Tag Archive for: San Diego County Water Authority

Gayle Falkenthal (L) and Lisa Urabe display the San Diego County Water Authority and Vallecitos Water District's multiple San DIego Press Club Journalism Awards. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority Press Club Awards

Water News Network Best Public Service Website for Sixth Year at San Diego Press Club Awards

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For the sixth consecutive year, the San Diego County Water Authority’s Water News Network website was recognized as the Best Public Service/Consumer Advocacy Website. The Water News Network was awarded for its public outreach and education at the San Diego Press Club’s 50th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards.

Among the largest annual competitions in the United States, San Diego’s finest reporters, photographers, writers, artists, and communicators were honored with the region’s top awards.

The Water News Network was awarded first place as the Best Public Service or Consumer Advocacy Website. The WNN has won the award every year since the website launched in mid-2018.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria congratulated winners at the San Diego Press Club Journalism Awards. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority Press Club Awards

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria congratulated winners at the San Diego Press Club Journalism Awards. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The award for best public service website is one of five awards the WNN received during a ceremony October 3 at Balboa Park. At the event, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria recognized the contributions of the San Diego journalism community and the San Diego Press Club over its 50-year history.

Awards for reporting and video production

Water Authority Senior Public Affairs Representative Ed Joyce and former public affairs department intern Noah Harrel received second place for original reporting in the Online and Daily Newspapers: Military category for  “Marine Corps Veteran Shawntrel McCoy Finds Perfect Fit in the SkillBridge Program.”

Writer Gayle Falkenthal received third place in the Online and Daily Newspapers: Public Service/Consumer Advocacy category for “Special Water Rates Program Reduces Costs for San Diego County Growers.”

The WNN team took home a third-place award in the PR, PIO, and Trade Publications Video category, for its Landscape Optimization Program video series.

Water Authority and Vallecitos Water District team honored

A joint entry from the Water Authority and the Vallecitos Water District public affairs team of Chris Robbins, Lisa Urabe, and Alicia Yerman won First Place in the Television/Online Video, Community Service/Public Affairs Reporting category for its Landscape Optimization Program video series, published in the Water News Network and on the Vallecitos Water District YouTube channel.

WNN water news

In its sixth year of operation, the Water News Network is viewed as a reliable source of factual information upholding the standards of journalism to benefit the Water Authority, its 24 member agencies, its stakeholders, and the residents of San Diego County.

The San Diego Press Club honors the region’s best communicators in media each year at the Excellence in Journalism Awards.

Water News Network 2023 San Diego Press Club awards:

Websites, Public Service or Consumer Advocacy Site: First Place, Water News Network

Online/Daily Newspapers, Military: Second Place, Marine Corps Veteran Shawntrel McCoy Finds Perfect Fit in the SkillBridge Program, Ed Joyce and Noah Harrel

Online/Daily Newspapers, Public Service/Consumer Advocacy: Third Place, Special Water Rates Program Reduces Costs for San Diego County Growers, Gayle Falkenthal

PR, PIO, and Trade Publications, Video: Third Place, Landscape Optimization Program Video Series, Water News Network Team

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

San Diego County Water Authority Predicts ‘Reliable Supplies’ for 2024

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby Chris Jennewein Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

As the official 2024 California water year began Sunday, the San Diego County Water Authority predicted “reliable supplies” thanks to full reservoirs and and continued investment in desalination and other diversified sources.

At the end of August 2023, reservoirs in the county had an additional 137,400 acre-feet of storage, an 80% increase from the same time in 2022 amid drought conditions. And compared to recent years, the condition of the Colorado River is improved and California will not face supply restrictions.

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San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Reliable Water Supplies Make San Diego Region Well-Prepared for 2024

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October 2, 2023 – Thanks to a decades-long supply diversification strategy and continued efficient use of water across the region, the San Diego County Water Authority announced today that the region has reliable supplies to meet demands in Water Year 2024, which started Oct. 1.

Hydrologists use Oct. 1 to begin measuring the snow and rain that will help carry water users through dry summer months the following calendar year. This fall, El Niño conditions continue to strengthen and could bring above-average precipitation to Southern California. In a recent El Niño forecast by NOAA, there is a greater than 95% chance that El Niño continues across the Northern Hemisphere through the winter into 2024. The chance of a “strong” El Niño is 71%.

“San Diego County continues to have the water necessary to support our $268 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents,” said Mel Katz, chair of the Water Authority Board of Directors. “We are grateful for the reprieve from drought – but we recognize that dry times will return, probably sooner than later. We are ready when they do.”

Despite significant rain and snow over the past 12 months, longer-term trends indicate a hotter, drier Southwest climate. Across the arid Southwest, water agencies are spending billions of dollars to increase water supply reliability as they balance the costs of investments against the costs of not having enough water for homes and businesses.

Long-term investments and water-use efficiency sustain region

Since the early 1990s, the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have made major investments in supply reliability, including in the landmark conservation-based 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement, which provides over half of the region’s water, the building of the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, and in the maintaining and upgrading of water infrastructure. That strategy has paid off during dry times. Just one year ago, the situation was dramatically different in other parts of Southern California, as millions of residents were reduced to health and safety water rations – though regional investments meant the San Diego region was spared.

Compared to recent years, the new water year begins with improved supply conditions at the Water Authority’s two imported water sources – the Colorado River and the Sierra Nevada. On the Colorado River, a good water year and conservation efforts raised storage levels, prompting the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to declare that California will not face supply restrictions through 2024.

Meanwhile, in Northern California, Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir – two key State Water Project reservoirs – had 2.76 million more acre-feet in storage combined at the end of August 2023 compared to the prior August. (An acre-foot is approximately 325,900 gallons, or enough water to meet the annual needs of three typical single-family households.)

In the San Diego region, water users also benefit from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, as well as increased water storage levels in many local reservoirs. At the end of August 2023, member agency local storage was up 137,400 acre-feet, or 80%, compared to the same time in 2022. Meanwhile, the Water Authority had approximately 100,000 acre-feet available in emergency and carryover storage. This represents emergency storage for up to six-months and carryover storage to minimize or avoid potential supply cutbacks during periods of drought or other supply shortage events.

For information on water-efficient programs and rebates, go to: www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/.

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Desalination and Future of Water Supply in Southern California

/in , , /by /Water News Networkby Southern California Water Coalition Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The cutting-edge world of desalination and the future of water supply in Southern California is the topic for conversation and insight from water agency officials in a new podcast. The four distinguished guests are from San Diego County Water Authority, Eastern Municipal Water District, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and South Coast Water District.

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SkillBridge Program-U.S. Navy-Trevor Bland-Water Authority SkillBridge Program intern-intern

Navy Vet Joins Water Authority as SkillBridge Program Intern

/in , , /by /Water News Networkby Athena Jreij Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority’s new SkillBridge Program intern came ashore in the perfect location. Of all the adventures Trevor Bland’s military service has taken him on, he regards San Diego as his favorite. It is here where he enjoys physical fitness, trips to the beach and the city’s Mexican food scene.

Luckily, when Bland joined the Department of Defense SkillBridge program he didn’t have to go far.

Bland was assigned as a human resources analyst intern with the Water Authority in August after five years of Naval service. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, he says, gave him the skills to address personnel issues in the civilian workforce.

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SkillBridge Program-U.S. Navy-Trevor Bland-Water Authority SkillBridge Program intern-intern

Navy Vet Joins Water Authority as SkillBridge Program Intern

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The San Diego County Water Authority’s new SkillBridge Program intern came ashore in the perfect location. Of all the adventures Trevor Bland’s military service has taken him on, he regards San Diego as his favorite. It is here where he enjoys physical fitness, trips to the beach and the city’s Mexican food scene.

Luckily, when Bland joined the Department of Defense SkillBridge program he didn’t have to go far.

Bland was assigned as a human resources analyst intern with the Water Authority in August after five years of Naval service. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, he says, gave him the skills to address personnel issues in the civilian workforce.

Navy experience benefits SkillBridge Program intern

“My time in the Navy taught me how to stay calm, think clearly and problem solve in high pressure situations,” Bland said. “This experience with problem mitigation and solutions prepared me for the many roles in the human resources department.”

After receiving his B.A. in Psychology from Suffolk University in 2019, Bland commissioned in the U.S. Navy. Inspired by his father’s service of more than 30 years, he says the path to service always felt natural.

Bland began his first naval tour aboard the USS Dewey in San Diego, where he served as a Repair Officer and Boarding Officer.

In August of 2021 when the USS Dewey’s homeport was transferred nearly 6,000 miles away to Yokosuka, Japan, Bland followed.

During this 12-month stay in the South China Sea, Bland led a team of 10 specially trained sailors in counter-piracy missions that tackled smuggling and theft.

Bland finished his military career in late 2022 with his second and final tour as the Auxiliaries Officer and Assistant Chief Engineer on board the USS Harpers Ferry.

Trevor Bland-SkillBridge Program-U.S. Navy-water jobs-Water Authority

“My time in the Navy taught me how to stay calm, think clearly and problem solve in high pressure situations,” Trevor Bland said. “This experience with problem mitigation and solutions prepared me for the many roles in the human resources department.” Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

SkillBridge Program intern gains new experience

Now at the Water Authority, Bland’s role includes promoting job openings, ensuring consistency among various HR projects and assisting other outgoing military personnel with their career changes.

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be intimidating, says Bland. Without a clear vision for one’s career path and daily life, many members leave the service fearful for the future.

“For the first time in however many years, the service member is alone in ensuring everything from their medical insurance to financial stability is in order, when prior to that, those benefits were awarded to them,” Bland said.

It’s at this pivot point where SkillBridge makes the difference. SkillBridge offers service members a chance to gain new experience and skills in the civilian workforce before they leave the military.

Upon joining the four-month program, members receive the same military benefits and pay they received on active duty while working full-time in a civilian field of their choice.

“When you’re in SkillBridge, you still have the security of your military career while experimenting with different jobs,” Bland said.

New perspectives for employers

Participation in the program not only helps service members, but it’s rewarding for employers as well. Employers gain early access to the new perspectives, diverse and dedicated skills that SkillBridge interns bring from years in the military.

“Interns like Trevor are a great addition to our department because they bring skills and a proven work ethic from the military that would otherwise be untapped if not for SkillBridge,” said Gretchen Spaniol, Water Authority acting director of human resources.

As the first public agency in California to partake in the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge Program, the Water Authority has led the way in integrating former military personnel into the water industry. Since joining the program in 2020, the Water Authority has welcomed eight military interns.

For the interns, the payoff is clear. “The cooperation and support provided by the Water Authority make this life change a lot less scary,” Bland said.

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 8% 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.

San Diego County Water Authority Honored for Climate Change Efforts

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority has earned Climate Registered gold status from The Climate Registry for the fourth consecutive year. The Water Authority was recognized for verifying and publicly reporting its greenhouse gas emissions, an effort that fosters transparency for the agency’s climate mitigation initiatives and helps the agency track and validate emissions reductions in the future.

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San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Water Authority Honored for Climate Change Efforts

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The San Diego County Water Authority has earned Climate Registered gold status from The Climate Registry for the fourth consecutive year. The Water Authority was recognized for verifying and publicly reporting its greenhouse gas emissions, an effort that fosters transparency for the agency’s climate mitigation initiatives and helps the agency track and validate emissions reductions in the future.

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Clearwell-City of Poway-water infrastructure-CIP-reservoir

Major Reservoir Upgrade is Part of Poway Water Infrastructure Program

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Construction on the City of Poway’s clearwell replacement is anticipated to begin this fall following the award of contract to Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. The contract was awarded at the Sept. 19 Poway City Council meeting.

The clearwell is Poway’s major storage reservoir for water treated at the water treatment plant, prior to being distributed to Poway water customers.

Poway Water Infrastructure Program

Replacing the aging clearwell, built in 1964, is the second phase of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program. This program is the largest capital improvement program (CIP) in the city’s 43-year history. The first phase of the program built the infrastructure necessary to bypass the clearwell. The improvements to Poway’s water system will increase the reliability of drinking water for water customers now and for generations to come.

The two tanks that will be built as part of the clearwell replacement project, will provide Poway’s water system with redundancy and operational flexibility in that one tank can be taken offline for maintenance and repairs without interrupting service. Gatweway Pacific was the lowest responsible bidder for the project, with a bid amount of approximately $31.6 million.

The targeted construction start date is Fall 2023 and will include the restoration of the ballfield at Lake Poway once the new tanks are operational. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.

Water Projects Overview

With the goal of increasing the reliability of drinking water for water customers now and generations to come, the City of Poway is undertaking the largest capital improvement program (CIP) in the city’s 40-year history.

The CIP will include replacing the clearwell (water storage reservoir) at the water treatment plant and a new San Diego County Water Authority treated water connection and redundant pipeline. In order to replace the clearwell, a bypass system consisting of two 1.4 million-gallon tanks, pipelines, a pump station and other appurtenances will be constructed.

These infrastructure improvement projects have been in the planning stage for a long time and are moving ahead as part of a mutual agreement between Poway and the State Division of Drinking Water.

SDCWA Treated Water Connection/Redundant Pipeline

The San Diego County Water Authority treated water connection and redundant pipeline project provides Poway with its first treated water connection to the Water Authority’s treated water aqueduct, as well as providing redundant pipelines. This project will help diversify Poway’s water supply portfolio and allow for operational flexibility and plant maintenance. It will also provide a redundant pipeline to the 36″ water transmission line on Lake Poway Road, which is currently the single transmission line that carries treated water to the distribution system.

The Poway City Council considered approval of the engineering design agreements during the April 5, 2022 City Council meeting. The City is also working with the Water Authority to evaluate alternatives to reduce the cost of this project.

(Editor’s note: The City of Poway is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

New Bill Makes it Harder for Small Agencies to ‘Divorce’ Water Authority

/in , , /by /KPBS FM/TVby Alexander Nguyen Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

After three years and a contentious fight, ratepayers in Fallbrook and Rainbow will finally have their say on whether to leave the San Diego County Water Authority in November’s special election.

But for a while, that vote was in jeopardy.

When the San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the detachment in July, there was a bill making its way through the California Legislature that could have upended that.

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