As its fourth year begins, the Chula Vista Hydro Station offers new activities in 2022, helping Chula Vista Elementary School District students learn about using water wisely through hands-on activities.
A unique joint educational partnership between the Sweetwater Authority, the Otay Water District, and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Hydro Station, opened in 2019 at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility.
As its fourth year begins, the Chula Vista Hydro Station offers new activities in 2022, helping Chula Vista Elementary School District students learn about using water wisely through hands-on activities.
A unique joint educational partnership between the Sweetwater Authority, the Otay Water District, and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Hydro Station, opened in 2019 at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility.
More than 4,000 students visit the Hydro Station annually and learn more about careers and opportunities in the water and wastewater industry through various learning experiences.
“Sweetwater Authority’s Board is proud to continue to support the Hydro Station for another school year,” said Board Chair Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. “We’re excited that more students will have the opportunity to visit our Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility to learn about how water agencies deliver safe, reliable water to our communities and discover the vast career opportunities in the water industry.”
Landscape design and engineering projects
Students get the opportunity to practice landscape design with a watersmart focus. Photo: Chula Vista Elementary School District
This year, students can step into the role of a civil engineer and learn about the ways water is transported across long distances. They take what they learn and try their hand at designing a model of an aqueduct.
Students are also invited to explore the artistic aspects of water management by taking on the role of a landscape architect. They work in teams to design beautiful, WaterSmart landscapes using various design elements.
“The Otay Water District believes this Hydro Station effort is critical to educating the younger generation about water industry jobs as they prepare for their futures,” said Otay Board President Tim Smith. “We continue to promote and recruit for water industry jobs, and this program is another resource to help us to increase the talent pool in the industry as our youth learn about what is available to them early on.”
Hands-on experience in an interactive space
Projects in progress by Halecrest Elementary School students at the Hydro Station. Photo: Chula Vista Elementary School District
The Hydro Station is an interactive educational space with learning exhibits and hands-on activities dedicated to introducing fifth-grade students to the ecological cycle of water, water conservation, water quality, and careers in the water industry.
Educating the next-generation water industry workforce
Locally, more than 2,800 people work in the water and wastewater sector at the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies. One-third of these industry professionals will be eligible for retirement in the next few years. The Hydro Station helps develop interest among a new generation of potential water professionals to participate in the mission to deliver safe and reliable water to hundreds and thousands of people in communities who rely on this essential workforce.
Students participate in activities focused on career opportunities, learning how their strengths, interests, and values may align with career options through hands-on activities connecting to specific careers. It also educates children, their families, and the community on the thoughtful use of water resources.
(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District and the Sweetwater Authority are two of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/HydroStation-Quezada-Classroom-845x450-1.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-09-27 12:40:582022-09-27 12:40:58Hydro Station Lets Students Explore WaterSmart Landscape Design
Chula Vista, Calif. – Yesterday, the Sweetwater Authority Governing Board gathered to see and celebrate the agency’s new electric vehicles (EVs). The purchase of these clean energy vehicles demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to sustainability.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-09-15 08:53:122022-09-15 08:53:12Sweetwater Authority Adds Clean Energy Vehicles to its Fleet
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority (Authority) customers may be eligible for water or wastewater bill assistance from a new federal debt relief program. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides a one-time payment of up to $2,000 to qualified customers.
The program is administered locally by Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County (MAAC). After the customer applies to the program, MAAC will work directly with the Authority to apply funding to the qualified accounts.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-09-06 10:10:232022-09-06 11:07:52Up to $2,000 In Water Bill Assistance Now Available to Qualified SWA Customers
Chula Vista, Calif. – The new Water Efficiency Partner Program recently launched by Sweetwater Authority (Authority) aims at helping businesses save money by assisting them to reduce their water use.
Through the program, businesses gain access to a free water use audit and personalized recommendations. Businesses are also offered exclusive incentives to help offset the costs of installing new water-efficient fixtures.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-08-16 16:40:082022-08-16 16:40:08South Bay Businesses Can Save Water and Money With New SWA Partnership Program
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority (Authority) recently launched a new scholarship program to provide funding for people interested in pursuing a career in the water industry. The Work for Water Scholarship is available to anyone living in the Authority’s service area.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college or trade school with a career goal in the water industry.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-08-09 14:51:382022-08-09 14:51:38Sweetwater Authority’s New Scholarship Program Supports Careers In The Water Industry
The Sweetwater Authority named Nancy Cavanah of Chula Vista its 2022 winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Cavanah was recognized at the Authority’s June Governing Board meeting.
The Cavanah’s landscape was selected from a diverse pool of applicants as the best example of how to create a beautiful landscape using less water.
The Sweetwater Authority named Nancy Cavanah of Chula Vista its 2022 winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Cavanah was recognized at the Authority’s June Governing Board meeting.
The Cavanah’s landscape was selected from a diverse pool of applicants as the best example of how to create a beautiful landscape using less water.
Clay Clifton, Sweetwater Authority Program Specialist, presents the Cavanahs with their award. Their landscape was selected from a diverse pool of applicants as the best example of how to create a beautiful landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
Colorful plants replace thirsty turf
After years of watering to maintain a green front lawn, Cavanah and her husband decided to invest in making their yard more water-efficient. Using the Turf Replacement Rebate Program to help offset costs, the Cavanahs replaced their thirsty lawn with drought-tolerant landcover and colorful native plants to attract birds and bees. Plant choices include brightly colored Lantana, Haworth’s Aeonium, and Lion’s Tail (Leonotis leonurus).
Left to right: Lantana, Haworth’s Aeonium, and Lion’s Tail bright color to the award-winning landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
The landscape’s low watering needs are supplemented by adding rain barrels.
The Cudahy home before its watersmart landscape makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
“The Cavanah’s landscape is a shining example of how customers can save water and money while maintaining the beauty of their yard,” said Board Chair Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. “The Authority is here to assist customers to make these water-wise investments by offering rebates, resources, and support.
The Cavanahs replaced their thirsty lawn with drought-tolerant landcover and colorful native plants to attract birds and bees. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest allows Authority customers an opportunity to showcase their best, water-wise landscapes – benefitting other residents with their winning examples. All customers who have transformed their yards to be more water-efficient are encouraged to enter the contest for the chance to win a $250 gift certificate. The contest runs from January through mid-May each year.
Find tips and resources on how to create a WaterSmart home and garden at www.watersmartsd.org/.
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WNN-Sweetwater-2022-Landscape-Winner-2-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-06-29 08:23:592022-06-29 10:32:23More Beauty, Less Water Wins Sweetwater Authority’s 2022 Landscape Contest
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority (Authority) named Nancy Cavanah of Chula Vista this year’s winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest at last night’s Governing Board (Board) Meeting. Cavanah’s landscape was selected from a diverse pool of applicants as the best example of how to create a beautiful landscape using less water.
After years of watering to maintain a green front lawn, Cavanah and her husband decided to invest in making their yard more water-efficient. Using the Turf Replacement Rebate Program to help offset costs, the Cavanahs replaced their thirsty lawn with drought-tolerant landcover and colorful native plants to attract birds and bees. The landscape’s low watering needs are supplemented by the addition of rain barrels.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-06-23 10:08:022022-06-23 10:11:43WaterSmart Landscape Contest Winner Showcases More Beauty With Less Water
Twenty local elementary school students were recognized as top entrants of the Sweetwater Authority “Water is Life” Poster Contest. The yearly contest gives K-6 students the chance to demonstrate the ways water is a precious and essential resource. By creating water-related art, students enhance their understanding of the importance of water.
More than 100 students from four schools within the Authority’s service area submitted posters for this year’s contest. Of the 20 selected winners, six students will have their artwork submitted to the Metropolitan Water District’s regional contest for the chance to be featured in the agency’s 2023 art calendar.
The six competitors moving on to regional competition are:
2022 Sweetwater Student Poster Contest winner: Andres Moreńo Rañon, Allen Elementary School. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
Andres Moreńo Rañon, Allen Elemetary School
Students recognized as winners also include Andreas Gonzales, Aryana Ojeda, Dylan Stevens, Elena Morales, Evelyn Avina, Iris Herrera, Jacob Macaspac, Kathryn Irvin, Naanalli Ulloa, Rebecca Garcia, Soffia Ong, Sydney Shatwell, Yaretzi Lopez, and Zoe Jauregui.
In 2021, Allen Elementary School fifth-grader Sydney Shatwell represented Sweetwater Authority in the 2022 MWD regional calendar with her artwork depicting the critical importance of water in everyday good health practices such as brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and staying hydrated.
Winners received art kits and gift cards delivered to their schools. All winning posters are available to view online at www.sweetwater.org/postercontest22.
The Authority’s annual poster contest challenges students to creatively showcase and celebrate the importance of water in daily life through their art. The contest is open to elementary school students who live or attend school in the Authority’s service area.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sweetwater-2022-Christina-Parrish-845X450-2.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-06-13 14:48:502022-06-13 15:24:37Students Illustrate the Importance of Water in Sweetwater Authority Contest
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019
