The Water Drop

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.