March 19, 2018
New Clean Energy Storage Project to Save Water Authority $100,000 Yearly

The Water Authority will save approximately $100,000 per year with commercial-scale batteries installed at the agency’s Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant near San Marcos. The energy storage system is designed to reduce operational costs at the facility by storing low-cost energy for use during high-demand periods when energy prices increase.

“Energy storage is a strategic addition to the Water Authority’s solar energy installations, which have already reduced power costs and made the agency more environmentally friendly,” said Mark Muir, chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. “This project is a good example of how we continually look for ways to maximize investments in the regional water treatment and delivery system to the benefit of our ratepayers. This includes advances in our growing list of energy initiatives.”

Enhance Water Efficiency During Fix a Leak Week

As part of national Fix a Leak Week activities that start March 19, home and business owners across the region can take advantage of free water-use checkups and other water-saving resources offered by the Water Authority and its member agencies.

Small Businesses Sought for Contracting Opportunities

Small businesses seeking to expand their impact in San Diego County can get a big boost by joining the Water Authority’s Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program. The program, known as SCOOP, is designed to maximize small business participation in Water Authority contracts and procurements through networking, training and technical assistance.

SCOOP facilitates the development and reinforcement of skills that small companies need to partner, bid and perform successfully on Water Authority projects. With an emphasis on outreach and partnering, SCOOP has generated significant jobs for small firms for more than 15 years across multiple sectors of the economy, including construction, professional services, maintenance, materials and equipment.

One important component of SCOOP is the Sheltered Market Program, which designates contracts only for registered and certified small businesses. The Sheltered Market Program applies to procurements between $10,000 and $150,000, and for which there is a competitive pool of three or more small businesses in The Network, the Water Authority’s online vendor registration and solicitation system. 

2018 Water-Wise Home Garden Tour

Don't miss the 2018 Water-Wise Home Garden Tour happening Saturday March 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will highlight five East County gardens that feature a variety of colorful, low-water-use plants, shrubs and trees.

Did You See?

A series of storms has provided much-needed rain and snow statewide in March, and the Los Angeles Times published an article on March 19 about another significant storm expected across Southern California later this week. Repeated showers and mild temperatures across San Diego County mean many residents can leave irrigation systems off for weeks at a time.

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