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Sweetwater Authority Launches Community Advisory Work Group, Seeking Engagement and Input from Stakeholders on Future Projects

Chula Vista, Calif. – On September 26, 2023, Sweetwater Authority will hold the first meeting of its newly-formed Community Advisory Work Group. The group offers Authority stakeholders a platform to actively engage in the projects and initiatives of the water agency. By providing input, participants will help shape the future of their community’s water services and infrastructure.

Sweetwater Authority Customers NOT Affected by Boil Water Notice; Water Remains Safe to Consume

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority is aware of a boil water advisory affecting parts of San Diego County, including Coronado and Imperial Beach. Sweetwater Authority is not affected by the notice, and our customers can be assured that their tap water continues to be safe to consume.

Below is a map of Sweetwater Authority’s service area, that includes Chula Vista, National City and Bonita, for clarification.

Customers can also check the Sweetwater Authority’s Outages & Alerts Map at www.sweetwater.org/outages for real-time information about their water service. This interactive map provides locations and information for impacts to water service.

For information on the safety and quality of our water, visit www.sweetwater.org/WQ.

Sweetwater Authority is a public water agency providing safe, reliable water to National City, Chula Vista and Bonita.

 

Recent Water Transfers from Loveland Reservoir Provide Ecological Benefit

Chula Vista, Calif. – In fall 2022 and winter 2023, Sweetwater Authority transferred storage water from Loveland Reservoir to Sweetwater Reservoir to meet customer drinking water needs. Years of prolong drought conditions created a need to transfer the water to Sweetwater Reservoir, where it can be treated and distributed to Authority customers at a lower cost than importing water. The water that leaves Loveland Reservoir is conveyed via the natural Sweetwater River course, a length of approximately 17 miles. Along the way, the river traverses natural habitats, including both state and federal ecological wildlife preserves.

Loveland Reservoir Expected to Spill Early Next Week Due to Tropical Storm, Flooding in Area Likely

Chula Vista, Calif. – Due to expected heavy rainfall from tropical storm Hilary, Sweetwater Authority expects unplanned water releases, or spills, from Loveland Reservoir in Alpine, California may occur early next week. These potential unplanned water releases, together with expected abundant storm runoff, could cause flooding in areas downstream. Residents in the Sweetwater River flood-plain asked to prepare in order to reduce possibility of damage to property.

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

Sweetwater Authority Welcomes Roberto Yano as Assistant General Manager

Sweetwater Authority has brought on Roberto Yano as the agency’s new Assistant General Manager. With 30 years of experience in public works, engineering and leadership at the City of Chula Vista and the City of National City, Yano brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Authority.

Sweetwater Authority Welcomes Roberto Yano as Assistant General Manager

Chula Vista, Calif.  – Sweetwater Authority has brought on Roberto Yano as the agency’s new Assistant General Manager. With 30 years of experience in public works, engineering and leadership at the City of Chula Vista and the City of National City, Yano brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Authority.

Roberto Yano-Sweetwater Authority-Assistant General Manager

Sweetwater Authority Welcomes Roberto Yano as Assistant General Manager

Sweetwater Authority has brought on Roberto Yano as the agency’s new Assistant General Manager. With 30 years of experience in public works, engineering and leadership at the City of Chula Vista and the City of National City, Yano brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Authority.

As the Assistant General Manager, Yano will play a vital role in supporting the Authority’s mission to provide safe, reliable water to the community. With an extensive track record in the public sector, he will bring strategic insights and a collaborative approach to the Authority’s operations.

Roberto Yano brings “fresh perspective”

“We are excited to welcome Roberto to our team,” said Carlos Quintero, General Manager of Sweetwater Authority. “His experience in public works and leadership with the cities the Authority works closely with will serve him well in his new role here at the Authority. I am confident he will bring a fresh perspective to the Authority, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Yano is a registered Professional Engineer (PE), San Diego State University alum and was most recently the Director of Public Works/City Engineer at the City of National City.

The Sweetwater Authority is a public water agency providing safe, reliable water to National City, Chula Vista and Bonita. Sweetwater Authority is a publicly-owned water agency with policies and procedures established by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board is composed of five directors elected by division by the citizens of the South Bay Irrigation District, and two directors appointed by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confirmation.

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

Landscape Transformation Wins Sweetwater Authority Contest

National City homeowner Catalina Schultz decided to reinvent her yard. Her landscape transformation from grass to a low-water use design is the 2023 winner of the Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest.

Sweetwater Authority’s Work for Water Scholarship Supports Careers in the Water Industry

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority’s Work for Water Scholarship provides funding for people who are interested in pursuing a career in the water industry. The 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.

“There is a lot of opportunity for great careers in the water industry, especially now that we’re experiencing the ‘Silver Tsunami’ of retirements across the entire sector,” said Board Chair Hector Martinez. “Every water agency, including Sweetwater Authority, is seeing a large number of job openings over the next few years. We want to encourage and support individuals in our community who are interested in working in the water industry.”

The full scholarship criteria and application are available at www.sweetwater.org/scholarship. The deadline for applications is October 6, 2023. Funds will be awarded in late October 2023.

Carolina Schultz's transformed landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Landscape Transformation Wins Sweetwater Authority Contest

National City homeowner Catalina Schultz decided to reinvent her yard. Her landscape transformation from grass to a low-water use design is the 2023 winner of the Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest.

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz’s landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Schultz was recognized for her accomplishment at the Authority’s June board meeting.

When Schultz purchased her house in 2011, the front yard was covered in turf and required lots of effort and water to maintain. She decided to reinvent her yard, planning out a space full of low-water use plants, steppingstone, and decorative planters.

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority landscape transformation

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformed landscape includes flowering plants and shrubs like Sedum, Oleander, and Aeonium. The yard also features a variety of cacti and succulents, including Elephant Bush, Ghost Euphorbia, Jade, Cholla Cactus, and more.

Impressive water-saving results

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. A passionate gardener, she prefers to water each plant by hand, using water collected from her rain barrel.

By switching from turf to water-wise plants, Schultz saves an estimated 12,000 gallons of water each year.

“Ms. Schultz’s landscape transformation clearly demonstrates that investing in a water-wise landscape can add beauty to your home while providing big savings on your water bill,” said Board Chair Hector Martinez. “The Authority is here to provide rebates, resources, and support to any customer interested in investing in a low water-use landscape.”

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest is an opportunity for Authority customers to showcase their best, water-wise landscapes. 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.

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