Chula Vista, Calif. –With the completion of a second water transfer, Sweetwater Authority has secured an additional year’s worth of local water supplies. Sweetwater Reservoir is at over 50% capacity, for the first time since 2019. These transfers equate to saving the Authority and its ratepayers approximately $11 million in costs associated with purchasing water.
(Editor’s note: The SweetwaterAuthority 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/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-02-08 16:42:362023-02-08 16:42:36Sweetwater Authority Saves $11 Million Dollars With Local Water Transfers
January 26, 2023 – The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today welcomed Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. by hosting a reception for him to meet San Diego County’s community, civic and business leaders.
Ortega took the helm of MWD’s Board on January 10 as the first Latino chair in the district’s 95-year history. In a presentation today during the Water Authority’s formal Board meeting, Ortega focused on shared challenges and opportunities the two water wholesalers face in the era of climate change.
The recent series of atmospheric rivers dumped enough rain and snow on Northern California to give us hope that the end of the drought may be near. California’s Department of Water Resources is reporting that the state’s snow water equivalent, or how much water the snowpack is expected to yield, is almost double what we expect at this time of year. According to department officials, it’s “the best start to our snowpack in over a decade.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-01-25 10:01:532023-01-25 10:02:33Opinion: California Was Just Inundated With Much-needed Water. Too Bad We Didn’t Save Much of It
As part of its annual preventative maintenance program to safeguard its water supply and reduce water loss, the Otay Water District will conduct leak inspections of its pipeline system beginning January 30. Inspections are expected to continue until April 28.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-01-24 09:59:352023-01-24 16:34:31Annual Leak Detection Program Gets Underway in Otay Water District
As part of its annual preventative maintenance program to safeguard its water supply and reduce water loss, the Otay Water District will conduct leak inspections of its pipeline system beginning January 30. Inspections are expected to continue until April 28. The District’s contractor, Utility Services Associates, will inspect approximately 171 miles of potable water mains in Spring Valley and Jamul, along with potable and recycled water mains in areas of Chula Vista.
Minor water leaks account for more than a trillion gallons of water wasted each year in homes across the United States. According to the EPA Fix-A-Week-Leak website, each average household with unaddressed leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water loss every year, enough to wash 300 loads of laundry.
Since 2013, the proactive Leak Detection Program has identified 292 leaks that have been repaired by the District, resulting in an average annual savings of $54,000 per year from reduced water losses. Graphic: Otay Water District
For example, the EPA reports a leak just one-32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month.
Since 2013, the proactive Leak Detection Program has identified 292 leaks that have been repaired by the District, resulting in an average annual savings of $54,000 per year from reduced water losses.
“The Otay Water District conducts inspections annually in different communities we serve,” said Otay System Operations Manager Jake Vaclavek. “It is more critical than ever to insure we are not wasting water as we cope with our state’s ongoing megadrought.”
Workers conduct inspections weekdays through April
An effective leak detection and repair program is one of the main components for water conservation and an important part of asset management. Photo: Otay Water District
Customers may see workers inspecting the meter in front of their home or business, typically between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend and night work may also be required. Inspections can range from a few minutes to a full day.
Inspection workers will wear a Utility Services Associates logo and carry company identification. They will not need access to the homes or property of customers. They may contact customers if they need to momentarily shut off their water supply for further testing. Water supply will not be shut off without permission from someone at the home or property.
The Otay Water District will continue its annual leak inspection through April. Photo: Otay Water District
Workers might lift water meter covers, inspect, and attach equipment to meters or valves. If they suspect a leak, the Otay Water District will contact the customer and advise them of the potential leak.
For questions on the Otay Water District Leak Detection Program, contact customer service at (619) 670-2222.
(Editor’s note: The Otay 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/2023/01/Otay-LeakDetection-Greencrest-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-01-24 07:41:242023-01-24 07:41:24Annual Leak Detection Program Gets Underway in Otay Water District
As work gets underway on the state budget, the recent weather events in California — which left more than a dozen people dead and caused tens of thousands to evacuate their homes — have put a spotlight on the state of water infrastructure.
In the new budget proposal he recently announced, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed $202 million to go toward flood protection. The investments will be divided between urban flood risk reduction, delta levees and Central Valley flood protection, according to the plan.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-01-23 10:19:062023-01-23 11:05:45As the State’s Budget Work Gets Underway, Recent Weather Puts Spotlight on Water Infrastructure
The San Diego County Water Authority’s First Aqueduct will be shut down periodically over the next three months for maintenance projects to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region. Two shutdowns on the First Aqueduct are scheduled from January through March, when portions of the aqueduct will be relined, along with other maintenance.
The Water Authority and its member agencies are coordinating to minimize impacts to residents and businesses, while servicing pipelines that are more than 65 years old.
Customers of these affected retail agencies during the Jan. 23-Feb. 1 shutdown should check with their local water utility if they have questions about localized impacts: Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Vista Irrigation District, and the Yuima Municipal Water District.
Proactive Asset Management Program
“Work to proactively upgrade and maintain our water delivery system in coordination with our member agencies ensures the continued safe and reliable supply that serves the region’s 3.3 million residents and our $268 billion economy,” said Eva Plajzer, the Water Authority’s director of operations and maintenance. “Taking care of this critical infrastructure during the shutdown season extends the life of the aqueduct and reduces the cost of replacement.”
San Diego County Water Authority crews are always keeping the water flowing, 365 days a year. 🌞 pic.twitter.com/Ie57jvBj18
Maintenance work on pipelines is scheduled during low-demand periods to minimize impacts on water service.
The other scheduled shutdown on the First Aqueduct is February 27 to March 8, which will also impact the Helix Water District and the cities of San Diego, Poway and Ramona.
By order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the U.S. Navy built the San Diego Aqueduct to deliver Colorado River water to San Diego. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority archives
Historic First Aqueduct
The historic First Aqueduct was constructed in the 1940s with Pipeline 1 and in the 1950s with Pipeline 2. On November 28, 1947, the first Colorado River water flowed south from Riverside County for 71 miles into the City of San Diego’s San Vicente Reservoir via the First Aqueduct.
The Water Authority’s Asset Management Program is a key element of providing safe and reliable water supplies to the region. The agency continually assesses and inspects its 310 miles of large-diameter pipelines, which provide treated and untreated water to 24 member agencies in San Diego County. The program is widely recognized for pioneering work – including a patented inspection device – that promotes water affordability by avoiding costly unplanned disruptions in service.
As assets age, the Water Authority proactively replaces and repairs them to minimize impacts to member agencies and the public. Investments in the latest inspection technologies, including electromagnetic scanning, robotic inspections and 3D tunnel inspections help the Water Authority’s asset management team detect defects in pipelines and related facilities. Identifying potential issues early avoids more costly fixes later.
(Editor’s Note: The Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Vista Irrigation District, Yuima Municipal Water District, Helix Water District and the cities of San Diego, Poway and Ramona are 11 of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Fast action by the San Diego County Water Authority and its partners is helping maintain water service in Tijuana after problems with the city’s aqueduct emerged in December.
Emergency water deliveries started last week after a coordinated effort between the Water Authority, Otay Water District, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The typical multi-month approval process was compressed into a few days to avoid additional water supply shortages in Tijuana.
The rain and snow storms that have pummeled California for weeks have taken nearly two dozen lives and caused billions of dollars in damages to public and private property.
The flip side, however, is that they dropped immense amounts of water on a state that has suffered through severe drought for several years. At one point this month, an astonishing 160,000 cubic feet of water – 1.2 million gallons – was flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta every second. That’s enough water to fill a reservoir the size of Folsom Lake, about 1 million acre-feet, in three days and doesn’t count water falling on other regions, such as Southern California.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-01-17 10:00:142023-01-17 10:05:37Opinion: Storms Tell California to Upgrade its Plumbing
The Vallecitos Water District will honor its history when it moves a vintage service vehicle with a significant story to tell into its lobby this month.
The District’s General Manager Glenn Pruim approved moving the 1946 “Willys” CJ2A Jeep into the lobby of its headquarters building as a museum display, with informational signage and photos depicting its activities.
Legacy of Service
The 1946 Jeep served the water district for decades. It became a favorite public outreach tool, appearing in parades and public events. It made its final appearance in a San Marcos Christmas Parade. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The 1946 Jeep served the water district for decades. It was used to survey property. When this task was no longer feasible, the Jeep became a favorite public outreach tool, appearing in parades and public events in the Vallecitos service area. It made its final appearance at the 2010 San Marcos Christmas Parade, driven by Vallecitos Board Member Margaret E. “Betty” Ferguson, who had an affinity for the Jeep after serving in the Women’s U.S. Marine Corps.
In addition to her 35 years of dedicated service to the Vallecitos Water District on its board of directors, Ferguson was the first City Clerk for the City of San Marcos. She was the planning commission secretary and city manager pro tem from 1963 to 1971. Throughout her career, Ferguson served on many city, county, and state boards, task forces, and commissions.
Vallecitos Public Information Representative Lisa Urabe said Ferguson repeatedly demonstrated her ability to work with other board members, customers, and District employees. “Betty was more than just a Vallecitos board member,” said Urabe.
In 2013, the Vallecitos Water District adopted a resolution honoring Betty’s contribution, diligent efforts, and selfless service to the District.
Board of Directors Salutes Betty
Several years later, Board President Jim Hernandez and Board Member Betty Evans expressed interest in using the Jeep for public outreach. Public Outreach/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins suggested the idea of a museum-type display. He suggested naming the Jeep “Betty” after Ferguson’s recent passing to honor her longtime service. “She used to love to drive it,” said Robbins.
The Jeep will be moved into place over a weekend, with curated signage and information about the colorful history of “Betty” and its beloved namesake. It will be on public display during business hours.
(Editor’s 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/2023/01/VWD-Christmas-Parade-2010-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-01-11 10:38:582023-01-17 13:16:32History on Wheels Honors Vallecitos Water District Service
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019
