Tag Archive for: San Diego County Water Authority

The family owned business Richard Allyn Office Furniture is the most recent beneficiary of the San Diego County Water Authority's Large Landscape Direct Install Assistance Program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Newest Large Landscape Project Transforms Family Business in San Marcos

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The latest project completed highlighting the benefits of water smart landscapes is a large commercial business visible on the north side of Route 78 in San Marcos. The replacement of nonfunctional turf at this commercial property has been transformed into a beautiful display that will brighten with blossoms as the plants mature and grow.

The City of San Marcos and the Vallecitos Water District applied to the San Diego County Water Authority’s Large Landscape Direct Install Assistance 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.

Raymond Allyn Office Furniture Selected For Pilot Program

Raymond Allyn Office Furniture, a family-owned business for more than 30 years, was selected as one of the seven projects supported by this pilot program.

Owner Fred Lassen opened his business in 1979, after serving in the United States Navy, including deployment during the Vietnam War. Lassen recalls being approached by Alicia Yerman, Public Information Representative with the Vallecitos Water District, who asked about participating.

Fred Lassen started Richard Allyn Office Furniture after serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Photo: Courtesy Fred Lassen landscape project

Fred Lassen started Richard Allyn Office Furniture after serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Photo: Courtesy Fred Lassen

“I had my water on one sunny day in the middle of the day. She approached me and asked if we’d be interested in this program to save water and to have a complete transformation. I was very excited about this, because this is something that I’ve wanted to do for many, many years, and just never got around to it,” said Lassen.

Once the project was approved, Lassen and his daughter, Rita O’Brien, worked with Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority, to plan the new landscaping.

“The Water Authority’s Large Landscape Direct Install Program for disadvantaged communities has the goal of educating commercial customers on how beautiful a water-wise landscape can look,” explained Dunn.

Fred Lassen worked with Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn on the landscape project plan. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Fred Lassen worked with Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn on the landscape project plan. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

All seven projects are at least 10,000 square feet in areas with a great deal of traffic. When the projects are completed, they serve as highly visible examples to other businesses and reisdents about similar makeovers possible on their own property.

New Landscaping Saves Water, Inspires Others

The original landscaping before the makeover was heavy on nonfunctional turf. Photo: Vallecitos Water District landscape project

The original landscaping before the makeover was heavy on nonfunctional turf. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“We put in plants that have extra flower power, with the goal of making it really pop year round, so people going down the freeway can see it and say, ‘Wow, I want to do that at my home or my business,’“ said Dunn, who added that choosing flowering plants also provides habitat for pollinators including birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Lassen requested that a pathway be included in the design, something he had wanted to install for many years. There is significant foot traffic but no sidewalk. The DG pathway directs people through the landscaping and to a crossing on a busy three-way corner where it’s safer to cross.

The new landscaping features plants with colorful blooms and a walkway. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The new landscaping features plants with colorful blooms and a walkway. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“I think the pathway is a wonderful addition to this project, because as the plants grow, people will walk along this way. They’re going to enjoy the plants and a little peace. Maybe it’s the only peace they get through their whole day. It’s just going to be a really good thing for the community as well.”

The project also includes rainwater drainage using decorative rocks and boulders. Overhead sprinklers were replaced with drip irrigation.

Support for Veteran-Owned Business Serving San Marcos

Rita O’Brien explains the project couldn’t have come along at a better time, as it not only upgrades the landscaping, but also gives a significant boost to a longtime family-run business that has already given back to the community for many years.

“My dad opened this store when I was two years old, and this business is just really important to our family. It’s very sentimental.

“My brother and I really learned our foundational lessons of good work ethics here over the years. Many people from our church have worked here as well, and any time my dad heard of somebody going through a hard time in life, he invited them to come and work for him. He’s mentored many people over the years.

Rita O'Brien enjoyed working on the landscaping plan and offering her input on plant choices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Rita O’Brien enjoyed working on the landscaping plan and offering her input on plant choices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“We were so thrilled to be given this opportunity and give the grant for this facelift of this company,” said O’Brien. She worked with Debby Dunn on the plant choices. “We were really hoping for something very colorful to draw in business, especially since we’re right here on the frontage road of the freeway.”

O’Brien and her father are grateful for the opportunity to modernize the landscaping to comply with California Assembly Bill 1572 governing nonfunctional turf at large commercial properties.

Lassen says he sees benefits for his business’s future inside and out. “It makes you want to just pull over, walk down the pathway and relax a little bit.”  He hopes as the landscaping flourishes and blooms, people will also take a look inside his store.

“This has been an amazing collaboration, and I want to thank from the bottom of my heart, Vallecitos Water District for telling us about this location and for their support to Fred and Rita, the business owners here, for being game to be a part of this,” said Dunn, who also thanked the installers, Eco Tech, for their excellent work and flexibility bringing the project to completion.

 

SoCal Water Leaders Announce Landmark Regional Water Partnership

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The San Diego County Water Authority and Western Municipal Water District today announced a historic long-term regional water supply agreement that strengthens water reliability and creates a paradigm shift in how water providers share resources across the region to benefit millions of customers.

Together, the agencies serve communities representing more than 4 million Southern California residents across Riverside and San Diego counties.

“This agreement is a win for San Diego ratepayers, a win for Western, and a win for Southern California,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “It allows us to maximize the value of the investments San Diego County residents made over decades, strengthen water reliability, and do so in a way that is mindful of affordability and public responsibility. It is exactly the kind of innovative, collaborative approach this moment demands.”

Under the agreement, Western Water will receive a minimum of 10,000 acre-feet of water annually over the next 21 years, enough to supply approximately 30,000 Southern California households each year and strengthen long-term water reliability for the communities it serves. Western Water is also pre-purchasing approximately 30,000 acre-feet of water for future delivery, a nearly $40 million investment that provides added flexibility during drought.

The partnership will generate approximately $13.5 million annually in revenue for the San Diego County Water Authority, with the agreement expected to deliver roughly $100 million over the first five years after accounting for the upfront payments. Those revenues help offset the cost of long-term water supply investments while making efficient use of existing regional water supplies.

The Water Authority’s current draft Urban Water Management Plan confirms that the agency’s diversified portfolio of water supplies, combined with a sustained commitment to water-use efficiency, will meet the region’s water needs through 2050, even during multiple dry years. That means the Water Authority can continue providing reliable water for San Diego County while making the most of long‑term investments through agreements like the one with Western Water. Revenues generated through those agreements help reduce wholesale water rate pressures for San Diego County customers.

“The county’s ratepayers continue to benefit from investments in water conservation that give us flexibility to balance water affordability and reliability,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “This agreement would not have been possible without the incredible team at Western Water that shares our commitment to visionary leadership and collaboration in developing a new way to think about water resources.”

For Western Water, the partnership strengthens long-term water supply planning by securing access to highly reliable supplies at one of the most cost-effective opportunities available today.

Western Water serves nearly one million residents across southwest Riverside County, one of California’s fastest-growing regions, where planning ahead for dependable water supplies is essential for community stability and economic growth. By securing access to these supplies, Western Water strengthens drought protection and long-term supply planning without the cost, risk, or timelines associated with developing major new water supply projects.

“Partnerships like this show what is possible when water agencies work together,” said Laura Roughton, president of Western Water’s Board of Directors. “By sharing secured resources, we can strengthen water reliability for our communities while freeing up supplies that are needed elsewhere across the region. It’s a win for our customers, a win for San Diego, and a win for Southern California’s water system.”

Western Water and the Water Authority worked collaboratively to develop the agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to the health and resilience of Southern California’s water system for generations.

“With California’s water landscape shifting due to climate variability, economic and population growth, now is the time to pursue innovative partnerships that strengthen long-term water planning and affordability,” said Craig Miller, general manager of Western Water. “We appreciate the leadership and professionalism of the San Diego County Water Authority in helping make this partnership possible.”

The agreement builds on a series of innovative efforts by the Water Authority to make the most of its long-term water supply investments. Earlier this year, the Water Authority’s Board approved an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to explore a pilot program that could allow desalinated seawater to be exchanged with Colorado River Basin states – another step aimed at strengthening water security across the Southwest while modernizing how regional water resources are managed.

Water purchased by Western Water will be delivered through existing connections within the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional pipeline system, meaning no new infrastructure is required. Because the water moves through existing facilities, transfers can be carried out efficiently without building new pipelines or treatment plants.

“Southern California is an economic engine for the nation, and its future depends on a secure and sustainable water supply,” said Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “This agreement was made possible by a legal settlement forged last year between Metropolitan and the Water Authority. That settlement gave birth to a new business model allowing the movement of water between our 26 member agencies. The water that is part of this agreement didn’t just fall from the sky. It was conserved by businesses and residents for the benefit of greater Southern California. Together, we are ensuring our region continues to thrive for generations to come and providing a model that can solve other water challenges in the Southwest.”

Regional Leaders Praise Water Authority Innovation

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Regional leaders from across San Diego County expressed their support for the historic long-term regional water supply agreement between the Water Authority and Western Municipal Water District following Thursday’s news conference announcing the agreement.

Congressman Scott Peters

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters: “The San Diego County Water Authority has worked for decades to ensure our community has enough water no matter the weather. Now, the Water Authority is taking another strategic step forward with water transfers that will help control wholesale water costs. This is a major win for our region.”

Assemblymember Chris Ward: “When we look at agencies that provide a public good, we want to see them taking every opportunity to be innovative, efficient, collaborative and focused on affordability. I applaud the Water Authority for finding new ways to deliver positive outcomes for people across the San Diego region.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria: “Today’s water-supply agreement shows people across San Diego County that we can find solutions to our biggest problems. I commend the City of San Diego’s representatives on the Water Authority’s board for their initiative and laser focus on keeping costs down for everyone in our region.”

Carol Kim, Business Manager, San Diego County Building & Construction Trades Council: “With this water transfer agreement, the Water Authority has centered the needs of working families at a time when inflation continues to impact all aspects of our lives. Dedication to keeping future rate increases low is what we expect from all our public agencies – and the Water Authority is charting a new course that benefits us all.”

Mark Cafferty, President & CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.:  “The County Water Authority is demonstrating real leadership – settling litigation with the Metropolitan Water District and securing a transfer deal with our northern neighbors. It’s a smart, forward-looking approach that helps control wholesale water rates while ensuring the reliable supply our regional economy depends on.”

Jimmy Ukegawa, President, San Diego County Farm Bureau: “We appreciate the San Diego County Water Authority investing in water reliability and then making strategic decisions that generate new revenues to protect ratepayers. That approach benefits the bottom lines for thousands of men and women who produce the food and flowers that enrich our lives and our economy.”

Miguel Motta, COO & Executive Director, BIOCOM San Diego: “As a major consideration for the life science industry, the future of our water supply is always front of mind. Biocom was founded on the importance of reliable access to essential resources like water, which underpins innovation. That’s why we’re encouraged by the Water Authority’s forward-thinking strategies to manage rates while leveraging regional water resources so our member companies can continue driving the breakthroughs that define San Diego.”

Minor water leaks account for more than a trillion gallons of water wasted each year in homes across the United States. Photo: Photim/Pixabay

Find and Fix Leaks During Fix-A-Leak Week 2026

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The importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and other commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers, as well as in the home is the focus for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual “Fix A Leak Week” program.

In 2026, Fix a Leak Week takes place March 16 – 22. It is supported the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 22 member agencies, and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Fix a Leak Week was created in 2009 by the EPA’s WaterSense program. It offers a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

San Diego County Residents Lead In Water Savings

Water use per capita has dropped by 45% in the last two decades thanks to water saving measures. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority fix leaks

Water use per capita has dropped by 45% in the last two decades thanks to water saving measures. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Total per capita water use in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area has dropped from a high of 222 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) to just 126 GPCD in FY 2025. During this timeframe, potable water use fell by more than 45%, even as the region’s population grew by about 14%.

Since 1991, the Water Authority’s water-use efficiency programs and initiatives have cumulatively conserved more than one million acre-feet of water. These savings were achieved through various measures, including incentives for water-efficient devices, legislative efforts, and outreach programs.

Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week, while a showerhead leaking 10 drips per minute can waste about 10 gallons per week. Worn-out washers or loose connections are common culprits. Turn off the water, replace old washers, and tighten any loose fittings.

City of Oceanside Workshop Set on March 31

The City of Oceanside host a free workshop in March to help residents learn how to spot and fix water leaks. Photo: City of Oceanside Fix Leaks

The City of Oceanside host a free workshop in March to help residents learn how to spot and fix water leaks. Photo: City of Oceanside

The City of Oceanside offers an in-person workshop on Tuesday, March 31, for its residents to learn the basics of finding leaks in their homes. Participants will see hands-on “how-to” demonstrations explaining how to:

  • Read a water meter
  • Manage your water use
  • Find and fix common sneaky toilet leaks

“As California residents, we understand how precious water can be. Using water wisely, like planting low-water or native plants and using low-water fixtures, makes a huge difference. But small leaks, like a worn toilet flapper or a dripping faucet, can have large unseen impacts,” said Emyle Rogers, Management Analyst with the City of Oceanside, who will lead the workshop.

“According to the EPA, the average household can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year due to easy-to-fix leaks. The City of Oceanside provides tools to empower the community to identify these leaks and save water.

“Teaching hands-on skills, the Fix A Leak Workshop hosted by the City will help residents learn about the free WaterSmart portal, how to read their meter, and how to fix simple toilet leaks,” said Rogers.

The workshop is free. Residents are asked to register in advance at this link: https://bit.ly/FixALeakWorkshop26

Be Alert For Leaks By Following These Tips

View an informative video about Fix A Leak Week 2026 from the Vallecitos Water District.

  • Listen and look for unexpected water use indoors and outdoors, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors.
  • Don’t wait for a high-water bill to find problems. Read water meters during off-peak hours when water use is lower. If the meter continues to show high use, there may be a leak.
  • During the colder months, check your water usage on your water bill. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, you may have a leak.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Contact your water agency immediately.
  • Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • If your garden hose leaks during use, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

The EPA offers a helpful checklist to ensure you identify and find any possible sources of leaks.

Rebates and Incentives: A range of rebates and incentives programs are available to Water Authority customers who implement efficient water technologies and practices. These include rebates on irrigation devices, turf replacement, high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets. These programs have helped hundreds of thousands of residential, commercial, and agricultural water users improve their water efficiency.

Audits and Surveys: Programs offering residential, commercial, and agricultural customers free, on-site water-use evaluations that identify specific measures to save water are a great resource.

Learn about the residential, commercial, and agricultural programs and rebates available to assist residents and businesses in conserving water and saving money on the Water Authority’s Conservation webpage.

 

Low water conditions reveal the light-colored rink traces along the rock-wall shoreline at Lake Mead, showing the decreased water level from years of drought conditions in the Colorado River basin. Innovative water sharing agreements can help to mitigate this. Photo: Christopher Clark / U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation

Board Approves Federal, Interstate Partnership on Colorado River

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The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors today unanimously approved a landmark agreement to explore an interstate water transfer and exchange pilot program with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and agencies in Nevada and Arizona.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) – which still needs to be ratified by the other agencies – creates a pathway that could eventually allow the Water Authority to “move” water from the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad to areas in the drought-ravaged Colorado River Basin that need more water. If successfully developed, this would create the first program to transfer water across state lines within the basin.

Such a program could help reduce water costs for working families in San Diego County by optimizing the region’s investments in reliability. Water purchases from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant would generate new revenues and offset costs for residents, improving regional water affordability.

“This agreement could be a gamechanger for San Diego County and the entire Southwest because it creates the possibility of a new, collaborative path for moving water where it’s needed most while keeping reliability and affordability at the center for ratepayers,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “Leveraging existing resources like our Carlsbad desalination plant in this moment simply makes sense for everyone.”

Water transfers or exchanges would occur “on paper,” meaning agencies would access supplies through existing infrastructure and avoid costly new infrastructure.

The demand is clear: In recent years, agencies in Arizona and Nevada have sought ways to tap the Pacific Ocean, but the costs of construction are prohibitive. The Arizona Department of Water Resources, Central Arizona Water Conservation District and Southern Nevada Water Authority are part of the new MOU.

For more than 20 years, the seven states in the Colorado River Basin have wrestled with drought conditions that have created growing imbalances between water supplies and demands. As the Bureau of Reclamation, Basin States, Mexico, and tribal nations consider new operating guidelines for the river, new management strategies and interstate partnerships are increasingly critical.

Over roughly the same period, the Water Authority has invested $3 billion in water reliability efforts, including the Carlsbad plant, which produces up to 54 million gallons per day. Additionally, the 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement – which generates conserved water in the Imperial Valley – and hard-wired conservation in the San Diego region have positioned the Water Authority to not only meet the region’s needs but also provide relief to other areas.

“Next-generation strategies must include interstate partnerships that deliver water where it’s needed most,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “We appreciate the collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation, Metropolitan Water District, Arizona and Nevada. New ideas are challenging to implement, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to make this work.”

Senior Public Affairs Representative Kimberlyn Velasquez and intern Sierra Stewart at the Poway Unified School District Career Fair at Mt. Carmel High School.

Water Authority Ramps Up Workforce Development

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Job opportunities in the water industry are plentiful and growing. That’s why the San Diego County Water Authority is making workforce development a priority, preparing the next generation of job seekers to pursue careers in this vital and often overlooked field.

The Water Authority is participating in career fairs and work panels around the county to highlight the various career paths, educational requirements, starting salaries and job growth potential in the water world.

“More than half of our workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years,” said Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst with the Water Authority “This will create new opportunities for meaningful careers in the water industry. Engaging our community to develop robust workforce development opportunities will help to fill critical skills and knowledge gaps, ensure operational business continuity, and create a pipeline of top talent.”

2025 Workforce Development Efforts

Water Authority employees are connecting with high school and college students, transitioning service members, veterans, and diverse immigrant communities at various events.

The goal is to showcase the wide array of jobs needed to keep water flowing to the taps. Career opportunities range from engineering, finance and public affairs roles that require college degrees, to skilled trade jobs – such as surveyors and operators, that call for a high school diploma and special certifications at differing levels.

Introductions to water careers are made at a variety of career fairs and industry events throughout the year. These include high school and college career fairs, the East County Economic Development Council Manufacturing Expo, as well as military and apprenticeship-focused fairs.

Cristina Lever-Santos and intern Lily Winesett at the East County EDC Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College

Cristina Lever-Santos and intern Lily Winesett at the East County EDC Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College.

Students and prospective job candidates stop by the agency’s booth to learn about water industry career paths, internship programs, and the skills and education needed to enter and thrive in the water industry. Fun promotional materials and interactive demos also engage participants.

 

The agency is also partnering with the newly formed San Diego County Water Workforce Collaborative to bring together educators and industry professionals to highlight the water industry and build a future water workforce.

Plans for the Future

To inspire the next generation of water professionals, the Water Authority is also expanding its work with partners at the college and high school levels as well as collaborating with water agencies throughout the region. Programs such as the apprenticeship initiative with Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies allow students to rotate through technical roles to gain practical experience in treatment and operations.

Supporting Veterans and Career Growth

The Water Authority provides training opportunities to military veterans looking for new careers in public service as part of the SkillBridge Program. The program helps military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry. More than 30,000 service members separate from the military each year in California, and more than half are transitioning out of active duty in the San Diego region.

Learn More About a Career in Water

Senior Human Resources Analyst Patty Duran at the Camp Pendleton Career Exploration & Hiring Event.

Senior Human Resources Analyst Patty Duran at the Camp Pendleton Career Exploration & Hiring Event.

 

San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies launched SanDiegoWaterWorks.org, serving as a one-stop shop for regional water and wastewater industry careers. It provides the first comprehensive list of job openings across the San Diego region in a convenient location. The site features:

  • Current water and wastewater job postings in the San Diego region
  • Career advice and resources on training, education and internship programs
  • Stories featuring rewarding careers in the water industry
  • Resources and information on special training programs and internships for military veterans

In addition, the California Urban Water Agencies career ladders offer valuable resources by highlighting career paths, requirements, and salaries within the water sector – from entry-level positions to advanced technical and executive leadership roles.

For more information about careers in water, visit sdcwa.org/careers or sandiegowaterworks.org

Whittier School landscaping after its makeover. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School landscape project

Whittier School Landscape Project Transforms Neighborhood

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The successful collaboration between the San Diego County Water Authority and the Whittier School in Clairemont to update the school’s landscaping delivered unexpected benefits to the neighborhood.

Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn says the Whittier School project was an ideal candidate for the Water Authority’s grant-funded Direct Installation Landscape Program. It met the pilot program’s goals, including its visible location along busy Clairemont Drive in a disadvantaged neighborhood.

Seven commercial projects were funded through the program.

Collaboration Delivers Bonus Results

Whittier School principal Kerie Sanders and Associate Principal Christopher Barrera are pleased with the results of the landscaping project. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

Whittier School principal Kerie Sanders and Associate Principal Christopher Barrera are pleased with the results of the landscaping project. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

Whittier School is a specialized K-12 school for students with high behavioral needs not being met at their neighborhood schools. “We are the school in the entire district that receives those students to work on some of those adaptive or transitional skills here, so that they can transition back to a comprehensive education site and move toward independence,” explained Associate Principal Christopher Barrera.

Andrea Eaton, Maintenance Planning Senior Coordinator for the San Diego Unified School District, and Kerie Sanders, Whittier School principal, said the school landscaping had deteriorated and was starting to affect school operations.

Whittier School landscaping before its makeover. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School landscape project

Whittier School landscaping before its makeover. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

Sanders said staff conduct tours for parents who want to place their children at Whittier School. Some were discouraged by the school’s run-down appearance. “They looked around and thought ‘wow, people don’t care,’ and it’s not true,” said Sanders.

The impression of the undesirable landscape extended into the neighborhood. “The community thought Whittier was an abandoned school,” said Sanders. It led to neglect, including littering, forcing school employees to clean it all up.

Design Inclusivity Featured in Whittier School Landscape Project

Contractor EcoTech Services worked with Whittier School leaders to minimize disruption for students. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School landscape project

Contractor EcoTech Services worked with Whittier School leaders to minimize disruption for students. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

District and school representatives worked with the Water Authority and their contractor, EcoTech Services, to plan and install the new landscaping in advance of the school district’s planned modernization effort at Whittier School. Barrera praised the collaborative effort to make the project a reality.

The unique needs of the Whittier School’s students required special accommodations by contractor EcoTech during installation. The EcoTech field technicians expressed how they had a really big love for this project,” said Sanders.

“It was pretty cool to see the inclusivity in the design side. The construction team was mindful about the equipment they were using at certain times where the students are passing through that space,” said Sanders of Eco-Tech’s awareness of student sensitivities. “You don’t see that type of  consideration every day.”

New Landscaping Improves Learning Environment

New trees and pollinator friendly plants create a fresh environment for wildlife, for school staff and students, and for the Clairemont neighborhood. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

New trees and pollinator-friendly plants create a fresh environment for wildlife, for school staff and students, and for the Clairemont neighborhood. Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

The finished project includes a walking path designed specifically for the students. New trees and plants beautified the learning environment for students, the workplace for staff, and the school’s reputation in the neighborhood. Sanders said neighbors are treating the property with a new, respectful attitude.

To use water more efficiently, the irrigation system was updated with more efficient sprinkler heads, and a previously undetected water leak was discovered and repaired.

Sanders said Whittier School now looks loved and cared for as a true reflection of its mission. “How our school presents itself is how we care about our kids. Now, when parents pull up into the driveway to pick up their kids or come for events or meetings, our school aligns with how we care about the kids in our school. It seems like an outside manifestation of the work that’s happening on the inside, too.

“I am very, very grateful to the team that gifted us all of this, and we’re working every day inside to make it right and live up to the beauty that’s on the outside,” said Sanders.

Assembly Bill 1572 and Nonfunctional Turf

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 to irrigate nonfunctional turf on specific property types, including commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, and common areas of homeowners’ associations.

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

A variety of helpful programs and rebates are still available to help other commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes meet the State of California’s new non-functional turf regulations (AB1572). Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

A variety of helpful programs and rebates are still available to help other commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes meet the State of California’s new non-functional turf regulations (AB1572). Photo: Courtesy Whittier School

Nonfunctional turf is grass that serves only an aesthetic purpose and is not used for recreation. Examples include grass in center medians and parking lots, decorative landscaping, and other uses for aesthetic purposes.

Functional turf is grass that serves a useful purpose beyond just looking nice. It is turf actively used for recreation, sports, or community events where people (or sometimes animals) walk, play, or gather.

Dunn said a variety of helpful programs and rebates are still available to help other commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes meet the State of California’s new non-functional turf regulations (AB1572), including:

For more information about the new regulations and tools and programs to help affected businesses and organizations comply, contact Debby Dunn at or 858-522-6745.

 

Water Authority Wins Budgeting Award from National Organization

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For the 30th consecutive year, the San Diego County Water Authority earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) — along with a special commendation for its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

GFOA’s award is the highest recognition in governmental budgeting, while the Water Authority’s CIP is critical to maintaining the region’s liquid lifelines.

“This recognition proves that the attention to detail, commitment to transparency and focus on affordability the Water Authority puts into its budget process make the agency a national leader in public finance,” said Director of Finance Lisa Marie Harris.  “Kudos to our staff and our Board for all the effort that to ensure we provide reliable water at the lowest possible cost.”

Over the years, GFOA Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for governments throughout North America, reflecting the commitment of the governing boards and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

With a two-year budget of over $1.9 billion, the Water Authority’s finance team is entrusted with the fiscal health of an agency responsible for delivering safe and reliable water to 3.3 million residents across the region. More than 90 percent of the budget is for water purchases and treatment, capital improvement and debt service.

While the era of expansive infrastructure projects is over for the Water Authority, the agency continues to invest in CIP projects that maintain its aging infrastructure.   The agency operates 308 miles of large-diameter pipelines, 1,600 structures and more than 100 flow-control facilities, most of which are decades old.

Annual Report FY2025: Building Trust, Delivering Results

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For the Water Authority, Fiscal Year 2025 was about building trust with our communities and delivering improved results for our region. To achieve those goals, we had to stop doing things the way they have always been done, all of which is highlighted in the FY2025 annual report.

To learn more about the achievements and impact of the Water Authority in FY2025, click here to read the annual report in full. Below are highlights from a significant year in Water Authority history.

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 in June announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the terms 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 dismissed all pending appeals. It included provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.

Starting in 2010, the Water Authority repeatedly challenged the price Metropolitan charged for transporting its water, 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 is no longer tied to Metropolitan’s rates, which was a source of dispute and litigation. In addition, the Water Authority is able to offer that water to other Metropolitan member agencies and 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.”

Partnerships Propel Future Wave of Water Workforce

To expand access to jobs in the water industry and address critical workforce needs, the Water Authority in February hosted a first-ever tour of the region’s water education programs, attended by educators and water professionals from across Southern California. The tour highlighted the region’s statewide leadership role in workforce development, in partnership with the Water Energy Education Alliance, San Diego County Office of Education, Cuyamaca College, and the Metropolitan Water District.

The Education to Workforce Tour supported early career exploration to ensure a steady talent pipeline for the water industry during a critical workforce transition period. An estimated, one-third of water utility operators will become eligible to retire in the next decade – what some have called the industry’s silver tsunami.

During the fiscal year, the Water Authority also won a grant from The Hans and Margaret Doe Charitable Trust that will advance workforce development efforts through continued collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education.

Water Supplies Secure as Dry Times Return

As drought crept across the Western U.S. in early 2025, the Water Authority ensured sufficient water supplies to meet regional water demands. While the water year got off to a wet start, by summer 2025 it was clear that La Niña conditions were growing, along with the ever-present threat of making the Southwest hotter and drier.

Between the seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad, the nation’s largest water conservation-and-transfer project, and a laser focus on maintaining critical water infrastructure, the San Diego region remained insulated from ongoing drought conditions on the Colorado River and smaller snowpacks that continue to be impacted by climate change.

Water Authority Wins Golden Watchdog Award

At the 2024 Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the Water Authority won a Golden Watchdog Award for deploying “Scanny,” an innovative pipeline inspection device. Designed and patented by Asset Management Manager Martin Coghill, this high-tech surveillance tool uses lightweight cameras on a mobile chassis to safely monitor large-diameter pipelines (4-9 feet) without requiring specialized rope and rigging support teams.

“Scanny” paid for itself in just two deployments compared to hiring outside specialists. With 308 miles of transmission pipelines across hilly terrain, the Water Authority inspects about 30 miles annually. Proactive maintenance can extend pipeline lifespans by more than 50 percent, providing significant cost savings. Replacing one mile of large-diameter pipeline costs about $10 million versus approximately $100,000 in maintenance per decade.

The VID board of directors elected Marty Miller as its president and Jo MacKenzie as its vice-president for 2026. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District Board Elects Officers For 2026

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The Vista Irrigation District board of directors elected Marty Miller as its president and Jo MacKenzie as its vice-president for 2026 at its annual organizational meeting.

Director Marty Miller will serve as board president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Director Marty Miller will serve as board president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Miller, who has served on the board of directors since 2008, represents Division 1, which stretches from Gopher Canyon Road to Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. This will be the fourth time Miller has led the board since being elected.

Miller, who owned a general construction company for over 40 years, has served as chair of the district’s water sustainability, fiscal policy, public affairs, and Warner Ranch committees.  He has represented the district on the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) board of directors since 2011.

Miller is also a member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board of directors, representing the Water Authority, and a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission Special Districts advisory committee.

Director Jo MacKenzie will serve as vice-president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Director Jo MacKenzie will serve as vice-president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

MacKenzie has served on the Board of Directors since December 1992 and represents Division 5, which includes northeast and southeast Vista, north Twin Oaks Valley, and the Bennett area in the city of San Marcos.

MacKenzie has been a member of governing boards and committees of statewide and local organizations for many years. She has been actively involved with the Association of California Water Agencies, the California Special Districts Association and San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission, serving as a representative for special districts.

Currently, MacKenzie leads the California Special Districts Association Finance Corporation board of directors as its president and serves as vice-president of the Special District Leadership Foundation board of directors.

Miller and MacKenzie are joined by directors Frank Nuñez (Division 2), Peter Kuchinsky (Division 3), and Patrick Sanchez (Division 4) to form the district’s board of directors.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to more than 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.