Community Outreach
2024 Public Works Open House
May 22, 2024
MPWD participated in the City of Belmont's Public Works Open House again this year at Twin Pines Park. MPWD is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year and is big supporter of community events like the Public Works Open House.
City of Belmont Earth Day 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
A friendly day in the park celebrating Earth Day with the community. MPWD shares the message about long-term sustainability of water supply and distribution, and making water conservation a California Way of Life during its 95th year of service to the communities of Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, and Redwood City.
Water Poster Contest Returns
2024
MPWD's popular Water Poster Calendar Contest returns to local elementary schools; Board of Directors recognize award winners and recognize teachers.
MPWD in the Community: 2023
July 2023
With the return of community events in MPWD's service area, MPWD is back and as excited as ever to support events such as Earth Day, National Night Out, and the Belmont Water Dog Run. Either through direct participation or sponsorship, MPWD has had a long tradition of involvement in many annual events that gives MPWD an opportunity to connect with its customers. In 2023, MPWD either re-engaged or expanded its outreach efforts.
MPWD’s Poster Contest Returns for 2023
January 2023
Local elementary schools join the relaunch of the annual art competition focused on water conservation. MPWD Board of Directors and Staff present certificates of award to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from schools in the MPWD’s service community.
Having Fun at Belmont Water Dog Run
October 2022
The MPWD is proud to be a first-time community sponsor of the 2022 Belmont Water Dog Run.
National Night Out
August 2022
MPWD joined the City of Belmont in celebrating its 38th National Night Out on August 2, 2022.
MPWD Joins Annual Public Works Open House
May 19, 2022
The 2022 City of Belmont’s Annual National Public Works Open House was held at the Twin Pines Park on Thursday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) was represented by several operations and office staff displaying the capabilities of the District and goals for the near future. The City of Belmont, Recology, and RethinkWaste also participated in the public works showcase.
National Night Out Returns to Belmont
August 3, 2021
On August 3, 2021, the City of Belmont returned to its annual celebration of community safety with the 37th National Night Out. Nine events were scheduled across the city, with MPWD hosting a booth at the Carlmont Shopping Center from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. MPWD staff were glad to share the importance of water conservation with visiting community members while offering free water conservation promotional items, such as the popular MPWD water-saving buckets.
Learning Is Fun!
October 26, 2019
Each year, San Carlos Charter Learning Center visits the MPWD office to learn more about our water system, California water issues, and conservation. This year’s trip occurred on October 26, 2019, bringing 44 second graders, teachers, and parents into attendance. Students participated in a classroom experience which included a water awareness video, a story on the hydrological cycle, and a “Get to Know” H2O savings contest. They also had the opportunity to engage in a number of hands-on demo stations as well as several craft projects, do-it-yourself rain gauges, and garden art signs. MPWD 90th Anniversary tumblers packed with scholastic goods and a nutritious snack were also provided to each child at the end of the field trip.
2018 National Night Out
August 7, 2018
Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) joined several other community organizations by participating in the City of Belmont National Night Out on August 7 at the Carlmont Shopping Center. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Fourteen neighborhoods throughout the City of Belmont participated at various, designated areas.
MPWD Celebrates Earth Day with Belmont
April 21, 2018
Over two-dozen vendors decorated Twin Pines Park during the Annual Earth Day Celebration on April 21, 2018. Children and adults alike showed up in abundance to learn. San Mateo County residents dropped off e-waste, gently-used books for recycling, brought in their confidential documents to shred, and shoveled free compost for use in their gardens. Booths featured hands-on activities, games, loads of reference materials, and fun giveaways.
Local Youth Robotics Team Presents Research Project
February 22, 2018
On February 22, 2018, the Rocky Robotic Team, comprised of four local youth, presented their competition project and research poster to the MPWD Board of Directors.
MPWD’s Poster Contest Draws the Best!
January 2018
On Thursday, January 25, 2018, MPWD hosted the twelve winners of its Annual Water Awareness Calendar Contest. Each year, the District creates a 12-month wall calendar to promote water conservation that features winning student entries. As part of it call for entries, the District asked 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from schools in its service community to incorporate the expression, “If Everyone Saves a Little, We Can All Save a Lot!” into their poster artwork. 128 poster entries were received from five schools. The twelve winners were invited to the January Board of Directors Meeting and presented participation certificates, while gifts cards were presented to the grand prize winner and two runner ups.
MPWD Student Mentoring a "Perfect Match"
During 2016/2017, the MPWD participated in Carlmont High School’s Biotech Institute (BTI) program in furtherance of its community outreach and public education. General Manager Tammy Rudock served as a leadership mentor to Hunter Crawford-Shelmadine, a Carlmont High School Junior. Hunter’s goal is to attend college in Southern California and study marine biology. Tammy shared tours of MPWD facilities and operations with Hunter during the year, including introductions at a business meeting of the Harbor Industrial Association and the MPWD Board of Directors in early 2017. . .
San Carlos Charter Learning Center 2017 Field Trip
November 17, 2017
San Carlos Charter Learning Center had a great time visiting the MPWD during their annual visit on Friday, November 17, 2017. MPWD hosted the San Carlos Charter 2nd grade students and their chaperones at the District office to explore different topics related to water and water conservation. Students were treated to an exciting morning curriculum that included hands-on demo stations and exploring a District scale model. Students were also treated to a take-home rain-catchment craft project, a video presentation, story time, and a water savings game. Gift bags containing educational materials and a nutritious snack were provided to each child at the conclusion of the visit.
To view the the photo essay from all the fun events, please click below.
Local Robotics Youth Team Up with MPWD
November, 2017
The Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) has teamed up with the Rocky Rapids Robotics Team to support their research on lawn replacement and water conservation with hydrozoning and xeriscaping. They completed their preliminary research report that includes six recommendations to accompany implementation of your Lawn Be Gone project.
MPWD Participates in 2017 National Night Out
August 1, 2017
On Tuesday, August 1, the Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) participated in the 2017 National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Twelve neighborhoods throughout the City of Belmont participated.
MPWD Teams Up with Local Scout on Sustainable Garden
In May of 2015, the MPWD was approached by Thomas Kish, a local scout, with a proposed community “Demo Garden” concept to meet the requirements of his Eagle Leadership Service Award. The objective of the project was to “plan, organize, lead, and manage a team of volunteers in serving the needs of a local religious, educational or non-profit and commercial in nature institution.” Kish chose to design and implement a drought-tolerant landscape across from its Dairy Lane offices to demonstrate for MPWD customers the use of water-efficient, native plants in a sustainable garden. Kish is pictured above with friends and family members that volunteered during the project.
MPWD Goes 2-for-2 on Earth Day 2016
April 2016
Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) renewed its commitment to celebrating Earth Day this year by participating in back-to-back local community events. Not only did MPWD join the City of Belmont for a 5th consecutive year on April 23, 2016, but the District also attended the City of San Carlos’ inaugural Earth Day Event on April 30, 2016. Both events' primary focus was environmental issues and sustainability through interactive activities, vendor displays, and recycling drop-off and pick-up opportunities.
San Carlos Charter Learning Center Field Trip
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
MPWD hosted more than 40 San Carlos Charter 2nd grade students and their chaperones at the District office. With the program's primary focus on water conservation, students were treated to an exciting morning curriculum that included hands-on demo stations and exploring a District scale model. Students were also treated to a take-home rain-catchment craft project, a video presentation, story time, and a water savings game. Gift bags containing educational materials and a nutritious snack were provided to each child at the conclusion of the visit. A wonderful and informative time was had by all! The District looks forward to hosting Cipriani Elementary school in the Spring of 2016!
"Save the Music" Festival
October 4, 2015
The “Save the Music” Festival is the largest annual fundraiser for School Force, the education foundation for the Belmont Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD). Each year Belmont schools, city (police, fire and chamber) and county (public library and elections office) public service agencies, as well as private community groups and business owners join forces at Twin Pines Park on the first Sunday in October to raise money in a communal effort. Proceeds support BRSSD elementary grades instrumental music program. In addition to raising much needed funds for the schools, the festival affords an opportunity to share in the gift of Music. This year’s event took place on Sunday, October 4th from 11 am – 5 pm. Thousands were in attendance, and although MPWD was not part of the fundraising effort, the District was asked to share in the experience by staffing a water conservation and drought education booth.
MPWD 2016 Poster Contest Call for Entries
MPWD is now taking entries for our 2016 Water Awareness Poster Contest. The Poster Contest is conducted each year to promote water awareness and with local third- through fifth-grade school children. It also encourages early participation in water conservation exercises that will become more and more critical during the extended statewide drought. Winning entries will be featured in the MPWD 2016 Water Awareness Calendar. For more information about the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest and how to participate, please contact Jeanette Kalabolas at 650.591.8941.
Rules and Deadlines:
- Student must attend school within MPWD service territory.
- Contest limited to students currently enrolled in grades 3-5 for the 2015/2016 school year.
- Student cannot submit more than one (1) entry.
- Entries must meet size requirement of 8-1/2” x 11” Landscape.
- Entries must be student’s original, hand-drawn work. Entries must be identified on the back of the poster as follows: Student’s first and last name, grade, teacher’s name, and school.
- The primary contest theme is “If Everyone Saves a Little, We Can All Save a Lot” (this saying must be incorporated into poster).
- Entries must be received no later than November 13, 2015 at the MPWD office.
MPWD a "Green Business"
June 2015
The Green Business Program was initiated in 1997 to help businesses meet higher standards of environmental performance. The program is a partnership of governmental agencies, businesses, and the public joining forces to better comply with green regulations, act to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and minimize waste through the use of uniform structure. In 2010, MPWD originally applied and was granted certification as a sustainable establishment. Due to restrictions surrounding the availability of funds, re-certification in the program was limited in the years that followed. However, MPWD was approached in late 2014 for re-certification and a renewal application was submitted. On March 25, 2015, an onsite qualifying assessment was conducted. MPWD met all program criteria and was awarded certification credentials in June 2015. For more on green business practices or information on how to certify your business, please visit California’s www.greenbusinessca.org.
MPWD Proudly Part of Belmont National Night Out
August 4, 2015
For 30 years, the National Night Out (NNO) has been an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. On August 4th, the City of Belmont – along with more than 16,000 communities in the U.S. and Canada – participated in this year’s NNO. Participating Belmont neighborhoods were asked to turn on outdoor lights, lock their doors, and spend the evening outside with neighbors and various community sponsors. Neighborhoods hosted a variety of events ranging from small potluck gatherings to larger, full-scale BBQ block parties. Representatives from MPWD, who shared drought outreach materials, joined Belmont Police, Fire, and other City departments.
Belmont Earth Day 2015
April 25, 2015
Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) was proud to be a returning participant to the Earth Day Celebration held this year at Twin Pines Park on Saturday, April 25. This year's theme was "It's Our Turn to Lead" as MPWD joined several co-hosts in celebrating this largest civic event in the world. Earth Day promotes a broad base of support for environmental programs and community activism across the globe.
Represented by Jeanette Kalabolas (Administrative Specialist - Water Conservation) and Laura Ravella (Administrative Assistant - Customer Service), MPWD was on hand to promote water conservation – a critical issue requiring heightened awareness during the California statewide drought – through interaction with the community and distributing water conservation kits and fun promotional items.
MPWD Announces Winner of Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest
February 2015
On January 22, the MPWD proudly announced the winners of its 7th Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest while also unveiling the 2015 MPWD Water Awareness Calendar that prominently features twelve of the top entries. The Poster Contest is conducted each year to promote water awareness with local third- through fifth-grade school children. It also encourages early participation in water conservation exercises that will become more and more critical during the extended statewide drought.
During the awards ceremony, Lucy Wood from Immaculate Heart of Mary School was announced as the grand prize winner. Runner-up winners included Jacob Young, Linda Molnar, and Tia Phung. An award for the most participation was presented to Ms. Kelly Smith on behalf of her third grade class at Immaculate Heart of Mary School who submitted 24 entries alone. Other selected posters featured in the calendar were submitted by students from San Carlos Charter Learning Center and Charles Armstrong School.
MPWD Water Awareness Calendars are distributed to schools, businesses, and other organizations in Belmont and neighboring areas. For more information about the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest and how to participate, please contact Jeanette Kalabolas at 650.591.8941.
School Field Trips
Spring 2014
Each Spring MPWD hosts field trips for local third through fifth graders in its service area. Held at its facility in Belmont, students receive a demonstration of the district’s water infrastructure and how it works. During the workshop, they review materials on water conservation and view a movie. Stations are set up around the facility and MPWD system operators show them how water valves work, and how much water they use for brushing teeth, washing hands, and other daily water uses.
Student Calendar Winners
February 2014
MPWD is involved in several water conservation education programs in conjunc-tion with local schools. The goal is to educate children on where their water comes from and how important a resource it is. Each year, MPWD conducts an annual calendar contest allowing third through fifth graders in its service area to draw anything they wish related to water conservation. An awards ceremony was held at the MPWD’s January 23rd Board meeting where the runner-up students were recognized and awarded prizes. Mrs. Corteway, a Belmont Oaks Academy teacher, was honored for the highest number of student art submissions. The 2014 calendar was presented to all participants. The campaign slogan this year is “If we all save a little, we can all save a lot.”
Locals Learn About Smart Landscaping
Spring 2014
Twenty local residents got their hands dirty at this year’s Water Efficient Landscape Class offered on April 27th at MPWDs Belmont facility. The half-day event was part of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Annual Spring landscaping program and included a 30-minute hands-on demonstration and lecture style discussion. Topics included, attractive yet efficient lawn alternatives, soil prep, drip irrigation design, installation and maintenance, and other related issues. “There’s nothing like a hands-on experience to really learn about landscaping techniques,” notes Conservation Coordinator Jeanette Kalabolas. “Plus everyone had fun and left with lots of information on how to create attractive landscapes while saving water.”
Making Every Day Earth Day
Spring 2013
We are proud to hold a green certification from the San Mateo County Area Green Business Program, recognizing our commitment to environmental sustainability. As part of its ongoing “green” efforts, MPWD participated in the City of Belmont’s Earth Day celebration held at Twin Pines Park on April 22nd. Along with other local companies and utilities, MPWD staffers were on hand to educate the public on water conservation programs and products, including rebate applications for EPA-approved Water Sense high-efficiency toilets, qualified clothes washers, and the “Lawn Be Gone” program. Toilet tank banks, simple water saving devices for larger capacity toilets, were a big hit with the public.
Conservation Coordinator Jeanette Kalabolas says this event allows MPWD to learn about new conservation ideas from other participants and educate the public on ways to save water. “But the real test is when people go home. Our hope is they will monitor their water use more carefully, change out old water-guzzling appliances, and consider swapping turf for water-thrifty landscaping.” For more information on MPWD’s water conservation tips, go to www.midpeninsulawater.org.