Guardian of Water

Guardian of Water is a monumental stone sculpture at the entrance of the San Diego County Administration Center that combines carved stone forms with flowing fountains. The work features intricately sculpted figures integrated with water features that create a unified public art installation.

Artist Donal Hord created this stone sculpture in 1939, a time when water conservation was becoming a public concern in San Diego. The work emerged during a period when water was recognized as a vital resource for the region's growth.

The sculpture shows the relationship between San Diego residents and water resources through carefully carved figures and moving water. When you visit, you can observe how the flowing water continuously interacts with the carved stone forms around you.

The sculpture stands at the entrance of the County Administration Center and is visible to anyone walking along Harbor Drive. You can best appreciate it during daylight hours when sunlight illuminates the carved details and the water flows freely.

An identical replica of this sculpture sits in Yamashita Park in Yokohama, Japan, given as a gift in 1960. The Japanese version was presented to strengthen the sister city relationship between the two communities.

GPS coordinates: 32.72196,-117.17269

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44