Where Water Works
Water is an integral part of all of our lives, so to learn more about where it comes from, how to manage it in your own home, access educational opportunities, and other water resource sites check out the links below!
More Information
Efficiency/Conservation Rebate Programs
Where Our Water Comes From – History of District and regional water supply and infrastructure
Soft Water
Consider Turning off your Water Softener
Currently, we are experiencing uniquely good levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). We are getting most of our imported water from the State Water Project and it has a TDS of around 250 mg/l; as compared to the Colorado River Water we often use with a TDS of around 500 mg/l. Using your salt based water softener may not be needed to keep your dishes from spotting or the encrustations that might otherwise form... So for the next couple months try turning off your water softener.
TDS is a measure of both the organic and inorganic substances (like salts) which are suspended in water. Generally TDS is not considered as a primary drinking water quality, but is a indication of the aesthetic quality of water. At levels below 500 mg/l most people do not notice the affects of "hard water" but may opt to use water softeners to avoid water spots or water deposit on dishes or appliances. Some prefer the soft water for hair and cosmetic reasons. Certainly our agricultural customers monitor the TDS as it impacts the amount of water needed on salt sensitive plants and trees, like avocado. With water supplies from the State Water Project serving most of our need, growers are able to use less water (with less TDS) and continue to efficiently produce in our local economy.
Turning off your water softener can save you a little money on supplies, but it also reduces the amount of salts going to our waste water treatment facilities. By removing the salts from the waste stream; recycled water quality is also improved. Removing salts from waste water is expensive, so if we can reduce or avoid adding the salts in the process of water softening, then our cycle of water reuse is less expensive and higher quality.
So less TDS in our water supply is good for everyone. We should enjoy the vacation from salts while it lasts.
Water Resource Links
Check out these Internet sites for more information about water resources
Water Agency Standards
Standard specs, standard drawings, approved materials list, and design guidelines
http://www.sdwas.com
US Geological Survey "Water Science for Schools"
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/
ACWA Association of California Water Agencies
http://www.acwa.com
American Water Works Association
http://www.awwa.org
CALFED Bay-Delta Program
http://calwater.ca.gov/
Department of Water Resources
http://www.dwr.water.ca.gov/
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
http://www.mwdh2o.com/
San Diego County Water Authority
http://www.sdcwa.org
U.S. Water News
http://www.uswaternews.com
Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College
http://www.thegarden.org
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for San Diego Region
http://www.rmcwater.com/clients/sdirwmp/plan.html