November 6, 2018
500th Community Leader Graduates from Citizens Water Academy

The Water Authority's pioneering Citizens Water Academy celebrated the graduation of its 500th community leader — Kelsey Ceccarelli of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership — on Oct. 26 at the conclusion of the fall class series.

During the popular and award-winning academy program, civic leaders learn about visionary local efforts to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the San Diego region. Participants get an in-depth look at how the Water Authority helps protect the region's economy and quality of life through strategic planning, innovative programs, and cost-effective investments.

“Anyone who aspires to civic or business leadership should invest the time to learn about this fundamental resource,” Water Authority Board Chair Jim Madaffer said. “I guarantee that the Citizens Water Academy will change the way they think about this amazing place we call home.”

The next Citizens Water Academy is scheduled for Spring 2019. Class dates will be available in December.

Water Authority's Outreach Efforts Honored

The Water Authority received two first place awards and a second place award for its public outreach and education efforts at the 2018 San Diego Press Club's 45th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards on Oct. 30. The public outreach team won for best annual report (for the 2017 Annual Report) and best public service website (for the Water News Network).

Also in October, the Water Authority's Water News Network received an Award of Merit for External Websites at the 26th annual Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards ceremony, hosted by the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

The Water Authority launched the Water News Network this year to provide the San Diego region the latest news and information about water issues. It includes original stories, photos and videos, along with a curated archive of water-related news coverage from around the region and state.

Easy Ways to Reduce Outdoor Water Use this Fall and Winter

As the seasons change, it's important to adjust irrigation schedules and thoroughly assess irrigation systems to ensure maximum efficiency. Here are some tips:

  • Check irrigation controllers to make sure they are functioning properly. The devices sometimes default to more frequent schedules than needed.
  • Consider installing a weather-based irrigation controller.
  • Keep fresh batteries in your irrigation controller. A rule of thumb is to check the batteries twice a year -- at the beginning and end of daylight saving time.
  • Check your irrigation system for leaks, over-sprayed areas or other other problems, and fix them promptly.

Water Authority Partners with San Diego Brewers Guild

Water and beer were flowing at the San Diego Brewers Guild Fest on Saturday, Nov. 3. The Water Authority joined the San Diego Brewers Guild to celebrate the industry's growing economic impact and to kick off San Diego Beer Week, which runs from Nov. 2-11.

Brewing is among the key economic sectors that is highlighted in the Water Authority's Brought to You by Water outreach and education program. Thanks to the region’s investments in safe and reliable water supplies, the brewing industry has become one of San Diego’s fastest growing business sectors, generating more $800 million in revenue in 2017, according to a new report.

Did You Hear?

On Oct. 26, Water Authority Board Chair Jim Madaffer was a guest on KPBS radio to talk about a letter he sent to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Board of Directors outlining an approach to ending years of litigation between the agencies.

"This is an olive branch," said Madaffer. "We wanted to make it very clear and our board is very committed to seeing these things resolved."

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