March 20, 2019
Historic Pipeline Project Boosts Long-Term Water Reliability

Water Authority crews successfully completed the first of three coordinated shutdowns of the First Aqueduct to launch a major renovation of dozens of structures on two pipelines, including the historic Pipeline 1, which first delivered imported water to the region in 1947.

The series of shutdowns, which took place in early March, was carefully planned for nearly four years to minimize impacts on the community and retail water agencies during retrofits of Pipelines 1 and 2.

“The First Aqueduct has been a very reliable source of imported water for more than 70 years,” said Chris Castaing, operations and maintenance manager at the Water Authority. “These critical upgrades will make sure we can operate and maintain the pipelines for another several decades to transport water to the region for future generations.”

Water Authority Aims to Help Veterans Enter Water Industry

A new bill in the California Legislature, co-sponsored by the Water Authority and Otay Water District, aims to boost jobs for veterans, especially in the water and wastewater industry.

Assembly Bill 1588 was introduced by San Diego Assemblymember Todd Gloria and Central Valley Assemblymember Adam Gray. The bill may be heard in committee this month.

“If veterans could more quickly move through the civilian certification process, the California water industry would have a much larger pool of highly skilled, motivated, and talented people eager to continue their public service careers,” said Glenn Farrel, government relations manger for the Water Authority.

Save Water During Fix a Leak Week, March 18-24

Local water agencies are offering rebates or professional help to customers who find and repair water leaks as part of national Fix a Leak Week activities March 18-24.

Fix a Leak Week is a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. By fixing easily corrected household leaks, homeowners can save water and money on their water bills.

Transform Your Yard This Spring

Get inspired to create a water-efficient landscape by attending a free three-hour WaterSmart Landscape Design Workshop at locations across San Diego County. Topics include soil, design, turf removal, plant selection, planning, irrigation, rainwater catchment and implementation. Registration is required.

Upcoming workshops:

  • Wednesday, April 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in El Cajon
  • Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Rancho Peñasquitos
  • Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Chula Vista
  • Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Encinitas

Did You See?

On March 6, KUSI spoke with Water Resources Specialist Alexi Schnell about this winter's prolific rain and snow and the importance of a diversified water supply to the region's economy and quality of life.

"We just don't want to rely on one source, such as we did in 1991, when 95 percent of our water was imported." Schnell said. "So (today) if we have an issue with one water supply, we have another one to back it up."

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