Tag Archive for: San Diego County Water Authority

Work being done on the First Aqueduct.

Traffic Impacts Planned for Two Escondido Sites During Aqueduct Upgrades

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

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

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 County Fair

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

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

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 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

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

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.

Water Authority Floats Lower Rate Hike — Council Says Not Good Enough

Slowly but surely the San Diego County Water Authority has scaled back on next year’s proposed water rate increase. Officials initially proposed an 18 percent increase, then lowered their proposal to 12 percent. On Tuesday, they came down on the rate hike again, suggesting to the San Diego City Council an increase of 10.4 percent. That wasn’t good enough for several councilmembers.

Should a Discounted Water Rate for San Diego Farmers Go Away?

San Diego County’s cash-strapped water authority is considering a plan that could remove a discount it gives to local farmers — something farmers claim could put them out of business. The authority gives a roughly 25% discount to about 1,000 farmers, who grow everything from flowers to avocados. Critics say removing the discount is shortsighted because it threatens to kill off a customer class the water authority can’t afford to lose. At the same time, rates for other customers may increase to cover the authority’s costs.

The Water Authority Built San Diego’s Economy. Support It; Don’t Tear It Down

In late 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis produced some eye-catching numbers about our region. It found our gross domestic product (GDP) had reached roughly $262 billion. That’s bigger than 25 U.S. states and countries like Greece, Hungary and Morocco. It’s proof the path San Diego has been on over the last 30 years – a diversified economy that supports entrepreneurs and working families alike – has had positive results. Yet that success was not always a given.

Water Authority, MWD End Lengthy Legal Dispute

Signaling a new era of collaboration, the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California today announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the price term of an exchange agreement between the agencies.

At a news conference in San Diego, leaders from two of the state’s largest water agencies hailed the conclusion of all pending litigation, highlighting their commitment to fostering greater teamwork on a range of issues that affect nearly 19 million Southern California residents. The settlement dismisses all pending appeals, maintaining earlier judicial decisions on various matters. It includes provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.

“For far too long, this legal battle sat at the center of Metropolitan’s relationship with the Water Authority,” Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. said. “That era of conflict has finally come to an end and we can forge ahead, building a relationship based instead on cooperation and shared goals that will benefit the entire region. The agreement is acknowledgement of a regional approach to water supply management with mechanisms to efficiently squeeze every drop of water to assure future prosperity and our quality of life while protecting the sources of water we all depend upon.”

The agreement also opens a pathway for San Diego to provide water to other water agencies in Metropolitan’s service area.

“Ratepayers and water users across Southern California are the winners in this settlement. It provides a new revenue opportunity for San Diego, a new water supply opportunity for other communities, and greater budget certainty for the entire region,” said Water Authority board Chair Nick Serrano. “Only by working together could we produce these results. I greatly appreciate our colleagues at Metropolitan for their willingness to move past years of disagreement and chart a brighter future.”

Serrano made ending the litigation a cornerstone of his term that started in October 2024. He thanked prior Water Authority board leaders, including Chair Emeritus Mel Katz, for years spent laying the groundwork with Metropolitan’s Board Chair Ortega.

Ortega shared his gratitude.

“I greatly appreciate the partnership of board Chair Serrano and former Chair Katz, who serves on Metropolitan’s board, as well as the work of my Metropolitan board colleagues Vice Chair Nancy Sutley, Director Desi Alvarez and the members of Metropolitan’s ad hoc committee on the San Diego litigation, as we set the groundwork of trust that made this agreement possible.”

Metropolitan Water District Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. speaks at the press conference announcing an end to litigation.

The litigation centered on the price the Water Authority pays to Metropolitan for an exchange of water. The Water Authority has acquired conserved Colorado River water from two sources: the Water Authority purchases water from the Imperial Irrigation District, and Metropolitan assigned to the Water Authority water conserved by the lining of the All-American and Coachella canals.

This conserved Colorado River water totals up to 277,700 acre-feet a year (an acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, enough to serve roughly three Southern California families for a year). The conserved Colorado River water is provided to Metropolitan at the Colorado River and, in exchange, Metropolitan delivers the same quantity of its water to San Diego. The Water Authority repeatedly challenged the price Metropolitan charged for this exchange starting in 2010, with both sides winning important legal judgments over more than a decade.

Under the settlement, the Water Authority will pay a fixed price to Metropolitan for delivery of the exchange water, adjusted annually for inflation. The price will no longer be tied to Metropolitan’s rates, which was a source of dispute and litigation. In addition, the Water Authority will be able to offer those deliveries to other Metropolitan member agencies or to sell the conserved Colorado River water to Metropolitan.

“This agreement will allow San Diego to take advantage of our past investments in diverse water supplies to benefit regional ratepayers while addressing water reliability challenges more broadly,” Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham said. “We look forward to building on the foundation of collaboration laid today.”

Board members and leaders from the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District celebrate the end of 15 years of litigation.

“And from Metropolitan’s perspective, the agreement provides increased revenue certainty, potential access to additional water, and the confidence that years of litigation are behind us,” Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay said. “Today truly marks a new beginning. Through dialogue, negotiation and mutual understanding, we have found a common path forward. And we are all far better off for it.”

The settlement agreement was drafted and refined over the past year by Ortega, Upadhyay, General Counsel Marcia Scully and Metropolitan’s in-house litigation team, who worked with the Water Authority team of Serrano, Katz, Denham and General Counsel David Edwards.

Settlement Agreement Highlights

• Pending appeals are dismissed, all previous final judicial decisions remain in place and parties retain already decided attorneys’ fees and costs awarded.

• Water Authority to pay Metropolitan an agreed upon fixed price for the delivery of exchange water, instead of the past price that was based on Metropolitan’s rates. The fixed price will start at $671 per acre-foot in 2026, and increase annually based on a specified consumer price index escalator.

• Water Authority to pay Metropolitan a fixed payment for 227,000 acre-feet of exchange water a year, rather than making payments based on volume of water exchanged. If more than 227,000 acre-feet of water is exchanged, then the Water Authority will pay the unit price based on volumetric deliveries.

• Provides Water Authority potential new revenue. The Water Authority can first offer to Metropolitan member agencies the right to receive exchange water, and then can offer to Metropolitan the right to purchase conserved water.

• Metropolitan and Water Authority will meet every five years to discuss ongoing implementation of the Exchange Agreement.

San Diego County Water Authority Keeping Water Pipelines in Top Shape

The San Diego County Water Authority operates an impressive water delivery system capable of delivering up to 900 million gallons of water a day. But as the infrastructure naturally ages, it’s critical to actively monitor, replace, and repair pipelines to maintain water supply reliability.

Fairways at Lake San Marcos HOA replaced 23,000 square feet of common area turf grass with native and drought-tolerant plants. Photo: County of San Diego

One Water Awards Honors Vallecitos Water District Projects

The Vallecitos Water District was recognized with a One Water Award from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) for its efforts to work with homeowners associations in its district on turf replacement projects.

Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins accepted the award on behalf of the Vallecitos Water District in a recognition event at Metropolitan’s headquarters in Los Angeles on May 21.

L to R: Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Senior Water Specialist Gary Tilkian, Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins, and Metropolitan Board Chairman Adan Ortega at the One Water Awards. Photo: Metropolitan Water District One Water Awards

L to R: Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Senior Water Specialist Gary Tilkian, Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins, and Metropolitan Board Chairman Adan Ortega at the One Water Awards. Photo: Metropolitan Water District

Now in its third year, Metropolitan’s One Water Awards honors businesses and non-residential industries for achieving remarkable water savings with assistance from its various water efficiency programs.

Award-winning projects are located throughout Metropolitan’s six-county service area and are recognized for accomplishments in sustainability, innovation, community engagement, collaboration, and leadership.

“The honorees here with us today are remarkable not only for their dedication to saving water, but for the example they set in their communities,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “They are proving what’s possible – and showing how Southern California can rise to the challenge of adapting to a changing climate. That’s a vision Metropolitan shares.”

Watch a video about the successful landscaping projects.

“I’m so pleased to get this award. I feel a little guilty; I get to stand up here and get this award, but really it was a partnership,” said Robbins. “It was the incentives offered by the Metropolitan Water District. It was the partnering between the San Diego County Water Authority and the County of San Diego. And then it was the individual homeowners associations,” working with Vallecitos to make its projects a reality.

Robbins said videos featuring the projects and articles in the District’s newsletter generated additional interest from eligible HOAs.

Water News Network featured all three of the winning Vallecitos Water District projects as they were completed.

Fairways at Lake San Marcos Project

The bowl-shaped common space at the Mall III Homeowners Association property in Lake San Marcos was once dominated by turf, which wasn’t being used while requiring significant irrigation.

The San Elijo homeowner association had attempted to remodel its landscaping for nearly a decade. Not only was irrigation a significant expense, but the runoff from rain and irrigation polluted the lake. After a water-smart landscape upgrade, it’s now a point of pride that’s easier on the budget.

The transformation, made possible in part by incentives offered through the Water Authority’s rebate program, is one that local officials hope will inspire other communities.

  • 23,000 sq ft area
  • 10,000 sq. ft. native plants installed.
  • 100,000 gallon reduction in irrigation runoff per year
  • Water savings: one million gallons
  • Cost savings: $66,000 over ten years

Fairways at Lake San Marcos HOA replaced 23,000 square feet of common area turf grass with native and drought-tolerant plants. A rock-lined swale cascades down a slope to prevent stormwater runoff and provides an attractive entrance to the community. A butterfly garden with a gravel walkway near the clubhouse provides accessibility and education.

Fairways HOA president Terry Brown said her community was introduced to the program and decided to move forward.

Preventing runoff into Lake San Marcos is a benefit of the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego

Preventing runoff into Lake San Marcos is a benefit of the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego

“We removed 23,000 square feet, and then we got three dollars for each square foot that we removed, plus we got 40 cents for the drip irrigation system. We’re going to receive one dollar per square foot for at least 10,000 square feet of California native plants. So, we did all of that. And we’re pleased with everything that has happened,” said Brown.

While rebates defrayed the initial costs, the real savings will be realized in the years ahead on one of the HOA’s major expenses, the cost of irrigation.

San Elijo HOA Project

There are more than 6,700 homeowners associations in San Diego County. Two million County residents live within an HOA, according to the California Association of Community Managers.

Launched in 2021 by the County of San Diego’s Watershed Protection Program and the San Diego County Water Authority, the WaterScape Rebate Program is open to HOAs and commercial properties in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offered through the Waterscape Rebate Program is a technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.

Still Room for Thoughtful Use of Grass 

Thoughtful inclusion of grass for play areas, pets, and other uses is incorporated into the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego One Water Awards

Thoughtful inclusion of grass for play areas, pets, and other uses is incorporated into the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego

Makeovers don’t require removing all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical. For the Fairways HOA board members, it meant accommodating the many residents who like to walk their dogs in the neighborhood, and wanted to retain some grassy spaces for them to enjoy with their pets.

As part of the program, LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.

The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns.

More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here, or contact your member water agency for details.

Women in Water Conference Sells Out For Second Year in 2025

The popular Women in Water Conference achieved a sellout for its second straight year with its eighth annual full-day event on March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College.

The in-person event welcomed high school and college students, along with industry veterans. Under this year’s theme, “Riding Your Career Wave,” attendees took advantage of the opportunity to network and learn from peers and leaders in the water industry.

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“It’s been very organic the way it’s grown,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a management analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority. “People hear about it, and they talk about it.

“One thing we really try to do is have every speaker tell their own story. No matter what topic they’re speaking to, everybody has a story. How did you get to where you are? It makes it more personal, and you can connect more with them,” said Rose.

Presenters and Topics For All Career Levels

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talk about advancing in your career at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talks about career advancement at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Speakers represented multiple disciplines, discussing a variety of topics from the water industry’s history in San Diego County to current career opportunities and career paths. Rose said the Women In Water Conference works hard to have something for everyone.

“We try to touch on what’s going on and what’s relevant at that time. What are we going through as a community? What would be of interest to us? What are we missing? We want to have topics that touch a variety of levels, but touch everyone as a woman, so that when they leave, they feel connected and they feel like a part of something,” said Rose.

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Presenters represented the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District and Santa Margarita Water District.

Panel discussions included “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges”, “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions” and a review of the county’s current potable reuse programs, including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority Principal Water Resources Specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region's water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority principal water resources specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region’s water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, a principal water resources specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, presented a popular session to start the day, discussing the San Diego region’s water history.

“A lot of people assume that everybody in the water industry knows that, but many don’t,” said Rose. “There’s quite an interesting history here in San Diego, and it’s something that connects all of us there, how water was first brought to San Diego. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to start the day.”

Positive Feedback From Participants

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Positive feedback is already being received and will help guide next year’s event. Among the comments:

“I felt honored to participate and be a part of this special event, which showcases the accomplishments of women and where we can grow.”

“This event highlights women’s collective power to make changes in the water industry, despite the climate on the outside, and we can speak to the things that are left unsaid and inspire those in the future.”

Wide Diversity In Career Opportunities

Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Lisa Marie Harris, CFO and Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.