The Water Drop

Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Welcome to The Water Drop, a podcast dedicated to all things water. Water is one of the earth’s most precious resources and virtually everything on our planet relies on it. Here at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, we have a wealth of knowledge to share. We’re going to dive into water saving tips and tricks, and speak to our in-house industry experts and beyond, about sustainability, trends and the future of water.

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20 episodes
every few months
Avg 26 min
English

Episodes 20

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S1 · E21
Wednesday · 21 min
From Viral to Valuable: Inside Padre Dam's Sewer Camera Van
Welcome back to the podcast! This episode takes a closer look at a 14-second clip that recently went viral on social media, featuring Padre Dam Municipal Water District's sewer camera navigating through a pipeline. Abe Baza, a Wastewater Collection System Worker at Padre Dam, shares what it's like to operate the camera, which helps inspect the District's 175 miles of sewer pipelines. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and work involved in maintaining the District's wastewater collection system. Whether you're interested in a career in wastewater or curious about the infrastructure Padre Dam maintains, check out this episode to learn more!
S1 · E20
August 21 · 28 min
Development Inspections: The Value of Getting It Right
In this episode, we're talking with Sarah Hargis, Inspection Supervisor at Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Sarah shares what it's like overseeing construction inspection including how her work helps ensure projects meet standards as well as move forward safely. Much of this work happens underground but it plays an important role for Padre Dam customers. Let's welcome Sarah Hargis to the show.
S1 · E19
June 22 · 36 min
Dive Into a Career in Water
Welcome to The Water Drop Podcast. I’m your host Alexa Bertola. In today's episode we're talking with Nina Tarantino, Human Resources Administrator at Padre Dam. Nina is extremely passionate about her role at Padre Dam and has endless amounts of information to share. We’re talking careers in the water industry, workforce trends, and what makes working in public service so rewarding. If you’re looking for a new job opportunity and are thinking of working in water, this episode is for you. Let’s welcome Nina Tarantino to the show.
S1 · E18
April 1 · 23 min
NOW ON VIDEO: The Road to Reservoirs: A Water Engineer's Story
Welcome back to the show. In today's episode, we're talking with Adelina Sanchez, an Engineer at Padre Dam Municipal Water District where she works on critical reservoir projects that help store, manage, and protect one of our most valuable resources- water. We explore her journey into engineering, her work behind the scenes, and her perspective on the challenges of the water supply in California. For the first time, we have our podcast on video. Let's welcome Adelina Sanchez to the show.
S1 · E17
March 10 · 22 min
Behind the Scenes: Keeping the Water Flowing 24/7
Welcome back to the podcast. Today we are talking about something that every single one of us relies on daily but probably don’t think about until something goes wrong. This is our water and sewer services. When you turn on your tap, flush the toilet, or see a fire hydrant on the corner, there’s a team working behind the scenes to ensure that system is running safely and reliably- around the clock. Our guest today is Greg Gibbs, Construction and Maintenance Supervisor at Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Greg is the one who gets the call when something breaks- whether that's a water main at 2 a.m., a damaged fire hydrant, or an emergency leak on a holiday weekend, Greg is the one who responds. From emergency response and construction projects to long term maintenance, it's clear how critical his role is in ensuring reliable water service for everyone. By the end of this episode, you'll have a renewed appreciation for the people who keep our water flowing 24/7. Let's welcome Greg Gibbs to the show!
S1 · E16
January 28 · 33 min
What Smart Technology Means for Your Water Service
It's the first episode of the new year, featuring Eric Showalter, Field Services Supervisor at Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Eric is an engaging and passionate leader who brings a unique perspective to the work happening in the field. In this episode, he shares insights into the District’s automated meter infrastructure and how new GPS data is improving efficiency. Listening in will give customers a better understanding of how these technologies improve service and enhance their experience. Get ready for an informative conversation with someone who truly knows the ins and outs of the technology. Let’s welcome Eric Showalter to the show.
S1 · E15
Dec 19, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Tapped into Progress: East County AWP 2025 Achievements
Welcome back to the show. Today we're excited to welcome Mark Niemiec, Director of the East County AWP Program, back to the podcast for his second time on the mic. In this episode, Mark reflects on the key achievements from this past year and shares insights into what's ahead as we move into next year. It's a conversation focused on progress, momentum, and accomplishments- so let's get into it. Let's welcome Mark Niemiec to the show!
S1 · E14
Nov 12, 2025 · 30 min
Unlocking Exceptional Customer Service
Welcome to the show! Today we’re joined by Leslie Payne, Customer Service Manager at Padre Dam Municipal Water District. With 25 years of experience in the water industry, Leslie brings extensive expertise, perspective, and heart to her role. She’s built a career grounded in empathy, communication, and a true passion for serving her community. In this episode, Leslie shares her philosophy on what drives exceptional customer experiences and how teamwork, technology, and innovation come together to make a lasting difference. We’ll also dive into Padre Dam’s new payment platform and how it’s improving convenience and connection for customers. Plus, Leslie offers thoughtful advice for anyone looking to grow in their career or strengthen their approach to customer service. By the end of this conversation, you’ll gain a renewed appreciation for the people behind the phones, the emails, and the counter — the friendly faces who keep the District running each and every day.
S1 · E13
Sep 11, 2025 · 18 min
East San Diego County's Water Reuse Project
Hi Water Drop listeners. We have another great episode for you. This time, I’m sitting down with East County Advanced Water Purification Engineering Manager, Rebecca Abbott. If you aren’t familiar, the East County AWP Program is a water reuse project that will supply up to 30-percent of east San Diego County’s drinking water demands by turning recycled water into clean drinking water. This project will reduce dependence on imported water, and create a local water supply once it goes online in late 2026. Rebecca is managing the latest segment of the project that began construction in May of this year. It will rehab an existing 8-mile sewer pipeline and install a new 9-mile residuals pipeline which are byproducts of the new East County AWP treatment facility. She gets into the details of the project and paints the picture of how this portion of the project fits into the overall program. Construction runs through a popular park, Mission Trails Regional Park, so we talk about that too. If you’re interested in water reuse or water reliability this episode is for you. Let’s welcome Rebecca Abbott to the show.
S1 · E12
Jul 11, 2025 · 14 min
What's New at Santee Lakes
We have Shawna Fakhouri back on the podcast. She’s the Park and Recreation Operations Administrator at Santee Lakes. This time we are talking about what’s new at the park including how Park and Recreation Month is being celebrated with some discounts and special offerings. Shawna has been at the park for roughly 18 years so she has an abundance of knowledge to share. She’s wears many hats at the park from writing the park’s monthly newsletter, handling the social media pages, to organizing the many fun events- among other duties- she is fully emersed in all things Santee Lakes. We talk about what’s new in terms of fishing and camping, plus, a new Santee Lakes app in the works and when that’s set to launch. Let’s welcome Shawna Fakhouri to the show.
S1 · E11
Jun 26, 2025 · 20 min
Testing our Water: The Importance of Lab Staff
This episode will provide you with a closer look into the important work of Padre Dam's laboratory staff. We will hear from Padre Dam's Lab Supervisor, Phil Stevens and QA/QC Specialist, Melissa Marques. They delve into the different testing performed and how things will look a little different once the East County Advanced Water Purification Program goes online. If you are interested in learning more about a vital aspect of our water system, you’ll leave this episode with quite a few takeaways. Please welcome Phil Stevens and Melissa Marques to the show.
S1 · E10
May 7, 2025 · 25 min
Padre Dam’s Engineers Talk Projects and Passion
Padre Dam’s Director of Planning and Engineering, Lewis Clapp and Padre Dam's Engineering Manager, Michael Hindle are on the mic. Lewis and Michael have years of experience in engineering and they are true experts in the field. They are great at their jobs and most importantly, they are passionate about their work and making a positive impact in the community. This episode is informational and provides lots of takeaways. It also gives you a glimpse into the careers of some of the exceptional professionals that make up the Padre Dam workforce.
S1 · E9
Feb 25, 2025 · 17 min
Wildlife Rescues: Getting to Know the Boots on the Ground at Santee Lakes
Whether it's a stranded baby bunny or a bird caught in fishing line, wildlife rescues happen from time to time at Santee Lakes. Today we're chatting with Lake Maintenance Program Lead, Ray Bach who is well known for helping hundreds of animals over the past 12 years. In this episode, we get a glimpse into his life at the park and what led to his passion for animals. He provides tips if you see a stranded animal and how he's prepping for an influx of baby animals this spring. Let's welcome Ray Bach to The Water Drop Podcast.
S1 · E8
Dec 20, 2024 · 17 min
Winter Season at Santee Lakes
In this episode, we talk about what’s new at Santee Lakes for the winter season. Park and Recreation Operations Administrator, Shawna Fakhouri talks about stocking the lakes, camping including how to score a discount if you’re a local, and so much more!
S1 · E7
Nov 14, 2024 · 15 min
Protecting Your Plumbing This Holiday Season
With the holidays around the corner, we're talking all things sewer pipelines in this episode. Padre Dam's Construction and Maintenance Crew Supervisor, Daniel Lockart explains what shouldn't go down the drain, the robotic cameras that are used to monitor sewer mains and also, the strangest thing that's been found and caused a sewer backup.
S1 · E6
Oct 2, 2024 · 21 min
Landing a Job in the Water Industry
Are you looking to switch careers? Are you just entering into the workforce? Padre Dam's Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services, Lisa Sorce is on the podcast to talk about careers in the water industry. She delves into opportunities within our District and beyond, tips during the application process and what a career in this industry could look like for you.
S1 · E5
Sep 12, 2024 · 22 min
Water Saving Rebates
Looking to revamp your yard or replace your toilet? Padre Dam's Communications Coordinator Emma Shea is on the podcast to share some helpful tips on how to save money on your next project!
S1 · E4
Jun 28, 2024 · 19 min
The Summer Season at Santee Lakes
Do you enjoy fishing and being outdoors? Santee Lakes in East San Diego County is a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy nature and the park's seven lakes. We talk with Cory Kading, the Director of Park and Recreation about what's in store for the park this summer and what's the vision for the park moving forward.
S1 · E3
May 17, 2024 · 34 min
Protecting Wildlife at Construction Sites
Ever wonder how wild animals are protected during construction projects? In this episode, we speak with Biologist, Katie Duffield of Helix Environmental Planning about this topic. She sheds light on her role with the East County Advanced Water Purification Program that's currently under construction in East San Diego County.
S1 · E2
Mar 28, 2024 · 21 min
It's Not Wastewater Coming Straight to Your Tap
East San Diego County's water reuse project is under construction. The Director of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program, Mark Niemiec covers the benefits of the project and how it came to be. He also answers some social media questions from community members about the project.

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