WaterSource New Masthead

  

September 24, 2015   
In This Issue
Water Authority to Test Seawater Intake Technologies for Possible Camp Pendleton Desalination Plant
Fall Plant Fairs Offer Big Discounts on Low-Water-Use Plants
Did you see?
 A column in The San Diego Union-Tribune covered the role renters play in water conservation.

"We know that landscape irrigation accounts for as much as half of the average household's water use. For apartment tenants, this is generally good news, because most apartment communities have only a small amount of outdoor landscaping compared to the average single-family home. On the other hand, it means you will have to find other ways to conserve water."

Click here for the article.  

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San Diego County Water Authority


Water Authority to Test
Seawater Intake Technologies for Possible Camp Pendleton Desalination Plant  
Two-year study continues long-term
water supply planning

The Water Authority's Board of Directors today approved a new agreement with U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to study seawater intake options for a potential desalination project on the base. The Board also authorized a $4.05 million contract for building, operating and reporting on a pilot-scale seawater intake testing program that's expected to take about two years.

A potential Camp Pendleton desalination project is viewed by the Water Authority as a long-term water supply option for the region that could come online after 2030. In the near-term, the next increment of local water supply for the region is expected to be purified water projects under development by Water Authority member agencies. The Board will have several opportunities over the next decade to make decisions about advancing a potential Camp Pendleton project in light of future regional water supplies and demands.

The Water Authority has been working with base officials since 2007 on feasibility and technical studies for a seawater desalination project at the southwest corner of the base that would produce 50 million gallons to 150 million gallons a day. Such a facility could provide a unique and strategic opportunity to help meet the region's future water needs and support vital national defense operations. If the Board and the base decide to move ahead with a full-scale project in the future, it would take a decade or more to complete.

For more information about seawater desalination, go to sdcwa.org.
Discounts Available on Low-Water-Use Plants at Fall Plant Fairs 
Water Authority also offers free workshops to help residents with WaterSmart landscaping
Once again this fall, the Water Authority and 11 member agencies have partnered with The Home Depot to offer significant savings on water-efficient plants at San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs from Chula Vista to Oceanside starting Sept. 26. In addition, the Water Authority and member agencies are holding several free workshops around the region that teach homeowners the basics of WaterSmart landscape makeovers.


During the plant fairs, marked containers of water-wise plants such as lavender, bougainvillea, geranium and rosemary will be discounted at select The Home Depot stores from 8 a.m. to noon. Industry experts will attend the plant fairs to provide information about water-efficient irrigation supplies and how to select and grow low-water-use plants. The Home Depot certified nursery consultants will host how-to workshops, and local retail water agency staff will be on-hand with information about water conservation programs and services.

Water Authority member agencies sponsoring the fall plant fairs are Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, City of Oceanside, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, City of Poway, City of San Diego, San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District and Sweetwater Authority.

This fall is also the debut of the Water Authority's three-hour WaterSmart Landscape Design for Homeowners Workshops, based on the comprehensive and award-winning WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series. Each three-hour workshop covers the critical components for converting high-water-use turf areas to beautiful WaterSmart landscapes -- soil, planning and design, turf removal, plant selection, irrigation and implementation. The sessions are relevant to homeowners who plan to do the work themselves and those who plan to hire a contractor.

Seven workshops are scheduled countywide through early December. Details about plant fairs, landscaping workshops and other water conservation resources can be found at WaterSmartSD.org.  

The San Diego County Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe and reliable water supply to support the region's $218 billion economy and quality of life of 3.2 million residents.