The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) and its water partners celebrate the month of April each year because it is home to Earth Day on April 22, 2021 and Arbor Day on April 26, 2021. While these environmental holidays are only two days of the month, SAWPA chooses to celebrate them every day by spreading awareness about the importance of protecting the natural environment and the invaluable resources it provides. Why? Because we have no planet B!   

Protecting our planet encompasses a variety of actions including caring for our ecosystems, plants and trees; reducing, reusing and recycling waste; minimizing effects on air quality and, of course, preserving our water sources. As a regional leader in water, SAWPA demonstrates the significance of preserving our watershed through strategic planning, regional partnerships, conservation programs and educational opportunities for our communities. 

What exactly is a watershed?  

A watershed is an area that collects rainwater and snowmelt and naturally drains it. Like a funnel, all of the water that falls into the watershed eventually flows out into a larger body of water such as a lake, river or ocean. In our case, it is the Santa Ana River and its tributaries that make up the Santa Ana River Watershed.   

SAWPA’s vision is a sustainable Santa Ana River Watershed that provides clean and reliable water resources for a vibrant economy and high quality of life for all while maintaining healthy ecosystems and open space opportunities.  

To maintain this vision, all of us must do our part to protect the Santa Ana River Watershed. Protecting the watershed begins with daily habits at home. Let’s dive into five game-changer habits that can make a big splash in the protection of the Santa Ana River Watershed and the environment.   

Five simple ways to protect the Santa Ana River Watershed:  

Observe how you can conserve: Conserving water is a major way to help sustain our local watersheds. Three easy ways to start conserving water include: limiting your shower time and opting not to take full baths frequently; turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth and washing fruits and veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of continuously allowing water to flow over them and down the drain.   

After your pet does its duty, do yours: Picking up your pet’s waste is not just the neighborly thing to do but also protects the environment. Pet waste is a pollutant and human health hazard. When it is left on the ground, it eventually breaks down and washes into the water supply, which ultimately pollutes rivers, creeks, the ocean and you guessed it – our watershed.   

Create memories outdoors, not waste: Whether lounging at the beach or enjoying a picnic by the river, left-behind litter is a problem. Trash and debris left outdoors get washed away or blown into our watershed and endanger the plants and species that call it home. While recreating outdoors, always make sure to properly dispose of all of your trash. 

Back away from the heavy fertilizers: We all love vibrant gardens and landscapes – they add charm and beauty to our neighborhoods. However, the harsh chemical-laced fertilizers that we use to grow lush plants get washed into our water system over time. Stay away from fertilizers with heavy chemical contents and choose DIY homemade solutions from products you already have. Composted eggshells, coffee grounds and banana peels make for a thriving garden and keep these items out of our landfills. It’s a win, win!   

Keep HHW out of the H2O: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes common household products such as household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints and more. HHW products are often labeled with words including warning, danger, caution, poison, flammable or corrosive. These items cannot be poured down our drains or placed in the trash for disposal because they are environmental hazards. Instead, make quarterly or biannual trips to your local solid waste facility where these items can be turned in and disposed of safely. 

At the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, we celebrate our water workers every day. And what better month than Women’s History Month to highlight our gratitude for our female water workers who bring clean, safe water straight to our home every single day? 

Did you know that women represent just one in five workers in our industry? That number is small but mighty and continues to grow. This month, we’re highlighting three all-star female water workers who are passionate about what they do. 

Let’s dive into water industry work through the experiences of Heather Dyer, Leighanne Kirk and Lyndy Lewis. They encourage other women to tap into the exciting opportunities of the water world – whether it’s through environmental science, engineering and project development, operations and field work or administrative assistance, the water industry is flowing with opportunities.

Heather Dyer 

CEO/General Manager at San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMD)

As CEO/General Manager for the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMD), Heather Dyer’s role involves developing strategies to ensure Southern California can count on a reliable and resilient water supply for the next 50+ years. She focuses on long-term planning efforts, especially in the age of climate change. 

A Seattle, Wash.-native, her passion for the water industry began when she traveled from Seattle to Alaska to work with a salmon cannery. That’s where her hunger to protect natural habitats, species and environmental factors for wildlife was born. Flash forward to 2010, when Dyer teamed up with the water industry through her work as a fisheries biologist and regulator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 

“The first thing that gave me a foot in the door with the water industry was that I cared about the resources and the people and became directly involved in helping solve complex environmental problems related to water supply projects,” Dyer said. 

That particular environmental problem was the protection of the Santa Ana Sucker, one of only a few fish native to Southern California. The number of Santa Ana Suckers has been threatened by outside factors and habitat loss. Dyer explained that there are impacts from water supply projects to the natural resources of a watershed but that those impacts can be adequately offset through habitat conservation activities. She moved to Southern California to fulfill the Endangered Species Act for this region’s projects. Through this work, she formed a special partnership between U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Southern California water districts to provide strategic tactics for the protection and conservation of the Santa Ana Sucker. 

“I have worked with regional agencies including SAWPA through collaboration on the Santa Ana Sucker conservation team – the team was already looking for ways to protect that species, and the water agencies were looking for a viable path to receive federal and state permits to remove surface flow from the river system,” Dyer said. 

Dyer is currently the only female General Manager of a water district within the district partners of SAWPA. She regards this as an honor and also knows that her background being rooted in environmental protection and conservation of endangered species makes her unique in the water world. 

“The most striking difference between myself and other water agency general managers was that I was an endangered species biologist and a former regulator. It was an amazing step that our board was open to the idea of someone like me with a background in environmental science and conservation to lead this agency and its long-term planning efforts,” Dyer said. 

Dyer expressed true gratitude to all her colleagues throughout the watershed for their outpouring of support as she took on the title of GM in December 2019. She also offers advice to those who are considering a water career. 

“My first recommendation is to find your passion. The water industry is a very broad field that is full of diverse opportunities that people otherwise would not know about,” Dyer said. “So, you’ve got to get out there, get to know people and find your niche. Step into the future with intention and locate a job that you would do for free. Then figure out how to get paid for it.”

Leighanne Kirk 

Principal Water Resources Specialist at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)

As a Principal Water Resources Specialist, Leighanne Kirk assists the Water Resources and Facilities Planning departments with special projects. Her projects include the largest grant-funded project that EMWD has ever been awarded – a $45 million grant (with a total program cost of $90 million) called the Perris North Basin Groundwater Contamination Prevention and Remediation Program. She also works on the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program, which is a multi-agency and multi-benefit partnership aimed at providing regional groundwater storage. 

“Both of these projects provide great value to EMWD’s water supply portfolio and long-term water supply reliability for the Inland Empire.” Kirk said. “I am proud to be part of such groundbreaking initiatives to bring local and reliable groundwater supplies to the region.” 

Along her water journey, Kirk has crossed paths with many female water workers across all levels who have inspired her. Kirk also offers advice to young people seeking a career in the water industry: 

“There are always job opportunities opening up in the water industry and sometimes you may have to take on a different role to get your foot in the door,” Kirk said. “Don’t pass on opportunities that you are afraid of but that you feel is the right move for you and your career. Accept these challenges and follow your instincts – you won’t regret it.” 

EMWD offers several workforce development opportunities including a college internship and two apprenticeship programs for electrical and mechanical maintenance. EMWD also partners with other agencies including the Western Riverside Council of Governments and CivicSparks which feature fellowship programs. In addition, EMWD’s partnership with Riverside County Workforce Development, California Family Life Center, and ResCare Workforce Services allows them to offer the Youth Ecology Corps Program for young adults with a high school diploma who are interested in water industry job opportunities. Visit http://www.emwd.org/joinemwd to learn more.

Lyndy Lewis 

Principal Engineer and Regulatory Compliance at Western Municipal Water District (WMWD)

Lyndy Lewis began her water industry career 16 years ago. She explained that the water industry found her, not the other way around. Today, Lewis works at Western Municipal Water District (Western) as a Principal Engineer with a focus on regulatory compliance. 

“When I graduated from college, I met a gentleman who worked at the water and power department of my hometown.” said Lewis, “I applied for a position there, not fully aware of the possibilities ahead but it was the door that opened up my whole career.” 

Lewis’ current position is in water compliance. Water compliance teams act like watch dogs and ensure that Western’s projects and operations fully comply with state and federal standards so that customers receive safe, reliable, high-quality water 24 hours per day, seven days per week and 365 days per year. 

“My team and I work to secure permits and oversee the air quality, drinking water quality, wastewater quality and hazardous waste elements of operations and make sure that everything complies with the ever-changing federal and state standards,” Lewis said. “In fact, California has some of the highest standards for drinking water in the world, so I take great pride in helping Western ensure we are always meeting or exceeding these standards for our customers.” 

Along the way, Lewis has met several women who inspired her, including Jayne Joy. She is a mentor to Lewis and currently is an executive officer at Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. Both women hold a background in chemical engineering. 

“Jane was so knowledgeable and eager to help. Her confidence inspired me to speak up, ask questions and make my voice heard. Jane is a very genuine person who wants to see everyone shine and succeed. Her influence has greatly inspired my career path and guided my efforts along the way,” said Lewis. 

Lewis believes that the confidence she has learned from mentors encouraged her to stay involved and follow her passion. She also explained that the water industry is a tight-knit, community-oriented industry that provides an essential service and helps protect public health. 

“I love what I do and part of that is being an example to my daughters. I dream that one day they grow up to be passionate about what they do,” Lewis said. “I believe that passion helps to build confidence in the next generation of leaders.”

In the spirit of the month of love, we are applauding the people who make it possible for water to flow directly into our homes with a simple turn of the tap. What a luxury water is – whether it’s brewing your morning coffee, taking a relaxing bath or doing your laundry, it’s always there exactly when you need it thanks to the water workers who keep our water infrastructure running smoothly behind the scenes. 

We sat down (virtually) with two water professionals to learn about their expertise and passion for bringing safe, clean and reliable water to California homes and businesses. 

Meet Ryan Shaw, Director of Water Resources at Western Municipal Water District (Western) and Joshua Aguilar, Senior Engineer at Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA). Both coincidentally began their water industry journeys 15 years ago. Today, they focus on strategic planning and water resources.   

Shaw’s key role is to find, acquire and secure water supplies for nearly 1 million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work and play within 527 square miles in western Riverside County. 

“Water resources planning is just one piece to the puzzle,” Shaw said. “Once we finalize plans to secure a water source, we partner with our Engineering team to work on the design and construction aspects. Once the new project is commissioned, our Operations team takes over and maintains the site and ensures everything operates smoothly. This departmental collaboration across Western ensures our customers have clean drinking water delivered straight to their tap, on-demand.” 

Shaw, Aguilar and other water workers in their departments are continually researching and locating new potential sources for water in the Southern California region. Both Shaw and Aguilar share a common goal – to ensure long-term and stable access to high-quality water for the customers in the communities they serve. Given that we live in a dry region where drought is a reality, their teams and agencies must be innovative, creative and efficient in how they locate and access water all while protecting the natural environment.    

“The water we have today is the water we have had since the beginning of time,” Aguilar said. “Strategic planning is essential for long-term adaptability and water reliability. Water supply management and planning is a collaborative and continuous effort that is vital to enhancing long-term water resources.”  

One example of a long-term water supply opportunity and challenge that water workers like Shaw and Aguilar tackle is creating the infrastructure that retrieves water from groundwater aquifers. Below the surface, there are local water sources flowing beneath us. In between the layers of soil, gravel and earth lies a groundwater aquifer where thousands of gallons of local water supplies flow naturally. Through infrastructure projects such as Western’s reestablishment of North Well, operation teams are able to source, treat and test local water to be used for their Murrieta service area customers.  

Both Shaw and Aguilar have worked throughout the pandemic, as they are essential workers providing an essential service – water. Many things have changed about their jobs since COVID-19 hit.  

“Since COVID-19, the state has mandated to all water agencies that they are not to turn off any customer’s water due to an inability to pay. Western has remained at 100 percent service capacity and we are proud that we have been able to supply water to all – especially during this challenging time,” Shaw said.  

Added Aguilar: “IEUA and the region has done a commendable job ensuring water continues to be available to all. During these trying times, we have seen the heightened value of our preparedness, as well as our successful teamwork both in the office and the field to maintain a high level of service. COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of safe and reliable water that we strive daily to provide.” 

Despite the current circumstances of the pandemic, both Shaw and Aguilar look to the future of water in southern California with excitement and hope.  

“We are looking forward to how agencies and the industry can continue joining forces to evaluate and plan for the future of our water supply reliability,” Aguilar said. “The work we do is possible through true collaboration. Water challenges can be a complex puzzle with many moving pieces, but good things happen when we come together with combined efforts.”  

We thank Ryan Shaw, Joshua Aguilar and the countless other water workers who provide clean, safe water to our region each and every day. We toast to their love and commitment to water and public service. Thank you, water workers! 

Let your 2021 New Year’s resolutions quench your thirst for balance. 2020 may be over, but the world has not returned to “normal.” Heightened stress and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the shorter days of winter can take a toll. One simple act of self-care that you can incorporate into your New Year’s routine with a turn of a faucet is to drink more water!  

Upping your water intake can positively impact your mind and overall wellness. Often New Year’s resolutions center around taking a new approach to add balance and harmony to our lives. Something as simple as drinking more water throughout the day can help boost your mood and keep you healthy and motivated. Check out how filling up more regularly at the tap will help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions:  

Tap into water to wake up: Your body needs hydration after a long night’s rest. According to USA Today, one should start their morning off right with a refreshing ice-cold glass of tap water to begin hydrating immediately. Not only does this add a new layer of self-care to your routine, but ice water in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism for the day. A healthy metabolism can lead to weight loss and increased energy levels.  

Tap into water to focus: When you are dehydrated to any degree, the ability to focus can be extremely difficult. This can lead to frustration and a sour mood. If you feel your brain start to get foggy, take a deep breath and enjoy a glass of refreshing water, straight from the tap. More H2O will give your body the hydration it needs to focus on learning new things, starting new projects and enjoying your hobbies.  

Tap into water to smile: Serotonin is known as the “happy” chemical in your brain. If your body does not have enough H2O, the chemical processes in your brain are not able to function well. This can cause a decrease in the production of serotonin. Drinking water is the fundamental antidote to balancing our mood. Think of it as hydrating for happiness! Maintained and sustained serotonin levels can spark creativity and joy as you embrace a new year. 

Tap into water to decrease stress: When we are stressed, it’s very common to forget to drink water. Yet that’s actually the most important time to stay hydrated. Cooling down from stress can start by drinking a glass of water. Pair a glass of H2O from the tap with daily meditation and you’ll be ready to increase the Zen in your life.