May 2, 2019
San Diego Grown Photo Contest Highlight's County's Agricultural Bounty

The Water Authority is hosting a photo contest during Water Awareness Month in May to celebrate how safe and reliable water supplies fuel the region's local farms and food production .

Entering the photo contest is easy: Take a photo of your favorite locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers or nursery plants and post the photo to Instagram or Twitter using #B2UbyH2O between May 1-31.

Qualifying submissions are eligible for prizes generously donated by Specialty Produce, San Diego County Farm Bureau and Jimbo's ...Naturally! Winners will be drawn randomly each week and announced on social media.

Drones Offer Water Agencies Cost, Safety Benefits

Water agencies across San Diego County are saving time and money while improving employee safety with drones.

Industry analysts say drone use by water agencies worldwide is growing. The Helix Water District, Otay Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority have embraced the technology, using drones to inspect and monitor facilities, and to map and survey inaccessible areas.

White Paper Demonstrates Need for Large-Scale Energy Storage

A new study, known as a white paper, highlights the importance of pumped energy storage to California’s renewable energy future. California is a world leader in renewable energy, sourcing nearly a third of its power from renewables, mainly solar and wind. The target for clean energy in California is 100 percent by 2045 – and large-scale energy storage in the form of pumped energy storage will play an important role in reaching that goal.

Continuing the integration of renewables will require new kinds of investments, markets and business practices. For instance, electric grids will need to be more flexible and new pricing systems are needed to send clear signals so consumers can adjust their energy use to reflect energy supplies. 

In addition, pumped energy storage projects are needed to store excess renewable energy from solar and wind during the day, and then discharge that energy when energy use increases in the evening and renewable energy is not available.

San Diego's Farming Industry is Brought to You by Water

"One thing ties every farmer together and that's water," said Eric Larson, Executive Director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. "We can't do a thing if we don't have a good reliable supply of water."
Watch the video to learn more about San Diego's $4.8 billion agriculture industry.

Did You See?

On April 30, The San Diego Union-Tribune published an article summarizing San Diego's wet weather patterns this winter and spring.

"San Diego’s rainfall total for the season, which starts Oct. 1, is up to 12.01 inches," the article stated. "That’s more than 2 inches above normal, thanks to a wet December, January and February. Normal rainfall for the entire season, ending Sept. 30, is 10.34 inches."

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