The Water Drop

Latest Episodes:

Development Inspections: The Value of Getting It Right Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

Dive Into a Career in Water Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

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.

NOW ON VIDEO: The Road to Reservoirs: A Water Engineer's Story Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

Behind the Scenes: Keeping the Water Flowing 24/7 Mar 09, 2026

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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!

What Smart Technology Means for Your Water Service Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

Tapped into Progress: East County AWP 2025 Achievements Dec 19, 2025

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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!

Unlocking Exceptional Customer Service Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

East San Diego County's Water Reuse Project Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

What's New at Santee Lakes Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

Testing our Water: The Importance of Lab Staff Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

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