Video transcript

One Water Laboratory

All Water is Valuable

San Diego State University is at the forefront of tackling water issues like drought, flooding, and contamination. The One Water Lab is pioneering a sustainable future where all water is valued, integrated, and protected.

About the OWL

For the San Diego River and Beyond

Shaping the future of water science and education

Scheduled to open in 2026, the 480 square foot building and outdoor space serves as a workforce training facility and outreach center, addressing water quality, stormwater treatment and water reuse with innovative technologies.

Mission Statement

The One Water Lab at SDSU Mission Valley is a living learning laboratory, located at the nexus of urban development and the San Diego River ecosystem, that is dedicated to advancing the principle that all water has value and must be protected. We educate future policymakers and scientists, empower our local community, and safeguard our shared water future. The One Water Lab:

  • drives sustainable water management through collaborative research, workforce training, and public engagement;
  • promotes water technologies and integrated water stewardship practices that view stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water as interconnected resources; and
  • supports resilient communities, healthy river systems, and sustainable water management for future generations.

SDSU water experts are proven partners in creating sustainable solutions

Purpose-Driven InnovatorsNatalie MladenovOWL principal investigator and professor of environmental engineeringWe have the technologies to treat all water types — including wastewater or stormwater that runs off from the landscape — to make it clean water that's safe enough for drinking. And it's all connected.

Lily Astete Vasquez

Applying Knowledge in the Field

America is the epitome of the flush and forget system.
Lily Astete Vasquez '25
She's designed a sustainable toilet alternative with new ways of treating wastewater

Experiential Learning for Students

Students at all levels have opportunities to pursue ideas and develop skills they will need as transformative hydrologists, environmental engineers and policymakers.

For the Community

Water Education for All

Showcasing new tools and actions to solve water challenges

The OWL will offer opportunities for the public and K-12 students to learn about the latest technologies for addressing water scarcity and contamination and how they can make a difference.

Contact Us

Get in touch to see how you can get involved with the One Water Lab.

Thank you to our generous supporters!

Funds for OWL have been provided by the San Diego River Conservancy.