Vallecitos Water District Archives

Two landscape workshops by the Vista Irrigation District and Vallecitos Water District will help homeowners get started on their projects. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District and Vallecitos Water District Host Free Landscape Workshops

September 18, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

In partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority, the Vista Irrigation District and Vallecitos Water District are teaming up to offer free landscape design workshops in November to help its customers redesign and install new water saving, sustainable landscapes at a convenient North County location.

Two classes take place on Saturday, November 2, at the Vista Irrigation District, 1391 Engineer Street in Vista. Residents can sign up for just one, or both classes. People attending both classes will be eligible for special giveaways. Prior registration is required.

This Vista Irrigation District award-winning landscape makeover demonstrate the options for beautiful yards without turf. Photo: Vista Irrigation District landscape workshops

This Vista Irrigation District award-winning landscape makeover demonstrates the options for beautiful yards without turf. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Two Landscape Workshops on November 2

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: “Goodbye Grass, Hello Garden: Qualify for Rebates” will instruct residents how to maximize rebates to help them with turf removal projects. Register here.

11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: “Garden Design Class” takes students through the landscape makeover planning process, including:

Sizing and siting the rainwater capture area
Developing a palette of climate-appropriate plants
Applying key design principles
Laying out a successful planting plan

Register here.

Donald De Tar’s home after completing his winning landscape makeover. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“I’m thrilled to be working in partnership with the Vista Irrigation District to host these garden classes,” said Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor.

“As it turns out, Vista Irrigation District is my water service provider, and we both play a crucial role in our region’s sustainability and well-being. Together, we’re committed to ensuring that our water resources are managed wisely and responsibly, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all residents.”

Plan Ahead for Cool Season Installation

Low-water plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Fall is an ideal time to plan landscape work, taking advantage of cooler weather and seasonal rainfall to help establish the new plants.

Countywide, regional residents have converted more than 1.5 million square feet of turf into beautiful, sustainable landscapes. They use less water and provide a lifestyle-friendly yard ideal for San Diego’s climate. New landscapes installed through the program have been proven to reduce water use by up to 37 percent.

More than 8,000 San Diego County residents have taken these courses to date.

Low-water plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces, as well as save water.

Conservation Gains Plus Rebates Help Offset Costs

WaterSmart landscape workshops help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes the enjoyment of the outdoor space, while saving the time and expense required for ongoing turf maintenance. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Landscape watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California. WaterSmart workshops help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes the enjoyment of the outdoor space. In addition, homeowners can save the time and expense required for ongoing turf maintenance.

San Diego County homeowners may be eligible for between $2 and $4 per square foot to remove turf 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.

Residents in unincorporated San Diego County may be eligible for additional incentives through the Waterscape Rebate Program. Learn more at socalwatersmart.com

Vallecitos Water District Meets Highest Transparency Standards

August 21, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) was honored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for achieving re-accreditation with a “Transparency Certificate of Excellence.” SDLF recognizes organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote a transparent, well-governed public agency.

“This award is a testament to Vallecitos’ commitment to open government,” said Vallecitos Board President Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. “The Board of Directors along with district staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”

Government Transparency Requirements Met

The SDLF certification indicates the highest level of public transparency. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Special District Leadership Foundation Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer presented the formal certificate to the Board of Directors at its August meeting upon its successful completion of its essential governance transparency requirements.

The requirements include:

Conducting ethics training for all board members
Properly hosting open and public meetings
Filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner

The district also fulfilled 19 individual website information requirements, allowing members of the public easy access to important information including board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, the current Vallecitos Water District budget, and its most recent financial audit.

The final requirement in the certification process assessed the Vallecitos Water District’s community outreach effort and public engagement in the district’s governance, fulfilled through regular distribution of newsletters and public budget hearings.

SDLF Fosters Good Governance Practices Among Special Districts

Engineering Technician Alison Fisher is among the Vallecitos Water District employees providing transparent service to ratepayers. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and recognition programs.

To receive the recognition, the Vallecitos Water District website must post information meeting SDLF’s strict transparency requirements, including:

Election procedures and deadlines
Posted board meeting schedules and agendas
Current District budget
Recent financial audit
Compensation of Board members and staff (or link to the State Controller’s webpage)

The Vallecitos Board of Directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

More information on VWD’s transparency efforts can be viewed at www.vwd.org/transparency.

Vista resident Mason Harvey is supported by the Vallecitos Water District's blood drives. The next scheduled event is on August 15. Photo: Harvey Family blood drive

Vallecitos Water District Blood Drive Inspired By Vista Teen

July 18, 2024/in Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County regional water and wastewater industries connect with their communities through service projects year-round.

Vallecitos Water District employees eagerly embrace community involvement in addition to their important roles in maintaining safe and reliable water through an annual blood drive.

The District will host its 28^th Community Blood Drive in cooperation with the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its headquarters, 201 Vallecitos de Oro San Marcos. Donors may schedule an appointment time at this link.

History of Community Service Through Blood Drives

The first blood drive took place in 2007. Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins is an enthusiastic supporter of blood donation. He has donated 17.75 gallons of blood and has coordinated many previous events. Robbins said the District faced a challenge keeping the blood drives going during the pandemic due to the many necessary safety restrictions.

Mason Harvey has been receiving livesaving blood transfusions since he was 11 years old. He is now 15 years old. Photo: Harvey Family

Then Robbins learned about a local resident, a Vista teen named Mason Harvey, with significant medical challenges who needed blood transfusions on a regular basis. He began receiving transfusions when he was 11 years old.

“I had reached the point where I needed something to invigorate my efforts to donate myself, and also schedule blood drives here at the District,” said Robbins. “One of my coworkers had heard about Mason’s health issues. I found his story so compelling, especially during the pandemic when blood donations became more complicated. It made me renew my efforts.”

Robbins and his family visited Mason during one of his regular hospital stays during the pandemic. They could only see him through a window from outside, but he knew they were there for moral support. “We couldn’t go in, but it was still good to see him up and out of bed.”

Vallecitos now hosts several blood drives annually for Mason and his family. “I made sure our staff were aware of Mason’s plight, and that we could add “MH21” to our donation so that he would get specific credit. This helps defray the cost of the family’s medical bills along with ensuring access to blood supplies when Mason needs them,” said Robbins.

Donors Can Schedule Now For August 15 Blood Drive

San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton, Mason Harvey, and Mason’s parents Michelle and Jason Harvey. Photo: Harvey Family

Mason Harvey now attends Classical Academy High School (CAHS). He is a tireless ambassador for the San Diego Blood Bank, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and the Ronald McDonald House. Earlier this year on February 21, 2024, the City of Vista declared February 21, 2024, “Mason Harvey Day” and recognized Mason for his book “Not Your Average Slice of Pizza,” and for his help in passing the Restroom Access Act into law.

Mason also serves as captain for his Take Steps team, IBDetermined, and aims to raise $10,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

“My family and I are so thankful for the donors who had given their blood to save lives like mine,” said Mason. “When I needed blood, it was there for me immediately because good people had already donated. Just one donation of blood can save up to three lives. Your donation makes a difference, and I want to say thank you to the heroes who save lives with their kind and generous donations.”

Robbins will add another pint to his blood donation totals and encourages members of the community to take advantage of the convenient location at the Vallecitos Water District to schedule a donation.

“It only takes 15 minutes to donate blood, and you could save a life on August 15. All of us at the Vallecitos Water District who donate hope our efforts will help make sure Mason grows up tall and strong like his Mom and Dad,” said Robbins.

Members (name) and Judy Fizzard of the Bernardo Gardeners group at the ribbon cutting for the new Vallecitos Water District Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District Opens Audubon Society Native Plant Seed Library

May 19, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Biodiversity is increasingly threatened, making habitat preservation a priority. Recognizing the need for action, the Vallecitos Water District partnered with the San Diego Audubon Society to launch the Native Plant Seed Library, a groundbreaking program aimed at safeguarding botanical heritage.

The library ensures the region’s botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other local wildlife.

Ribbon cutting for Native Plant Seed Library

Supporters and Vallecitos Water District board members and staff celebrate the opening of the new Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 14 to celebrate the library’s grand opening at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden, where the newly installed Native Plant Seed Library is located.

“Thank you for caring, for this wonderful way we can share in our community and ways we can care for our planet, care for our species, conserve water, and care for each other. We want to encourage the public to come,” said Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Vallecitos Water District board chair.

See video from the event here.

“Our sustainable demonstration garden has a lot of visitors, including butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and numerous birds. The Native Plant Seed Library is part of our ongoing effort to get human visitors to come to our garden as well. We want people to learn about gardening, native plants, insects, birds, and all the beauty of a low water use garden,” said Chris Robbins, public information/conservation supervisor for the Vallecitos Water District.

Bees inspire Native Plant Seed Library

Native plants support native wildlife including vital pollinators. Photo: Lisa Urabe, Vallecitos Water District

Native seeds and plants support native wildlife, including vital pollinators. Photo: Lisa Urabe, Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District public information representative and UCCE Master Gardener Lisa Urabe wanted a California native plant garden for years for all its benefits, but finding a wide selection of native plants was becoming time-consuming and costly. When her cousin surprised her with a packet of native seeds, she scattered them into her yard at home.

“Fast forward to spring when our front yard became an explosion of gorgeous wildflowers. I saw bumble bees and other native bees for the first time since childhood, and it brought me so much joy.” This became the inspiration for the new Native Plant Seed Library.

A look inside the Vallecitos Water District’s new Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

“By providing native California seeds in the library, residents can pick up seeds in a convenient location at no cost. They are easy to grow, beautiful and so beneficial to the migratory birds and butterflies as well as the many native creatures that call San Diego home. By removing some of the obstacles to planting California native plants, it’s a win-win for wildlife and the community,” said Urabe.

San Diego Audubon Society program supports native habitat

Native seeds are carefully packaged and labeled for distribution. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

The Native Plant Seed Library Program, launched three years ago by volunteers from the San Diego Audubon Society’s Advocacy Program, addresses the critical lack of native habitat in San Diego County. With 50 Native Seed Libraries established and supported by staff and organizations like the California Native Plant Society (San Diego Chapter), the program educates the community on native plant importance and provides accessible seeds.

An interactive map on the San Diego Audubon Society’s website helps locate the nearest library. Users are encouraged to return clean, mature seeds to sustain both plant life and the free libraries. For more details, visit sandiegoaudubon.org or email

Focus on San Diego County indigenous plants

All seeds in the Native Plant Seed Library are from plant species native to San Diego County. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Seed Library focuses on San Diego County’s indigenous plants. Native plants benefit local wildlife and typically use less than half of the amount of water required for most drought-tolerant plants, such as rosemary or lavender.

Some of the seeds currently provided in the library include California poppy, black sage, and narrow leaf milkweed, which supports the monarch butterfly population. By promoting the cultivation of indigenous species, the library seeks to preserve biodiversity and support the health and resilience of local ecosystems.

From colorful wildflowers to towering trees, each seed in the library tells a story of adaptation, resilience, and the intricate relationships that bind plants, animals, and humans together in the web of life.

Free gardening books and native seeds

In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the Vallecitos Water District garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

In addition to the treasure trove of seeds collected from native plants across the county, visitors may also take free gardening books from the District’s “Little Free Library.” Vallecitos Water District stocks this lending library throughout the year with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle.

The seed box and garden book library are available during regular business hours. The address is 201 Vallecitos De Oro, San Marcos. Learn more about the Native Plant Seed Library at its new website.

Left group, front row: San Marcos councilmembers Ed Musgrove and Mike Sannella; San Marcos Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins; San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones. Back row: San Marcos Fire Department Fire Marshall/Battalion Chief Jason Nailon. Right group, front row: Vallecitos Board Member Craig Elitharp and President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Ph.D.; Vallecitos Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi. Back row: Vallecitos Board Member Jim Pennock with grandson; Vallecitos Board Member Erik A. Groset, Vallecitos General Manager James Gumpel. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness HeloPod

Vallecitos Water District, City of San Marcos, and CalFIRE Collaborate on Wildfire Preparedness

April 30, 2024/in News /by Gayle Falkenthal

In preparation for the 2024 wildfire season, the Vallecitos Water District and City of San Marcos worked with the California Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) to provide a new water source to aid firefighters.

On Tuesday, April 30, Vallecitos Board President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Ph.D., and San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the District’s new HeloPod, including a demonstration of the new tool in use. CalFIRE representatives joined water and city officials for the event.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter demonstrates how it deploys water from the HeloPod in firefighting. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“The Vallecitos Water District, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Fire, and Cal-Fire have demonstrated our commitment to progress and partnership by providing the resources, expertise, people, and political will to achieve this benefit to our community. Today we are marking an occasion of progress and partnership as much as we are celebrating the milestone in-service of the HeloPod,” said Boyd-Hodgson.

“This important new weapon in our fight against wildfire stands as a testament to how government agencies can work together to protect our quality of life, our property and our community for years to come,” added Boyd-Hodgson.

See a demonstration video of the HeloPod.

The HeloPod is located next to a Vallecitos Water District-owned water storage tank east of North Las Posas Road in the Santa Fe Hills area.

CalFIRE provided the HeloPod unit to Vallecitos. Facilities and maintenance personnel installed it in its permanent location in San Marcos. It is eight feet long, six feet wide, and five feet deep.

HeloPod Helps Improve Wildfire Fighting Capacity

Vallecitos Water District personnel install the HeloPod. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness

Vallecitos Water District personnel installed the HeloPod. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The event marked a significant milestone in firefighting capacity in inland North San Diego County.

This HeloPod is a new high-capacity helicopter water dipping source — a 5,000-gallon cistern specifically designed for firefighting helicopters. It can be filled by water from Vallecitos’ Palomar Tank. It is strategically located in the hills north of Highway 78. It will serve as a vital resource for firefighting helicopters, enabling them to swiftly access clean water to contain and extinguish wildfires before they spread.

Each HeloPod holds a ready supply of 5,000 gallons of water. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

With access to a HeloPod, firefighting helicopters can fill their water tanks faster and conduct more water drops per hour. Filling up a helicopter with a HeloPod is four times faster than filling up by landing, which is vital when seconds count.

County Fire and CalFIRE are also placing large HeloPods around San Diego County. One is already in use at the CalFIRE Station in Julian, and at the CalFIRE San Diego Unit in El Cajon; at the Rainbow Fire Center in Fallbrook, and at the McCain Valley Fire Camp in Boulevard. Future HeloPods will be placed at Crouch Valley near Mt. Laguna and near the Puerta La Cruz CalFIRE Conservation Camp near Warner Springs.

Vallecitos Water District intern Phlavia Oryem works in the testing lab as part of the program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District internship program

Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District Internship Program Develops Water Workforce

April 16, 2024/in Education /by Gayle Falkenthal

A partnership between Palomar College’s Water Technology Program and the Vallecitos Water District’s workforce development program gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore water and wastewater industry jobs and increase their career readiness.

Vallecitos Water District intern Ben Crane works as part of the collections department. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College professor Jacob Shiba and Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins first discussed the idea in 2019. “We talked about having the interns spend time in each department so they would get the full depth and breadth of our employee roles,” said Robbins. “I also explained to Jacob that it would need (leadership support). I put him in touch with board member Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, and she became the force behind getting approval.”

The District’s leadership and board supported the program’s development, but its implementation was delayed due to the pandemic. It is now underway, with five students accepted into the program.

See a video about the internship program here.

Internships invaluable for Palomar students

The internship is open to any Palomar College students who have taken a water technology course. Participants are selected through a competitive interview process.

Shiba says the objective is to ensure Palomar students are ready to enter the workforce. “Palomar’s partnership with Vallecitos Water District is invaluable, and it’s really helped our program increase the number of workplace learning opportunities for our students so that they are as career-ready as they can be when they complete our program.”

Ben Crane learned about the internship opportunity from Shiba and he decided to go for it. He also applied for and received a scholarship from the Vallecitos Water District. “I learned a great deal about our water distribution system and how our water is treated.”

Crane spent two days in each department, working alongside Vallecitos water and wastewater professionals. He said he enjoyed learning how to work in teams and was encouraged to ask questions, and everyone gave him insight on how he should approach his career.

Among his highlights was spending time with general manager James Gumpel, who was assistant general manager at the time. “He helped me understand what it’s like to be upper management. He gave me some insight from a seasoned guy who has been in the industry a while,” said Crane.

Interns experience a wide variety of careers

Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford assists with residential water meter readings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College student Logan Crawford is currently working his way through the internship program. He said he’s improved his skills working with his hands, joining field crews in the meter department, and practicing his public speaking skills.

Crawford advises participants to keep an open mind. “You go through pretty much every department the district has to offer. It may not be something you think you’re interested in, but you might find yourself falling in love with (the job), and you had no idea. Keeping an open mind really helps. Every day I come to the internship, it’s a new experience.”

After completing his internship, Palomar College student Evan Fox found full-time employment. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Intern Evan Fox successfully found full-time employment with the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority after his internship.

Crane, who is continuing his education as a geography major at Cal State San Marcos, encouraged other students to apply. “It’s a great opportunity. If you’re still pursuing your education … If you’re thinking of pursuing in the water industry, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door.”

Developing skilled workforce of the future

Learning to work as part of a team is a vital takeaway from the Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District internship program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Shiba praised the partnership for giving students the opportunity to increase their career readiness “so that they are ready to enter the water workforce to become a future water and wastewater specialist.” Shiba notes the importance of workforce development is what allows customers “to wash our hands, flush the toilet and take a shower 24/7.”

“It’s been a great success,” said Robbins. “Some of my favorite moments are when an intern realizes he or she likes a department more than they expected. The mechanical electrical department is often a surprise for students. They had not thought of all the pumps and motors we must maintain.”

Vallecitos Water District: A Culture That Values Customers, Employees

March 27, 2024/in Home Headline, Media Coverage, San Diego County /by Maddie Simmons /The Coast News Group

Vallecitos Water District, led by General Manager James Gumpel, has been serving the San Marcos community since 1955. As a local government entity, they provide essential water, wastewater, and reclamation services to various areas in North San Diego County.

Full Story

The Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Fairways HOA Achieves Savings Through Landscape Optimization

March 21, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

A Lake San Marcos homeowners association successfully upgraded its community landscape to achieve water savings and cost savings with assistance from a joint program offered through a partnership between the San Diego County Water Authority and the County of San Diego.

The original Fairways HOA landscaping included large areas of unused grass. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offered through the Waterscape Rebate Program is a technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.

Members of the Fairways Homeowners Association (HOA) in Lake San Marcos within the Vallecitos Water District recently took advantage of this program to facilitate a water-saving landscape makeover project. Upgrades replaced large grass areas with attractive low-water-use plants inside the property. Drip irrigation was upgraded, and swales act as a water retention feature.

Learn more about the Fairways HOA transformation in this new video.

Saving Costs, Saving The Environment

Fairways HOA president Terry Brown said her community was introduced to the program about 18 months ago.

“We removed 23,000 square feet, and then we got three dollars for each square foot that we removed, plus we got 40 cents for the drip irrigation system. We’re going to receive one dollar per square foot for at least 10,000 square feet of California native plants. So, we did all of that. And we’re pleased with everything that has happened,” said Brown.

New landscaping includes low-water use plants, decorative dry riverbeds, and low-water use plants along small areas of grass for walkers and pet owners. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

While rebates defrayed the initial costs, the real savings will be realized in the years ahead on one of the HOA’s major expenses. “Within ten years, we’ll save $40,000 on water,” said Brown.

Maggie Knol, chairperson of the Landscape Committee, is also a Master Gardener. She understood the need to balance the needs of everyone in the community while planning their landscape makeover.

“We saw certain areas that weren’t really being used where we could definitely have some waterscape landscaping,” said Knol. Now, irrigation water is better managed and used only where needed.

“We have no water in the gutters. That makes us feel better about what we’re doing for our environment,” said Knol. “I would encourage any subdivision or any area to go ahead with it. It’s a wonderful program.

Still Room for Thoughtful Use of Grass

Grass can still be a useful part of a low-water-use landscape. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Makeovers don’t require eliminating all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical. For the Fairways HOA board members, this meant accommodating the many residents who like to walk their dogs in the neighborhood and wanted to retain some grassy spaces for them to enjoy with their pets.

“We have tried to be sensitive to the dog owners in the neighborhood because we have a lot of dogs,” said Knol. “When we mapped this out, we left certain areas that could be definitely used as little rest spots for the dogs and the owners as they walk around. They all realize that the water crisis is going to continue and not get better.”

“This project is an ideal example of balancing community needs to create a thoughtful landscape design that saves water but allows room for retaining grass areas when there’s a practical purpose for them,” said Vallecitos Water District Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins.

The completed Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

As part of the program, LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.

The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns. In addition to offering technical assistance to upgrade larger landscapes on multifamily and commercial properties, a cost-share is available for agricultural growers to make water-saving upgrades.

More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here, or contact your member water agency for details. The program is actively recruiting new participants.

Fix a Leak Week is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks. Graphic: EPA

Fix-A-Leak Week 2024 Brings WaterSense To Work

March 16, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Water leaks don’t happen just in the home. This year, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix-A-Leak Week 2024 program focuses on the importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers.

Fix-A-Leak Week was created in 2009 by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program. It serves as a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

In 2024, Fix-A-Leak Week takes place March 18 – 24. It is supported by the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 23 member agencies and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Leaks can account for six percent of average water use and be the greatest source of water waste within a facility. Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills.

Be alert for leaks at work. Here are some ways to help find and fix leaks in your workplace:

Water leaks in the workplace can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills. Photo: Pixabay/CC fix-a-leak week 2024

Workplace water leaks can add up quickly and become a significant cost in water and energy bills. Photo: Pixabay/CC

If you see a leak in the restroom, kitchen, or outdoors, report it to your maintenance staff.
During Fix-A-Leak Week, challenge employees and tenants to find leaks and report water waste.
Post signs in restrooms, kitchens, and other high-water-use areas to encourage everyone to look for leaks and report problems. Include information on who to contact.
Listen and look for unexpected indoor and outdoor water use, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors or grounds.
Don’t wait for a high water bill to find the problem. Read water meters during off-peak hours, when water use is lower. If the meter continues to show high use, there may be a leak. Submeters and temporary flow meters can also monitor specific areas or pieces of equipment to detect problems quickly.

Water leaks add up fast, so water use needs to be periodically verified to make sure the fixture is still performing correctly. Get a handle on your facility’s water use to identify and fix leaks before they become a big problem and expense.

The EPA offers a helpful checklist to ensure you identify and find any possible sources of leaks.

Regional water agencies help customers save water, save money

The Vallecitos Water District added a new video for 2024 to its award-winning series, helping customers find and fix leaks to save water and money.

In an effort to help customers save water and money, Sweetwater Authority (Authority) is offering a rebate of up to $100 for customers who find and fix leaks at their homes or businesses. Though available year-round, the Authority is highlighting this special offer in celebration of the national Fix-A-Leak Week.

In addition to its special rebate on leak repairs, the Authority offers customers a $75 rebate to replace or install a new pressure-reducing valve at homes. These valves help to address high pressure that can cause increased wear on fittings, making them more prone to leaks. A rebate of up to $100 is also available for qualifying leak detectors and flow monitors, which can alert customers to potential leaks on a smartphone app. Information on all the Sweetwater Authority’s water-efficiency rebates is at www.sweetwater.org/rebates.

The Otay Water District also offers helpful tips to fix leaks and save water on its website and its social media, including a new video.

Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Visit otaywater.gov/how-to-read-your-meter to learn how to track your water use.
Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

Check WaterSmartSD.org for tips and more information about Fix-A-Leak Week.

Vermiculture and vermicomposting using earthworms to help you turn kitchen scraps into compost has multiple environmental benefits including the prevention of stormwater runoff. Photo: Sippakorn Yamkasikorn/PixabayCC

Worms Boost WaterSmart Landscaping

February 27, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

One of the most valuable tools for managing water retention and avoiding stormwater runoff while improving your landscaping soil harnesses the power of worms – earthworks, to be specific.

Vermiculture and vermicomposting are eco-friendly tools using earthworms to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This process benefits gardeners and the environment.

In the San Diego region, spring’s mild weather is an ideal time to start vermicomposting. Moderate temperatures facilitate optimal worm activity and compost processing. During the hotter summer months, compost bins must be kept in cooler, shaded areas to prevent overheating and ensure worm survival.

Vallecitos Water District 2023 Landscape Contest winner Dean Williams of Carlsbad is a big believer in vermiculture and vermicomposting. In this video, he shows how easy it is to learn how to put worms to work in your landscaping.

Understanding Vermiculture and Vermicomposting

Vermiculture refers to the cultivation of earthworms. The normal activity of earthworms breaks down organic waste. The result is vermicompost, also known as worm castings, a highly nutritious form of compost.

Vermicomposting is the practice of using earthworms to convert organic wastes into high-quality compost and worm castings. This method is an efficient, odorless, and space-saving way to recycle kitchen scraps, keeping them out of landfills where they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

How Using Worms Works

Adding common kitchen food waste to your vermicomposting system keeps it out of our landfills where it produces greenhouse gases. Photo: Sarah Chai/Pexels

As the video shows, setting up a vermicomposting bin is simple and can be done indoors or outdoors. The bin is stocked with material such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir and stocked with earthworms. When organic waste is added, such as food scraps, weeds, or plant trimmings, the worms digest this material and convert it into compost.

Recommended types of worms for vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and red earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus). Both thrive in compost bins and are efficient at processing waste.

Vermicomposting’s Environmental Benefits

Nutrient-rich compost produced by vermiculture helps soil retain rainwater in your garden, preventing it from picking up pollutants and washing them into storm drains. Photo: Pixabay/CC

Vermicomposting helps protect the watershed and preserves soil in several ways.

Safe, Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendment: Vermicompost improves soil structure and enhances nutrient availability. It can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
Water Conservation: By improving soil structure and water retention, vermicompost helps conserve water.
Stormwater Runoff: Healthy, vermicompost-amended soils absorb water more efficiently. It lessens the amount of runoff washing pollutants into watersheds.
Waste Reduction: Vermicomposting diverts organic waste from landfills, helping avoid the production and release of greenhouse gases.

San Diego County Vermiculture Resources

Residents looking for more information and resources can visit the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation website. The Center also holds classes in vermiculture. Check the schedule for available classes.

The County of San Diego also offers information on vermiculture, and offers a compost bin discount program.

Smart Water Management

As vermicompost increases the ground’s capacity to absorb rainwater, it lessens the burden on stormwater management systems. With less water flowing into stormwater drainage systems, vermiculture helps diminish flood risks.

Vermiculture and vermicomposting offer a holistic approach to environmental stewardship for San Diego residents. It’s an easy, practical way for individuals to help preserve resources, enhance soil health, and support sustainable gardening. Vermiculture and vermicomposting offer simple tools to confront the challenges of climate change, including risks to our region’s long-term water supply.

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