The Education Center will see its staff moving in later this spring. Photo: ECAWPEast County AWP Reaches Key Phase of Project in Spring 2026
As spring temperatures rise, the East County AWP Program enters a key phase of the project. The majority of work at the main Santee construction is nearing completion. This year begins with a wave of important new milestones and updates.
Visit the project’s website for more details.
New Signage on Education Center
A new sign has been installed outside the future Education Center. This building will welcome visitors for educational programs. It will also house the lab and administrative offices, making it a hub for learning, innovation, and daily operations. This building is on track for lab staff to begin moving in and occupying in late spring.
Learn more about recent updates in this video presentation.
Sewer Pipeline Infrastructure Progress Report
Construction to install a new nine-mile residuals pipeline and rehabilitate an eight-mile sewer pipeline is moving forward. Work is currently underway in Mission Trails Regional Park, along Mission Gorge Road, and on Camino Del Rio North.
To date, approximately 32,000 linear feet of pipeline have been installed- representing roughly one-third of the total alignment for this phase of the project. In Mission Trails Regional Park, work is about 25% complete.
(photo caption with yellow structures) Pipeline installation on Mission Gorge Road just east of the Mission Vista Drive intersection.
Mission Trails East Entrance Closed to Vehicles
The vehicle gate at the east end of Mission Trails Regional Park near Bushy Hill Drive is closed through the end of this month. This temporary closure is in place to safely complete pipeline installation on this end of the park.
Vehicles cannot access the Old Mission Dam parking lot. Pedestrians and bicyclists are still able to pass through the gate
Visitors can still use the dirt parking lot at the corner of Bushy Hill Drive and Father Junipero Serra Trail, as well as nearby street parking.
New Detour to Enter Mission Trails Regional Park’s West Entrance
Be informed about road detours off Mission Gorge Road near the west entrance to Mission Trails Regional Park. Photo: ECAWP
Pipeline work near the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center necessitates road closures affecting motorists. Currently, the left-hand turn from Mission Gorge Road onto Father Junipero Serra Trail is closed. Detours in place allow access to the park.
Regular vehicles:
- Drive to Golfcrest Drive, make a U-turn at the light, and then turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail to reach the Visitor Center.
Large vehicles (including school buses):
- Turn right onto Jackson Drive
- Turn left onto Navajo Road
- Turn left onto Golfcrest Drive
- Turn left onto Mission Gorge Road
- Then turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail to reach the Visitor Center
Final Pipeline Work Underway at Santee Lakes
Crews are preparing to install the final run of wastewater pipeline at Santee Lakes for the East County Advanced Water Project. Photo: ECAWP
Crews are preparing to install the final run of wastewater pipeline at Santee Lakes, marking a major milestone in this important infrastructure project. This is the last 3,500 feet of pipeline essential to the project.
A portion of the west road is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic. The road remains open to pedestrians, so visitors can still enjoy Santee Lakes on foot.
This 36-inch pipeline will be installed using horizontal directional drilling from the west side of Lake 1 to the East Mission Gorge Pump Station at the corner of State Route 52 and Mission Gorge Road.
Horizontal directional drilling is being used instead of traditional open-cut construction to preserve the environment, including the San Diego River and a nearby golf course that the pipeline crosses.
Revitalizing the Former Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility Site
Changes are coming to the former site of the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility as the East County AWP works toward completion. Photo: East County AWP
After the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility was decommissioned by Padre Dam Municipal Water District last fall, the East County AWP Program is repurposing the original site.
Key structures are being repurposed, including the existing chlorine contact basin (the covered tank visible in the top of the photo), which has been disinfecting water for plant washdowns and recycled water distribution since 1997.
The recycled water pump station is also being upgraded with new plant washdown pumps, a modern electrical service, and an emergency generator. This pump station will continue to serve recycled water to customers.
Excavation is underway for new electrical duct banks, and a new sodium hypochlorite chemical feed station is being installed.
The remaining structures on the site are scheduled for demolition later this summer.
Interactive Map Helps Residents Stay Updated On Program Progress
When completed, water from this project will provide potable water to customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, and Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District. It has now reached 48,500 views.
With construction in multiple locations throughout East County, the Program’s interactive map offers a useful tool for residents and businesses to track where work is happening. The map is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 through the EastCountyAWP.com website. Information is also available via social media at @eastcountyawp
