The Southern First Aqueduct project stretches 21 miles starting north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15 and continuing south to Slaughterhouse Canyon on the west and ending at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Along the way, the work crosses the communities of Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and parts of unincorporated San Diego County.

The First Aqueduct has been in service over 70 years and serves more than 2 million people countywide. Work around the region to improve the First Aqueduct is expected to continue through summer 2026 with upgrades to 99 structures connected to two massive water pipelines.

The Water Authority is coordinating closely with its member agencies to minimize impacts to residents and businesses and ensure there is no interruption to water delivery.

For more information about the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can zoom in to view work areas, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct. For questions or comments, call (877) 682-9230 ext. 7004 or send email to .

A doghouse with a green roof is one of the whimsical design elements in the award-winning "Groovy Garden" display at the 2025 San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Fair Landscape Exhibits Educate and Entertain

July 1, 2025/in Achievements, Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Award-winning exhibits at the San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show offer attendees inspiration for their own low-water use landscaping projects from examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the Fair’s popular exhibit.

Groovy Garden Returns To County Fair’s Garden Show

The Groovy Garden is designed to draw attention from fairgoers who are new to gardening and creating waterwise landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, returned for her third consecutive year to the Fair as both an exhibitor and a speaker. She says the exhibits, including her own “Groovy Garden” display, show how Californians are updating their lawns with beautiful and interesting water-wise landscape designs.

Dunn said what she enjoys most about creating her exhibit is the opportunity to help fairgoers learn about sustainable gardening who aren’t initially gardening enthusiasts. “I want to get the education to the people that don’t know what they don’t know,” said Dunn.

Dunn’s display won awards for Most Educational and Best WaterSmart Landscape. Her dog-bone shaped exhibit placed third for Garden Show Theme and runner up for the Master Gardener Association’s Earth-Friendly Gardening Award.

Embracing Pet-Friendly Design Elements

Humorous elements have a serious message about watersmart landscaping techniques. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Dunn designs her whimsical exhibit each year, inspired by the annual Fair theme. She designs it and her husband, Tim Schultz, helps with the installation. The 2025 theme is “Summer Pet-tacular.” Dunn added a pink kitty litter sandbox, a doghouse with a green roof, and plants with animal-inspired names such as Kangaroo Paws, Lion’s Tail, and Lamb’s Ear.

“My sandbox is about educating people on keeping their grass when it serves a purpose – like for dogs and kids,” explains Dunn. “The grass aeration plugs and compost look like something else you might find in a litterbox, but they are actually great tips for creating healthy grass.”

Dunn uses eye-catching, humorous elements to draw her visitors in to learn about household conservation practices. She repurposes colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and playfulness to make a lasting impression.

“I like to incorporate over-the-top, fun display items into my exhibit that will draw people in and get them thinking about water use and sustainable landscapes,” said Dunn. Her Groovy Garden exhibit is known for featuring a colorful toilet so she can remind people to check for running toilets. This year, it is a bright shade of turquoise blue.

Support for Animal Adoption

Embracing the “Summer Pet-Tacular” County Fair theme, Debby Dunn of the Water Authority partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society to feature adoptable dogs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

To help promote the Fair theme, Dunn partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Its adoption center is just six miles from the Fairgrounds, and their popular thrift store is just four miles north. She is promoting upcoming events and supporting the organization by shopping at the thrift store year-round, where Dunn purchased several items in this year’s Groovy Garden display.

Dunn’s display also featured photos of adoptable pets, accompanied by a QR code that allowed visitors to learn more. Last week, she was delighted to learn that most of those pets had found their forever homes, so darling new pets are now posted.

Dunn says she’s talked to hundreds of Fairgoers this year. “There’s always a handful of showy, blooming plants people want to know about,” said Dunn.

The exhibit features tips on planning your landscape design to accomodate plant growth, and features many native plant choices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

She says this year it is Purpurea or Arabian Lilac (Vitex trifolia) with its green and purple foliage, as well as Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), a California native plant with its delightful aroma and whorls of purple flowers.

Both plants can be found on the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 Plant list.

California Native Plant Society Sweeps Awards

The California Native Plant Society’s County Fair exhibit won multiple awards in 2025. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS’s) show garden “Paws, Wings & Wild Things” swept the awards with the depiction of its message that outdoor spaces can be safely shared by pets, people, and wildlife alike.

Inspired by the fair’s “Summer Pet-tacular” theme, the CNPS exhibit showed how native plant gardens can become vibrant, inclusive spaces through thoughtful design. Shaded patios, paw-friendly paths, and pollinating buffet of plants came together in one frisky, practical garden. It also showcased a Catio, which allows cats to safely be outside without harming birds or other wildlife.

Visitors to the California Native Plant Society’s exhibit can learn how to incorporate native plants in their landscapes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Paws, Wings & Wild Things helps expose fairgoers to the organization who might never have visited a CNPS booth or native plant garden before.

CNSP awards include:

MiraCosta College Horticulture Program Award
Anderson’s La Costa Nursery Best Water-Smart Garden Design
Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show Theme Award – 1st Place
Paul Ecke, Sr. Best Overall Exhibit Trophy
Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Award
Walter Andersen Most Practical Landscape Award
Master Gardener Association Earth Friendly Gardening Award – Grand Prize
San Diego Floral Association Best Landscape

Low-Water Use Gardens Suit Many Design Styles

The San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show runs through Sunday, July 6. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Dunn said low-water use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles.

“Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices. Learn more by checking out the Water Authority’s Happy 100 plant list.

“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass; just water it wisely. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass,” said Dunn.

“There are countless beautiful, California native and water smart plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy. Remember to check out the Nifty 50 and Happy 100 to learn more!”

The 2025 San Diego County Fair will end on Sunday, July 6. The fair is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Financial Literacy-Financial Wellness-San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Board Approves 2026 Wholesale Rates

June 26, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today approved wholesale water rates for 2026 following a public hearing and approved the recommended budget for the next two fiscal years. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures and the continued impacts of climate change on the Southwest, the Water Authority minimized impacts on ratepayers through a number of cost-saving actions.

Water Authority staff and Board members collectively reduced the final 2026 wholesale water rate increase to 8.3%, less than half of what was forecasted in early 2025. The reductions were achieved by cutting budgets across the agency, including capital improvement projects, operating departments, the Board of Directors, and equipment replacement. In addition, the adopted rate was lowered by third-party water exchanges and financial benefits from the conclusion of litigation between the Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

“Since I became chair in 2024, I have been laser focused on affordability for ratepayers,” Board Chair Nick Serrano said. “While I recognize the impact of this increase on working families around the region, the Water Authority is now on a path for smoother and smaller rate increases in the future that will provide the financial stability our region needs while still ensuring safe and reliable water supplies.”

SDCWA Board of Directors at the June 2025 meeting.

Homes and businesses will feel the impact of the newly adopted rates differently, based on their water use and how local retail water agencies handle costs.

As the region’s wholesale water agency, 91% of the Water Authority’s costs are driven by just three things: water purchases and treatment, debt service, and infrastructure projects to ensure the reliability and safety of water delivery. During the rate and budget cycle, the Water Authority faced increasing costs related to its main water supplies, along with the need for continued investments in the region’s decades-old water supply and delivery system.

Despite those pressures, the agency’s early investments in climate adaptation mean San Diego County has secure water supplies even though it’s at the end of the pipeline and has few natural water resources. Those investments in reliability, combined with the legal settlement, create the potential for the Water Authority to transfer or exchange some of its water with other agencies to help reduce costs for San Diegans.

“While there’s still work to be done, a future where San Diego County can help other communities improve their water security will be a win for our ratepayers for years to come,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham.

Tag Archive for: San Diego County Water Authority