Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority recently awarded $5,000 to a National City laundromat as part of its Savings Through Efficiency Program (STEP) Grant program. The STEP grant is one of many resources the Authority offers businesses in its service area that help them reduce water use and save money.
Chula Vista, Calif. – To assist customers with costs associated with leak repairs, Sweetwater Authority is offering a rebate of up to $75 for repairs made from March 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. The special rebate is in celebration of the national Fix a Leak Week, which serves as an annual reminder to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
The Sweetwater Reservoir now offers “Free Fishing Sundays” through the Sweetwater Authority’s Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access weekly on Sundays will continue through the end of 2023.
The Sweetwater Reservoir now offers “Free Fishing Sundays” through the Sweetwater Authority’s Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access weekly on Sundays will continue through the end of 2023.
Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to the water agency’s customers. The program offers outdoor activities including 2.5 miles of shoreline fishing, and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.
Beginning March 1, program hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance is at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
The new program extends this opportunity due to the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir to recreational use.
“We recognize that the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir has impacted recreation access,” said Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We hope that by offering free access to the program on Sundays, customers and local residents will come out and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities located right here in our own community.”
A California Fishing License is required, and the Authority has established rules to ensure the protection of the water supply and sensitive habitats surrounding its reservoirs. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.
A happy angler shows off his catch at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Photo: Fishbrain.com
San Diego County’s freshwater fishing in area reservoirs and lakes managed by the region’s water agencies attracts experts and beginners alike. Eighteen of the County’s 24 reservoirs allow fishing, including the 960-acre Sweetwater Reservoir.
According to FishedThat.com, Sweetwater Reservoir is rated among San Diego County’s top three freshwater fishing locations. Fish available in the reservoir include carp, largemouth bass, bluegill, red-eared sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.
Fifth-grade students in the Sweetwater service area were also provided free fishing passes for the year through their schools.
Primarily a local water supply for the Sweetwater Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the agency has created recreational opportunities at the reservoir including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail, operated by the County of San Diego.
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority recently acquired a NO-DES system to support the agency’s water main flushing program, which maintains overall water quality. The Authority is the first agency in the region to purchase the water-saving equipment. Bringing the flushing program fully in-house will achieve significant cost-savings for the agency and its customers.
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority announced a new “Free Fishing Sundays” promotion at the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access begins this Sunday, February 19 and will continue through the end of 2023.
Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, California, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to Authority customers and offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including shoreline fishing and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.
The program’s shoreline fishing access stretches along a 2.5 mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, bluegill, red eared sunfish and crappie.
The program is currently open Friday through Monday, from 7 am to 4 pm. Beginning March 1st, the program will be open from 7 am to 5 pm. The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.
“We recognize that the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir has impacted recreation access,” said Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We hope that by offering free access to the program on Sundays, customers and local residents will come out and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities located right here in our own community.”
Fifth grade students in the Authority’s service area were also provided free fishing passes for the year through their schools. For more information about the Authority’s Recreation Program, go to: www.sweetwater.org/recreation.
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations will offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2023 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations will offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2023 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirement and the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies result in an increased effort to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.
Scholarships are available for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for study in the 2022-2023 academic school year.
Helix Water District offers two $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing water industry careers. Photo: Helix Water District
The Helix Water District offers two $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area who will begin their university studies next fall. Applications are due March 10 for the Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship and the Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship, which both help with freshman-year expenses. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals and financial needs.
High school seniors must graduate in Spring 2023 and attend a four-year college or university next fall. Students submit a two-page essay exploring the case in favor or against developing potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. Students can verify their eligibility by calling 619-466-0585. Deadline: March 10, 2023. Application Link.
The Vista Irrigation District offers up to six scholarships between $1,000 and $3,000 to high school students living or attending school within the district. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of water-related issues impacting their community. Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service. Deadline: February 24, 2023. Application Link.
Students can contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 or with questions or request application information.
Through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the Mark Watton Scholarship Fund supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.
Applicants must be currently enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. Students can contact scholarship specialist Ernest Williams at 619-660-4537 or email for more information.
Sweetwater Authority’s “Work for Water” scholarship program offers two $1,000 scholarships to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies or another accredited college, community college, or trade school with a career goal in the water industry. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, please email
In 2022, the Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded scholarships to David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Inchaurregui Jr. is currently attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, pursuing a career as a water treatment plant operator. Beltran is seeking her Master’s Degree at San Diego State University, intending to work in water policy and administration.
The Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at both Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the District. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water related issues impacting their community.
Students may download an application package from www.vwd.org, or contact Chris Robbins at (760) 752-7120 or to have the materials sent to them. Deadline: March 31, 2023. Applications must be received via e-mail or at the District office by 5 p.m. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area.
Approximately 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs will become available in San Diego County in the next five years. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers four undergraduate scholarships, one graduation scholarship, and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus. Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include academic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.
ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders. Deadline: March 1, 2023. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .
The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to support students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water related field. Two $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.
Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater, and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable candidates. Deadline: March 15, 2023. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies scholarship provides $25,000 for a post-baccalaureate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.
The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation. Deadline: March 31, 2023. Application Link. For questions, email Lisa Ruane at
(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Sweetwater Authority and Vista Irrigation District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
In November 2022 the Sweetwater Authority initiated a controlled transfer of water between the Loveland Reservoir to the Sweetwater Reservoir where water is treated and distributed to Authority customers in National City, Chula Vista and Bonita. The Loveland Reservoir, owned and operated by the water utility, was built in 1945 pooling water from the Sweetwater River. It has been a destination for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. After a second water transfer in January between the two reservoirs and substantial storms which caused damage to the HUD-funded fishing pier and erosion damage to the trails, Loveland is now closed to the public for all recreational usage for an indefinite period of time.
Sweetwater Authority General Manager Carlos Quintero said, bottom line, with both water transfers there is not enough water to fish. He said Loveland has always been a water supply reservoir.
“Our mission is to provide water to the Sweetwater customers,” he said. “We use both of our reservoirs. They work in conjunction. Sweetwater is in Spring Valley and that is where we have our treatment plant. When conditions are optimal, when we are outside the arroyo toad breeding season, that is when we can transfer water from one reservoir to another. It is a 17-mile trek for every drop of water, and we try to find the optimal conditions to minimize our losses.”
Chula Vista, Calif. –With the completion of a second water transfer, Sweetwater Authority has secured an additional year’s worth of local water supplies. Sweetwater Reservoir is at over 50% capacity, for the first time since 2019. These transfers equate to saving the Authority and its ratepayers approximately $11 million in costs associated with purchasing water.
(Editor’s note: The SweetwaterAuthority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019