Tag Archive for: Sweetwater Authority

Chula Vista Elementary students will explore science during "Innovation Week 2020." Photo: Chula Vista Elementary School District

Hydro Station Joins Virtual ‘Innovation Week’ May 26-29

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The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s “Innovation Week 2020” from May 26 to 29 will make a virtue of going virtual, inviting the community to participate along with its students in four live science education events. The activities include a Hydro Station lesson about groundwater aquifers.

The Hydro Station is an interactive educational space at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility, operated as a joint partnership between the school district, the Otay Water District, and the Sweetwater Authority.

“We’re proud that the school district can continue offering its programs at a time that’s needed now more than ever,” says Tenille Otero, Otay Water District communications officer. “Even better, is that anyone outside of the school district can experience these wonderful programs that the district offers.”

Live interactive events for students and public

“We are very excited to bring our innovative learning experiences to the San Diego region and beyond through these live, online events,” said Michael Bruder, instructional services coordinator with the Chula Vista Elementary School District. “We are also grateful to have the support of our wonderful community partners in making this happen.”

All live sessions start at 1 p.m. and will be hosted on the Microsoft Teams platform. The sessions are free and open to the public to join.

Treats teach kids about groundwater on May 28

The Hydro Station is an interactive educational space at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility, operated as a joint partnership between the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Otay Water District, and the Sweetwater Authority. Photo: Otay Water District

On Thursday, May 28, at 1 p.m. Hydro Station instructor Christy Bystrak will lead “Building an Edible Aquifer.”

Participants will learn about the geology of an aquifer including confining layers, contamination, recharge, and water tables, while constructing their own version using items found at home in the kitchen, including clear plastic cups, straws, food coloring, soda, ice cream, and different types of small candy or cereal.

Additional presentations include “Engineering Superhero Tech,” “Cooking Up S’More Energy,” and “Structures for Survival.”

Located in southern San Diego County, the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s 46 schools serve more than 29,600 students. Schools serve a vibrant, diverse community that features a blend of residential areas, recreational facilities, open space, and light industry.

CVESD offers innovative partnerships such as the Hydro Station project with the Otay Water District and Sweetwater Authority as a vital part of its technology-based curriculum to develop students’ creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.

Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019

Sweetwater Authority Recognized as “District of Distinction”

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Sweetwater Authority (Authority) received the “District of Distinction” accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. This distinction, a prestigious title, is only possessed by two percent of the more than 4,000 Special Districts.

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Sweetwater Authority is Raising Money to Help Provide Food for Families and Seniors Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

/in , , /by /KUSI News (San Diego)by Mike McKinnon III

Sweetwater Authority employees are lending a helping hand to their community by raising money to help provide food for families and seniors who have been impacted by coronavirus.

General Manager of Sweetwater Authority, Tish Berge, joined KUSI’s Paul Rudy on Good Morning San Diego to discuss the details of the fundraiser.

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Sweetwater Authority Governing Board and essential employees display dedication to service, community during COVID-19 crisis

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Chula Vista, Calif. – In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Board Members and employees have focused all efforts on accomplishing three key goals: provide safe, reliable water; do our part to protect customers from financial impacts of the pandemic; and care for the community we serve.

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Water Utility Hero of the Week: Erick Del Bosque, Sweetwater Authority

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This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential. Sweetwater Authority Engineering Manager Erick Del Bosque is the Water Utility Hero of the Week.

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Water Utility Hero of the Week: Erick Del Bosque, Sweetwater Authority

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This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential.

Water Utility Hero of the Week: Erick Del Bosque

Job/Agency: Engineering Manager at Sweetwater Authority

How did you become interested in working in the water industry?

I was in my junior year of college when I was having serious doubts about the major I chose civil engineering.  This was mostly due to required coursework that was not of interest to me and I was seriously considering switching majors.  However, during this junior year of college I got involved with a nonprofit organization called Engineers Without Borders and I got to design and construct a water filtration system with other engineering students, for a rural community in northern Thailand.  This was a great rewarding experience and sparked my interest in the water industry.  During my senior year of college when most of my coursework consisted of elective courses, I mostly selected elective coursework related to water resources, water distribution, and water treatment so I could pursue a job in the water industry.

How has job changed during the pandemic?

At Sweetwater Authority we have implemented a rotation schedule for when staff needs to work from the office and when staff needs to work remotely from home.  This ensures that we have sufficient coverage in the office for all areas while maintaining social distancing from each other.  For those days where I need to work remotely from home, the remote connection from the laptop at home to my office computer is very smooth and it’s just like if I were working from my office computer, with the exception that I don’t have an extra computer monitor at home like I have in my office.  Working from home does have some occasional challenges though, such as interruptions from my 3-year old son or having my dogs barking during conference call meetings, but overall, I have adjusted well to the different working conditions.

How are you keeping safe?

By following the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and state and local governments, such as wearing a face mask when in public areas, washing my hands or using hand sanitizer after touching areas that might have been touched by others, following social distancing recommendations, and only going out of the house for essential things such as buying groceries.

What are you most looking forward to after the crisis ends?

To hang out with friends and family.

Editor’s note: The Water Utility Hero of the Week highlights essential work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic by employees of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies.

San Diego County Water Authority Member Agency Map

Water Pros Working Round the Clock To Ensure Service

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

More than a month into the coronavirus crisis in California, water pros continue to work around the clock to deliver essential services to San Diego County residents.

From the Fallbrook Public Utilities District south to the Sweetwater Authority and east to the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, essential employees at the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies continue to maintain vital water systems and perform emergency repairs so customers have the water they depend on during this time.

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Water Safe to Use and Drink During Pandemic, Officials Reassure

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Alexandra Mendoza Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority
Water agencies are reminding the public that the water supply continues to be safe and reliable during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Sweetwater Authority in the South Bay reassured its customers that the water is safe to use and drink.

“In these difficult and uncertain times, the water that we deliver to our customers is as reliable as ever, and it continues to meet and exceed all federal and state requirements for water quality,”said Steve Castañeda, chairman of the Sweetwater board of directors.

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"The desire to produce quality work and to know that customers can depend on us is what motivates me," said Sweetwater Authority Field Crew Supervisor Javier Natividad. Photo: Water Authority water pros working

Water Pros Working Round the Clock To Ensure Service

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More than a month into the coronavirus crisis in California, water pros continue to work around the clock to deliver essential services to San Diego County residents.

From the Fallbrook Public Utilities District south to the Sweetwater Authority and east to the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, essential employees at the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies continue to maintain vital water systems and perform emergency repairs so customers have the water they depend on during this time.

(L to R): Fallbrook PUD Utility Technician Toby Stoneburner, Collections Supervisor Kyle Drake, and Utility Worker II Matt Perez remain at work maintaining vital water systems. Photo: Fallbrook PUD

(L to R): Fallbrook PUD Utility Technician Toby Stoneburner, Collections Supervisor Kyle Drake, and Utility Worker II Matt Perez remain at work maintaining vital water systems. Photo: Fallbrook Public Utility District

“At a time when workforces are being challenged and stretched, the Fallbrook Public Utility District is fully operational,” said Jack Bebee, Fallbrook PUD general manager. “During this outbreak, many employees are working remotely answering phones and questions. Other essential employees are in the field as necessary, practicing social distancing and wearing masks. They are responding to leaks and other critical operations.”

Water and wastewater industry employees are among the essential critical infrastructure workers exempt from the California’s stay home order that directs all state residents to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are running at full capacity,” said Beebe. “Calls are being answered, invoices are getting processed, our systems are being monitored remotely, and we are moving forward with essential construction projects.”

‘Rewarding knowing I can help people’

Sweetwater Authority Customer Service Representative Vanessa Olivares continues to answer calls and assist with inquiries. Photo: Water Authority water pros working

Sweetwater Authority Customer Service Representative Vanessa Olivares continues to answer calls and assist with inquiries. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

At the Sweetwater Authority, members of the Customer Service team continue to provide high-quality customer service.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing I can help people with their water needs,” said Vanessa Olivares, Sweetwater customer service representative. “It’s rewarding being able to provide great customer service by solving problems and offering solutions for customers.”

“Knowing the public depends on me to do my job is a great motivator,” said Valetin Martinez, Sweetwater instrument and control technician.

Melissa Marquez continues her work for Padre Dam Municipal Water District during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo: Padre Dam MUD

Melissa Marquez continues her vital work for Padre Dam Municipal Water District during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Utility District

“Padre Dam staff continue to work daily to provide water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Allen Carlisle, Padre Dam CEO/general manager. “During this time of uncertainty, our customers can be sure that crews continue to operate systems, lab analysts monitor water quality daily, customer service representatives are available to assist customers, and staff continue to perform all essential functions as public servants in our community.”

Cliff Wright is one of many dedicated Padre Dam MWD employees continuing to work in the field serving East County residents. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Cliff Wright is one of many dedicated Padre Dam MWD employees continuing to work in the field serving East County residents. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

As essential workers, water and wastewater system employees will continue to work to ensure safe and reliable water services. In some instances, routine maintenance projects that would require temporary water shutoffs are being delayed to ensure customers continue critically important hygiene habits such as washing their hands.

If you see water agency employees in your neighborhood feel free to wave and say thank you, but please remember to practice physical distancing.

How Sweetwater Authority is Bringing People Water Service During COVID-19

/in , , /by /KUSI Newsby KUSI News

In these difficult and uncertain times, Sweetwater Authority Chair, Steve Castaneda, joined Good Morning San Diego to let customers to know that they will continue to provide safe, reliable water service during the COVID-19 emergency and beyond.

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