news briefs

Our telephones are changing

Sweetwater Authority is implementing a new
telephone system that will allow its customers to directly dial staff members. While you may continue to reach us at (619) 420-1413, here is a list of other frequently called numbers, effective June 23, 2003.

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY DIRECTORY
CUSTOMER SERVICE: to establish or discontinue water service, for questions related to water bills, and for construction meters: (619) 420-1413

TO REPORT EMERGENCIES, LEAKS, OR
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES AT WATER FACILITIES (24 hours): (619) 420-1413

To request a conservation voucher: (800) 986-4538

To report concerns about the taste, color or scent of the water: (619) 409-6820

For cross-connection or backflow questions: (619) 409-6811

For questions about water pressure, meter fees, rights of way, and ability-to-serve:
(619) 409-6777

For questions about Sweetwater Authority construction projects: (619) 409-6850

To learn about employment opportunities: (619) 409-6775

To request a speaker for a community organization: (619) 409-6723

To schedule an education presentation or facility tour: (619) 409-6722

To learn about Recreation at Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs: (619) 409-6776

To contact the Governing Board Secretary: (619) 409-6702

To learn about doing business with Sweetwater Authority: Consultants (619) 409-6759;
Vendors (619) 409-6871

Should I buy bottled water?

Bottled water is not necessary for most of Sweetwater Authority’s customers. Sweetwater Authority’s tap water meets State and Federal safety standards, and standards for both tap and bottled water are required to be equal. However, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), bottlers must test their source and finished product only once each year, while Sweetwater Authority tests its water several times each day. Carefully check your bottled water’s label to make sure that it does not contain a notice about substandard quality.

Recent news items have cautioned consumers to avoid reusing bottles more than a few times. Reused bottles can cause water to become contaminated by bacteria or chemicals that are formed as the plastic breaks down. Consumers are also asked to be conscientious about recycling water bottles.

The choice to use bottled water is justified if you prefer its taste or convenience. Bottled water can also be a valuable source of drinking water in an emergency.
But bottled water is expensive, says AWWA, costing up to 1,000 times more than municipal drinking water.

If you prefer safe, economic tap water, we suggest you chill it before drinking for best taste results. If you use a home-filtration system, be sure to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Links to more information about bottled water can be found at www.sweetwater.org.

Spanish language items, latest news available at www.sweetwater.org

Would you like to know how to read a water meter or water bill? Do you need the form to sign up for automatic payment? Does your child need to complete a report on water quality issues or local wildlife? Visit www.sweetwater.org, where you will find in-depth information on a variety of Sweetwater Authority issues and programs, plus a large library of links to other helpful resources. Several pages and publications are also available in Spanish; to view the translation, click Información en español.

Local Students Earn $2000 in Scholarship Competition

Susana Orozco, from Bonita Vista High School, and Cristina Jimenez, from Marian High School, are the latest winners of $1000 Sweetwater Authority and South Bay Irrigation District Scholarships through a competition hosted annually by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) and its affiliates. The two were then nominated for and were among 12 students selected to win $1000 regional awards.

Orozco earned a 4.7 GPA at BVHS. She earned Golden State Honors in Biology, US History, Chemistry and Written Composition, AP Scholar with Distinction, and a Wellesley Book Award. She volunteered with Project Wildlife, the local swimming pool, and the Bonita Branch of the San Diego Public Libraries.

Jimenez was valedictorian at Marian. She earned awards for outstanding leadership and service, was a Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society Member, and was commended by the National Merit Scholarship Program. She volunteered as a candy striper, an English tutor, and a Head Start Volunteer.

The CSDA Scholarship Competition was established more than a decade ago to encourage students to learn about special district governments. Students must complete research about special districts and prepare essays to compete in the program. Exemplary scholarship and community service are also required. Applications, due each March, are available through school counseling offices and Sweetwater Authority.

To learn more about water industry scholarships, visit the Education page at www.sweetwater.org or telephone (619) 409-6722.

Don't touch that valve

With threats of terrorism and earthquakes facing our communities, emergency preparedness has become critical to many of our customers. They are attending training classes and purchasing special equipment to quickly turn off their gas, electric and even water in a catastrophe.

A word of caution: Sweetwater Authority holds its customers responsible for any damage to the water meter or valve. Replacement costs are likely to be $400 or more, and customers will be expected to pay unless there is a catastrophic, community-wide emergency.

We want to help. Please call Customer Service at (619) 420-1413. We will be pleased to send a representative to your property if you need the water service stopped. After you have dealt with your plumbing, irrigation or other issues, we will be happy to send our representative out to restart the water service. To learn how you can install a shut-off valve that will not harm Sweetwater Authority's meter or valve, please visit "For Customers" at www.sweetwater.org or call (619) 409-6743.

Register Now for Free Landscaping Professional Classes

Protector del Agua, an irrigation management course, is offered in English and Spanish. This FREE course, presented by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) provides valuable training to landscape maintenance personnel.

Classes are six weeks long, with one four-hour-session per week. Topics include irrigation efficiency, system uniformity, soil-plant-water relationships, sprinkler components and adjustment, drainage issues, electrical issues, valves, soil types, scheduling and controllers. For course details or to register, please visit www.sweetwater.org or telephone (619) 409-6724 (participants must choose the National City or Chula Vista Session and attend courses from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on all six dates to receive certification).

Course dates:
Chula Vista Session, Tuesdays: September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4. National City Session (en Español), Thursdays: October 2, 9, 15, 23, 30 and November 6.