July 25, 2018
Giant Beach Ball Sparks Countywide Conversations on Water

As part of its new outreach and education program, the San Diego County Water Authority is participating in community events throughout the region, including farmers' markets, concerts in the park, and street fairs. To spark conversations about the value of water, the Water Authority is deploying a 10-foot-diameter beach ball emblazoned with the Brought to You by Water logo. So far, the beach ball has popped up at family-friendly events in Santee and Oceanside, with more planned this summer.

Upcoming Brought to You by Water events:

  • Thursday, July 26 from 3-7 p.m. at North Park Farmers' Market
  • Sunday, August 26 from 6-8 p.m. at ARTS District Liberty Station

Follow the Water Authority on social media for future event dates and announcements.

Water Authority Prevails in Open Meetings Lawsuit

Superior Court Judge John S. Meyer ruled in favor of the San Diego County Water Authority on July 20, 2018, in a lawsuit that erroneously alleged the agency was violating the state’s primary open meetings statute, known as the Brown Act.

San Diegans for Open Government, represented by Cory Briggs, sued the Water Authority on June 12, 2017, claiming violations of the Brown Act. Briggs asserted that the four delegates appointed by the Water Authority to the Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors were a “legislative body” under the Brown Act. Under that incorrect theory, Briggs argued that any time a majority of MWD delegates talked to one another, or with others, they created a “meeting” that was required to be publicly noticed under the Brown Act. 

The Water Authority is one of MWD’s largest customers and has four seats on MWD’s 38-member board. Meyer ruled that the Water Authority’s delegates do not constitute a legislative body subject to the Brown Act, and he awarded the Water Authority court costs.

“During the entire course of this litigation we informed Mr. Briggs and his client that the Water Authority was not violating the Brown Act,” said Water Authority General Counsel Mark Hattam. “We are pleased that the court confirmed that we are in Brown Act compliance.” 
Water News Network Spotlights Region's Top Water News and Information

Check out the Water News Network for the latest news and information about water issues, policies and projects that affect the region’s most precious natural resource. The new website hosts a variety of content, including links to external media reports and original stories about the latest water-related topics.  

One current story features efforts at Balboa Park to stay on the cutting edge of sustainability, including initiatives to make the most of every drop of water at the iconic tourist destination.

"We import most of the water we use in San Diego, and Balboa Park wants to lead the way in conservation of this precious resource," said Aaron L. Boyles, sustainability manager for the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership.

Another story explains why some elected leaders are excited about the future of Salton Sea restoration projects, and another focuses on the economic benefits of investments in safe and reliable water supplies.

Tips to Help Your Trees Weather the Weather

As temperatures rise, don't forget to water your trees. Like water, trees are critical to the region's quality of life and provide many benefits -- from improving air and water quality to increasing property values and saving energy.

Here are a few tips to take care of your trees this summer:

  • Water deeply. Irrigate mature trees 1 foot deep once or twice a month during the summer. 
  • Spread it out. Irrigate at the edge of the tree canopy.
  • Take care. Trees in areas without sprinklers or that share irrigation zones with grass likely require additional deep irrigation.
  • Add organics. Spread compost and mulch around trees to decrease evaporation and reduce soil temperatures.

Brought to You by Water: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

From making sure the elephants have enough water, to irrigating its extensive plant collection, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park depends on a safe and reliable water supply to sustain its world-class destination.

Did You Hear?

On July 12, KBPS aired a story about the new Landscape Transformation Program that offers residents in the San Diego region $2.75 per square foot for replacing turf with sustainable landscaping.

The program includes a partnership by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to boost the per-square-foot incentive amount available in the Water Authority’s service area and streamline the application process.

STAY CONNECTED: