As another round of heavy storms battered California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he would ease state rules to allow local water agencies to more easily redirect floodwaters to replenish the state’s severely depleted groundwater supplies.
The move comes amid criticism that California has flushed trillions of gallons of water out to sea during this winter’s repeated deluges. Water agencies and experts say the state’s strict rules that limit who can take water from streams and creeks have prohibited the local agencies from capturing the excessive flows, though California desperately needs to bank water for its next drought.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-03-13 10:24:282023-03-13 10:24:10Newsom Loosens Rules to Allow More Floodwater to Flow Into Underground Reservoirs
The San Diego County Water Authority’s free WaterSmart Landscape Makeover workshops have helped thousands of San Diego County homeowners successfully convert high-water-use lawn areas to WaterSmart landscapes.
For the first time since 2019, in-person landscape workshops return starting Saturday, March 18. Weekly sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon at The Water Conservation Garden, adjacent to Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, and at the Helix Water District Operations Center in La Mesa. Virtual workshops are also offered on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a new series beginning March 18. Virtual workshop registration is also open.
Topics cover residential landscape design for the homeowner, plant palettes, healthy soil, irrigation retrofits and streamlined landscape maintenance, all with a “do-it-yourself” approach encouraging the use of low water use plants and personal design touches.
A wide variety of plant palettes and design templates suited to a variety of lifestyles have been updated for 2023.
New for 2023: design palettes suited to accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles and activities. Graphic: San Diego County Water Authority
“We are delighted to bring back our in-person workshops to give residents multiple options,” said Joni German, Water Authority water resources specialist. “People have different ways they prefer to learn new skills and different schedules. We want to help residents find the best way to achieve water savings with a beautiful new landscape that suits their lifestyle.”
Another free opportunity is the new “Designer At Your Door” service. Requirements include homes with a minimum-size living lawn, a working in-ground irrigation system, and a willingness by homeowners to install a more sustainable landscape. Attendance is required at a minimum of five three-hour workshops to qualify. Read more about the Designer At Your Door program and its requirements here.
Homeowners benefit from conservation gains plus rebates
There are new enhanced rebates for removing grass and replacing it with sustainable landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Landscape watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California. The Water Authority’s workshops can help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes enjoyment of the outdoor space. Homeowners can also save the time and expense required for lawn maintenance.
In the last five years, 1,290 participants created new landscape plans through the Water Authority’s workshops. They committed to converting 1,479,180 sq. ft. of lawn with a documented 33% water savings equal to 36.5 million gallons per year.
San Diego County homeowners, businesses, and organizations such as homeowners’ associations can receive between $2 and $4 per square foot to remove grass and replace it with low water-use plants better suited to our region’s hotter, drier weather. All customers are eligible for the base rebate of $2 per square foot. Learn more at socalwatersmart.com
Some agencies offer additional funding, including the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego. Residents in unincorporated San Diego County may be eligible for additional incentives through the Waterscape Rebate Program.
(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $268 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. The Water Authority delivers wholesale water supplies to 24 member agencies, including cities, special districts and a military base.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Helix-2022-Landscape-0575-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-03-07 18:41:262023-03-07 18:41:26In-Person Workshops Return for 2023 Landscape Makeover Program
Forecasts of a hotter, drier climate for the Southwest U.S. make every effort to save water critical. A new program now available intends to do just that for residents in parts of Southern California. The San Diego County Water Authority, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, are offering free indoor and outdoor residential water efficiency use surveys.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-03-07 10:17:432023-03-07 10:18:53Save Water and Money with Free Water Efficiency Survey
Forecasts of a hotter, drier climate for the Southwest U.S. make every effort to save water critical. A new program now available intends to do just that for residents in parts of Southern California. The San Diego County Water Authority, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, are offering free indoor and outdoor residential water efficiency use surveys.
The surveys, in-person and virtual, are available within MWD’s service area, including San Diego County.
“The survey is a free, easy, tool that can show you what small changes can be made which will lead to long-term savings,” said Joni German, a water resource specialist at the Water Authority.
She said the surveys are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. After filling out an online application the next step is scheduling a visit from a certified landscape auditor.
Save water, save money
Not only do residents save our most precious resource, they also save money.
Vallecitos Water District customer Michael Berry took advantage of the program because he wanted to do more to save water. Even though Berry had previously replaced his grass with artificial turf, he said he learned how to save even more water after the survey.
“What I learned primarily is how to improve my irrigation system from spray-based systems to a drip based system,” said Berry. “That’s the primary thing I’ll fix going forward.”
Outdoor survey
An outdoor survey includes an evaluation of the water meter to check for leaks along with zone information on the homeowner’s plants. During this process the homeowner will take the surveyor around areas with irrigation, divided into sections or “zones.”
Inspections will be done on each zone to determine whether the current irrigation system in place is operating at peak efficiency. The water meter can be utilized in seeing any unusual increase of water usage without the homeowner’s knowledge which would indicate a leak in the irrigation system.
Saving water with irrigation efficiency
In Berry’s case, the surveyor performed a check up on potential irrigation problems such as valve malfunctions, pressure, sprinkler alignment, drainage leaks and anything else that might reduce efficiency or indicate overwatering. The presence of leaks or blocks in the valves and using spray water instead of drip irrigation are just a few elements the surveyor warned Barry could negatively impact his water savings.
“One of the specific things that the surveyor helped me with was the valve maintenance, making sure that every 6-12 months you have to clean the valves out to make sure they’re not getting impeded,” Berry said.
Once the survey is completed, participants receive a written report along with irrigation efficiency recommendations, and information on financial incentives to offset the cost of recommended improvements.
“It’s a good way to get a new perspective for anyone who does their own landscaping work and is curious about their water usage,” Berry said. In his case, Berry was able to make a plan to improve the water saving practices he already has in place.
“Spray system is where most of the problem I need to solve exists,” he said. “The spray system I have was spraying a lot of dirt areas which aren’t really helping the plants and tree. The second problem is the system is hard to control in terms of the amount of water that I want to put on over a period of time.”
(Editors Note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region).
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SDCWA-water-audit-Primary.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-03-07 08:13:572023-03-07 08:13:57Save Water and Money with Free Water Efficiency Survey
The snow water equivalent of California’s snowpack is 190% of average for March 3, 2023. After three years of drought, the bountiful winter is good news, but a drier future demands more conservation and innovative solutions for water supply in the Southwestern U.S.
The Department of Water Resources on March 3, conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The manual survey recorded 116.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 41.5 inches, which is 177% of average for the location on March 3. Snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.
California’s Snowpack
DWR’s electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 44.7 inches, or 190% of average for this date.
Recent Storms
“Thankfully the recent storms combined with the January atmospheric rivers have contributed to an above-average snowpack that will help fill some of the state’s reservoirs and maximize groundwater recharge efforts. But the benefits vary by region, and the Northern Sierra, home to the state’s largest reservoir Lake Shasta, is lagging behind the rest of the Sierra,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth said. “It will also take more than one good year to begin recovery of the state’s groundwater basins.”
It Will Take More than a Single Wet Year to Recover Groundwater Levels in Some Parts of the State
Although the statewide snowpack is currently just behind the record snow year of 1982-83, the snowpack varies considerably by region. The Southern Sierra snowpack is currently 209 percent of its April 1 average and the Central Sierra is at 175 percent of its April 1 average. However, the critical Northern Sierra, where the state’s largest surface water reservoirs are located, is at 136 percent of its April 1 average. With one month of the traditional wet season remaining, DWR is providing updated runoff forecasts to water managers and is closely monitoring spring runoff scenarios and river flows to ensure the most water supply benefits from this year’s snowpack while balancing the need for flood control.
“The recent storms over the past week broke a month-long dry spell in a dramatic way,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Sean de Guzman. “We are hopeful that we will see more cold storms to add to our snowpack for the next month and help set up a long, slow melt period into spring.”
‘Good News’ but Conservation Remains Critical
“The results of today’s snow survey is good news for the state’s water supply, especially for those parts of the state that rely on snowmelt as their primary source of water,” said San Diego County Water Authority Water Resources Manager Jeff Stephenson. “The above average snowpack levels come after three consecutive years of drought that resulted in below normal water levels at the state’s major reservoirs. For the San Diego region, the recent local storms allow residents and businesses to turn off sprinklers and irrigation for at least several weeks, if not longer. This allows the region to keep more water in local reservoirs for use later in the year.”
— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) March 3, 2023
California’s Snowpack and a Hotter, Drier Climate
“Despite the recent wet weather and the region’s diverse water supply portfolio, the long-term forecast of a hotter, drier climate, for the Southwest U.S., means that water use efficiency remains a key part of saving our most precious resource, in wet or dry years,” added Stephenson.
Stephenson said that there are rebates and other free services available to residents and businesses of San Diego County that can help conserve water and save money.
“Recent storms combined with the Jan. atmospheric rivers have contributed to an above-average snowpack. But the benefits vary by region, and… it will also take more than one good year to begin recovery of the state’s groundwater basins.” – DWR Director Karla Nemeth pic.twitter.com/1yhJ4cm6F1
To ensure water supply managers have the most current forecasts of snowpack runoff, DWR is utilizing the best available technology to collect the most accurate snow measurements. DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit is utilizing Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) surveys across 12 of California’s major snow-producing watersheds to collect data on the snowpack’s density, depth, reflectiveness, and other factors down to a 3-meter resolution. These flights, which utilize LiDAR and imaging spectrometer technology, provide DWR with more information on water content than ever before, which is then fed into advanced physically based and spatially explicit models to generate the most accurate water supply runoff forecasts possible. These forecasts are used to develop the Bulletin 120 for forecasted spring run-off to determine water allocation and stream flows for the benefit of the environment.
Groundwater Basins ‘Slower to Recover’ From Drought
While winter storms have helped the snowpack and reservoirs, groundwater basins are much slower to recover. Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought. It will take more than a single wet year for groundwater levels to substantially improve at a statewide scale. Drought impacts also vary by location and drought recovery will need to be evaluated on a regional scale and will depend on local water supply conditions.
On February 13, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to review and provide recommendations on the state’s drought response actions by the end of April, including the possibility of terminating specific emergency provisions that are no longer needed, once there is greater clarity about the hydrologic conditions this year.
Save Our Water
Californians should still continue to use water wisely so that we can have a thriving economy, community, and environment. DWR encourages Californians to visit SaveOurWater.com for water saving tips and information as more swings between wet and dry conditions will continue in the future.
DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for April 3.
Torrential rains are periodically pounding California this winter and putting a dent in the most extreme drought conditions of the past 1,200 years. While that’s a relief for some 40 million residents, it’s also a reminder of the feast-or-famine climate that rules California and creates major challenges for water managers.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-03-01 09:59:182023-03-01 10:01:08Opinion: We Should Use Technology to Improve California’s Ability to Manage Floods, Water Supplies
The San Diego County Water Authority is celebrating National Engineers Week by highlighting how the agency’s engineers are instrumental in keeping the water flowing to San Diegans. Since the Water Authority’s formation in 1944, engineers have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the agency and its commitment to delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego.
(Editor’s Note: Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Engineers Week (February 19–25, 2023) is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-02-16 09:45:132023-02-16 09:47:01Celebrating 79 Years of Engineering at the San Diego County Water Authority
The Valley Center Municipal Water District has been advised by its wholesale supplier, the San Diego County Water Authority, of the following aqueduct shutdown.The shutdown of the San Diego Aqueduct that delivers water to the District will be out of service for rehabilitation repairs and will begin at 1 a.m. on Sunday, February 26, through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-02-15 10:46:352023-02-15 11:04:52Water Customers Will Need to Restrict Use Feb. 26
The San Diego County Water Authority is celebrating National Engineers Week by highlighting how the agency’s engineers are instrumental in keeping the water flowing to San Diegans.
Since the Water Authority’s formation in 1944, engineers have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the agency and its commitment to delivering safe, reliable water supplies to San Diego.
The Water Authority’s first general manager, J. L. Burkholder, who oversaw the completion of Pipeline 1, which gave San Diego access to the Colorado River in 1947, also held the title of chief engineer. At the Water Authority, National Engineers Week is a time to remember its roots while also appreciating the team leading it into the future.
“Preparing the next generation”
Water Authority Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, who is a registered professional chemical engineer, explained the importance of having a strong presence of engineers in organizations like the Water Authority.
“Engineering at its core is problem solving,” Berge said. “That type of thinking is applicable at all levels within an organization. At this stage in my career, the most rewarding aspect of my job is leading talented individuals and preparing the next generation.”
The Water Authority has 23 staff members that hold professional engineering or engineering-in-training licenses.
(L) San Diego County Water Authority Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, a registered professional chemical engineer, and (R) Emma Ward-McNally, engineer and construction manager at the Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Love of science
Emma Ward-McNally, engineer and construction manager at the Water Authority, said her love for science and curiosity of the world around her drew her into the field of engineering. She said her passion for problem solving keeps her going.
“I love my job because no two projects are ever the same and they all offer unique challenges and opportunities,” Ward-McNally said.
Asset Management – Underground
At the Water Authority, problem solving can look a little different than other retail water agencies, said Principal Asset Management Specialist Eric Rubalcava, who is a professional engineer.
Large diameter pipelines and structures allow for Rubalcava and his team to physically go inside the infrastructure for inspections. A typical inspection over the course of 10 days will cover 12 miles of pipeline. Rubalcava and his crew look for visible cracking of the pipeline liner, exposed or corroded metal, coating failures, spalled concrete, pulled joints; anything that provides evidence that our infrastructure is in a degraded state.
For Rubalcava, the job is rewarding because of his direct involvement in keeping the water system reliable by determining infrastructure needs.
“This work is physically demanding but I get to do something that most people don’t get to experience, including many of my Water Authority colleagues,” Rubalcava said.
Water Authority Principal Asset Management Specialist Eric Rubalcava performing an internal inspection of Pipeline 4EII in South San Diego County. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Field work – Above ground
Senior Engineering Technician Karla Sanchez spends her time out in the field above ground. One of her main roles is maintaining a presence at construction sites where she ensures that projects are meeting contract specifications.
“One of the favorite parts of my job is being out in the field monitoring construction and working with various talented individuals in the water industry,” Sanchez said.
Water Authority Senior Engineering Technician Karla Sanchez. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Data analysis, problem solving = solutions
When engineers aren’t out in the field, Senior Water Resources Specialist Anjuli Corcovelos said a typical day on the job includes data analysis, communication, and solving problems.
All this comes together when presented with projects like the Moosa Canyon Pipeline Repair and Replacement Planning Study. Corcovelos and her team had to determine which of the eight possible solutions would be best. The project involved coordination with several other departments as part of a massive team effort. It’s the type of project Corcovelos finds the most satisfying.
“Those challenges, those stressful days or nights trying to really figure out that solution, come together sometimes with other teammates to make that happen,” said Corcovelos. “But ultimately when you achieve that goal, and you identify what that solution is and be able to see those effects come to light, it really truly is very rewarding.”
Master Plan – The Future
Leading up to National Engineers Week, engineers across multiple departments at the Water Authority have been looking ahead together at what the future holds for engineering projects which will positively impact San Diego’s water supply.
Sami Sweis, professional engineer (PE) in Water Resources, is working with Corcovelos along with other departments and water agencies on his current favorite project: The 2023 Water Facilities Master Plan Study. The master plan goes all the way out to 2045 by evaluating existing and planning for new regional water facilities. The overall goal is to keep the water supply reliable and diverse while also maintaining or increasing operational resiliency and reliability.
“It’s really enjoyable because of the collaboration we have with our other departments and member agencies, and knowing that in the future we’re going to have some projects that are going to be beneficial to San Diego as a region,” Sweis said.
(Editor’s Note: Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Engineers Week (February 19–25, 2023) is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Karla-Sanchez-2-Engineers-Week-PRIMARY-WNN-1.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-02-15 08:43:422023-02-22 15:29:33Celebrating 79 Years of Engineering at the San Diego County Water Authority
Push is coming to shove on the West’s most important river.
The seven states that share water from the Colorado River are as close to open conflict over dwindling supplies as they’ve ever been. Six of them ganged up on California last week, arguing that it should bear the brunt of supply cuts because a greater share of the water evaporates before it gets that far downriver.
California is bristling at the proposal. “We didn’t just learn last year that water evaporates,” said J.B. Hamby, the chair of the Colorado River Board of California.
Another top California water official, Jim Madaffer, vice chair of the Colorado River Board of California, who represents the San Diego County Water Authority, said California has a blueprint for other states — a multi-agency, multi-year process that California used to rein in its water use two decades ago.
“California has done its part and is willing to do more, but it’s time for the other states to step up,” Madaffer said in an email.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/water-news-network.pngMike Lee2023-02-13 10:22:122023-02-13 10:22:23The Colorado River Hits a Boiling Point
