Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner was honored with the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award by Water For People, an international non-profit organization, for her efforts on American Water Works Association’s California-Nevada Section’s Water for People San Diego Committee.
The award recognizes exceptional volunteers who are working to support water and sanitation in developing countries.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Thorner. “Water For People is one of my favorite charities. They support disadvantaged communities across the globe to improve their quality of life with water, sanitation, and hygiene services.”
Thorner performs volunteer work for the Water for People San Diego Committee behind the scenes. In addition, she also appears on stage at its annual fundraising luncheon for water and wastewater professionals, which raised over $24,000 in 2024.
“I attended my first Water For People fundraising luncheon 14 years ago, and I heard a speaker talk about how girls and women would disappear on long walks to water sources to fetch water. It hit me hard, as I realized, with young daughters of my own, how fortunate we were to have clean water from our taps at our fingertips,” said Thorner.
“Since then, I have had the honor and pleasure of working on and emceeing the event 11 times. “In addition to raising crucial funding, the event spotlights successful projects and emphasizes the need for Water For People worldwide. All the employees at OMWD hold this charity close to their hearts.”
Long History Of Support By Thorner and OMWD Employees
Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kim Thorner and Education and Conservation Coordinator Teresa Chase with some of the 255 nut baskets sold, with $5,610 going to Water for People in 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
Thorner and OMWD employees have volunteered and contributed to Water For People events for more than 20 years, raising thousands of dollars by assembling, selling, and purchasing holiday gift baskets. This effort represents 11 percent of the total proceeds from basket sales in San Diego County.
Thorner has also hosted “Walk for Water” fundraising walks at OMWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The length of the walks, six kilometers, represents the average distance that women and girls in developing countries walk each day to fetch water for their families to use for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
“Kim Thorner has been an outstanding volunteer for Water For People in numerous ways over the years,” said Tom Alspaugh, who nominated Thorner for the award. “She has spearheaded support for Water For People’s events and activities, and in exemplifying excellent service, she is well deserving of the Miller award.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thorner-water-for-people-1080x720.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-03 14:07:392025-06-05 07:35:39Water For People Recognizes Kimberly Thorner for Volunteer Leadership
Community leaders from across San Diego County expressed their support for the end of long running litigation between the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District following the morning news conference announcing the settlement.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
“Settling litigation between Metropolitan and the Water Authority is a springboard for stabilizing rates through water exchanges and transfers. I’m proud of the work our city delegates have done to get to this point and believe strongly that this is necessary to secure our future as a city and region.” – San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
“The San Diego County Water Authority’s skilled and trained workforce keeps the water flowing across our region. By ending 15 years of litigation, the Water Authority can continue their focus on reducing the cost of water and the workers can focus on what they do best – making sure we never have to think about whether water will flow from our faucet.” – Brigette Browning, President, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO – The Union of Unions
Brigette Browning, President, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO – The Union of Unions
“We applaud the Water Authority and Metropolitan for ending this long-running litigation, recognizing that we’re stronger together. Our $262 billion economy runs on the supply the Water Authority provides. Looking ahead, the creation of water markets in California and across the Southwest will provide rate benefits that businesses in our region need to grow and thrive.” – Mark Cafferty, President & COO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
“Biocom California as an organization was literally founded around the issue of water availability in the 1990s. One of the reasons we were able to grow to be one of the largest life science clusters in the world is because of the foresight of the San Diego County Water Authority. We are thrilled that two entities we work with and respect have resolved their differences, and are excited for what this means for California’s water future.” – Tim Scott, President and CEO, Biocom California
The Vallecitos Water District was recognized with a One Water Award from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) for its efforts to work with homeowners associations in its district on turf replacement projects.
Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins accepted the award on behalf of the Vallecitos Water District in a recognition event at Metropolitan’s headquarters in Los Angeles on May 21.
L to R: Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Senior Water Specialist Gary Tilkian, Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins, and Metropolitan Board Chairman Adan Ortega at the One Water Awards. Photo: Metropolitan Water District
Now in its third year, Metropolitan’s One Water Awards honors businesses and non-residential industries for achieving remarkable water savings with assistance from its various water efficiency programs.
Award-winning projects are located throughout Metropolitan’s six-county service area and are recognized for accomplishments in sustainability, innovation, community engagement, collaboration, and leadership.
“The honorees here with us today are remarkable not only for their dedication to saving water, but for the example they set in their communities,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “They are proving what’s possible – and showing how Southern California can rise to the challenge of adapting to a changing climate. That’s a vision Metropolitan shares.”
Watch a video about the successful landscaping projects.
“I’m so pleased to get this award. I feel a little guilty; I get to stand up here and get this award, but really it was a partnership,” said Robbins. “It was the incentives offered by the Metropolitan Water District. It was the partnering between the San Diego County Water Authority and the County of San Diego. And then it was the individual homeowners associations,” working with Vallecitos to make its projects a reality.
Robbins said videos featuring the projects and articles in the District’s newsletter generated additional interest from eligible HOAs.
Water News Network featured all three of the winning Vallecitos Water District projects as they were completed.
Fairways at Lake San Marcos Project
The bowl-shaped common space at the Mall III Homeowners Association property in Lake San Marcos was once dominated by turf, which wasn’t being used while requiring significant irrigation.
The San Elijo homeowner association had attempted to remodel its landscaping for nearly a decade. Not only was irrigation a significant expense, but the runoff from rain and irrigation polluted the lake. After a water-smart landscape upgrade, it’s now a point of pride that’s easier on the budget.
The transformation, made possible in part by incentives offered through the Water Authority’s rebate program, is one that local officials hope will inspire other communities.
23,000 sq ft area
10,000 sq. ft. native plants installed.
100,000 gallon reduction in irrigation runoff per year
Water savings: one million gallons
Cost savings: $66,000 over ten years
Fairways at Lake San Marcos HOA replaced 23,000 square feet of common area turf grass with native and drought-tolerant plants. A rock-lined swale cascades down a slope to prevent stormwater runoff and provides an attractive entrance to the community. A butterfly garden with a gravel walkway near the clubhouse provides accessibility and education.
Fairways HOA president Terry Brown said her community was introduced to the program and decided to move forward.
Preventing runoff into Lake San Marcos is a benefit of the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego
“We removed 23,000 square feet, and then we got three dollars for each square foot that we removed, plus we got 40 cents for the drip irrigation system. We’re going to receive one dollar per square foot for at least 10,000 square feet of California native plants. So, we did all of that. And we’re pleased with everything that has happened,” said Brown.
While rebates defrayed the initial costs, the real savings will be realized in the years ahead on one of the HOA’s major expenses, the cost of irrigation.
There are more than 6,700 homeowners associations in San Diego County. Two million County residents live within an HOA, according to the California Association of Community Managers.
Launched in 2021 by the County of San Diego’s Watershed Protection Program and the San Diego County Water Authority, the WaterScape Rebate Program is open to HOAs and commercial properties in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offered through the Waterscape Rebate Program is a technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.
Still Room for Thoughtful Use of Grass
Thoughtful inclusion of grass for play areas, pets, and other uses is incorporated into the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego
Makeovers don’t require removing all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical. For the Fairways HOA board members, it meant accommodating the many residents who like to walk their dogs in the neighborhood, and wanted to retain some grassy spaces for them to enjoy with their pets.
As part of the program, LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.
The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns.
More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here, or contact your member water agency for details.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/vwd-fairways-los-site-visit-3.jpg8101080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-22 11:45:542025-06-02 11:38:21One Water Awards Honors Vallecitos Water District Projects
The Otay Water District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance and reaffirm its commitment to openness and accessibility for its constituents and local stakeholders.
“This award reflects the Otay Water District’s dedication to open government,” said Board President Jose Lopez. “I commend our staff for empowering the public with information and encouraging engagement and oversight.”
Award Recognizes Transparency in District Governance
The Otay Water District’s commitment to transparency was recognized with the Special District Leadership Foundation award. Photo: Otay Water District
To receive the award, the District demonstrated that it had completed essential governance transparency requirements, including ethics and harassment prevention training for all board members and staff, properly holding open and public meetings, promptly filing financial and compensation reports with the State Controller, and fulfilling other key transparency practices.
SDLF also notified the legislators representing the District’s service area about the achievement. Assemblymembers Marie Waldron, David Alvarez, Akilah Weber, and Senators Steve Padilla and Brian Jones received letters commending the District for its open and transparent practices and recognizing it as a model of best practices for California agencies.
SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. For more about SDLF, visit www.sdlf.org.
Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as utilities, wastewater treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries, and more.
The Otay Water District is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer service to approximately 238,008 customers within approximately 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and east Otay Mesa along the international border with Mexico.
For more information about the Otay Water District, visit otaywater.gov.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/transparency-certificate-csda-copy.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-21 14:46:322025-05-22 14:16:33Otay Water District Awarded Transparency Certificate of Excellence
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (4S WRF) was named the statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (small division) by the California Water Environment Association at its recent annual conference in San Diego. The award recognizes the facility’s innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operation.
In addition to being named California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level in February from CWEA’s San Diego Section.
The 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is a repeat winner, winning this statewide recognition as Plant of the Year five times since 2019.
“There are over a thousand wastewater treatment plants in California, and our district is honored to have 4S WRF named as CWEA’s Plant of the Year at the state level for the second time in three years,” said Matthew R. Hahn, OMWD board president.
CWEA president Gilbert Barela (far right) presents the award to Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees John Onkka, recycled water program supervisor, and Jason Emerick, water reclamation operator. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“The successful operation of the 4S WRF is a direct result of the support and collaboration across all areas of the District, including the Board of Directors, senior management, the 4S WRF operators, and all OMWD departments,” said John Onkka, Water Reclamation Facilities Supervisor at the 4S Water Reclamation Facility.
Innovation Drives High Quality, Saves Treatment Costs for Ratepayers
Innovative practices at 4S WRF over the past several years include the installation of monitoring equipment that makes immediate adjustments in the treatment process, which stood out to the CWEA judges. The equipment not only keeps the facility in regulatory compliance but also reduces treatment costs for ratepayers. In addition, to obtain higher water quality and reduce energy costs, OMWD installed a more efficient ultraviolet disinfection system.
OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water. 4S WRF can transform up to two million gallons of wastewater to recycled water each day. This alternative water supply reduces the use of drinking water for the irrigation of golf courses, parks, schools, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas.
OMWD Expands Access to Recycled Water in 2025
Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Currently, OMWD is expanding access to its recycled water by identifying opportunities to connect more customers to its recycled water distribution system.
Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. The completion of the pipeline extensions later this year will result in the conversion of 28 water meters from potable to recycled water, saving more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water annually.
Founded in 1928, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus wastewater industry professionals. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes safe and effective work practices.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2018-4s-wrf-aerial-2-1.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-04-29 16:48:352025-05-02 23:35:384S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Named 2024 Plant of the Year
Amid a rainy April 1, the San Diego County Water Authority held a news conference to inform the public about where the region stands when it comes to water supplies and the opportunities ahead.
“Despite a few rainy days this week, 2025 has had a drier-than-usual start. However, thanks to decades of strategic planning, the San Diego County Water Authority assures residents that the region has an ample water supply,” said ABC 10 reporter Madison Weil.
While San Diego’s rainfall total stands at less than half the yearly average, other parts of the state have seen levels much closer to normal, according to Water Authority Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez.
Senior Water Resource Specialist Efren Lopez addresses the media.
As CBS 8 reported, “Northern California has had a really rainy season so that has helped keep water levels in a good spot for the state. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is about 90 percent of the average. More snow is expected which could boost the levels slightly.”
“In San Diego County even though we’re happy to see rest of state is doing great, we don’t depend on natural hydrology like rain and snowpack,” said Lopez. “We have invested over the past 30 years on reliable drought proof supplies.”
With ample water supplies, the San Diego County Water Authority sees opportunity to help water scarce parts of the west through innovative water transfers, according to General Manager Dan Denham.
“While we can’t discuss the details of negotiations, it’s fair to say there is significant interest in buying some of our drought-resilient water – and that’s welcome news for San Diego County ratepayers,” said Denham. “Our goals are to maintain our water reliability for generations to come while at the same time controlling costs.”
As KPBS mentionedthose deals “will eventually help local ratepayers. They’ve allowed the Water Authority to create a rate stabilization fund.”
“A rate stabilization fund is a mechanism for us to smooth out those rates over time. Because of the two wet years and lost water sales, we’ve had to use that rate stabilization fund to mitigate rates, or they would’ve been even higher,” Denham said.
ABC’s Weil noted “As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, maintaining a proactive approach to water management remains essential.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image-28-e1743636292246.jpg12762342Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-04-03 07:40:592025-04-03 07:40:59Water Authority Provides Update on Supplies and Opportunities
Despite receiving roughly half of normal rainfall this water year, the San Diego County Water Authority not only has plenty of water to meet regional demand for the foreseeable future but is seeking to transfer a limited amount of supplies to areas of the West with greater water scarcity.
Selling or leasing water to other agencies will help offset the cost of multi-generational water investments by the region and address affordability challenges that are being felt by water agencies across the state and nation. By offering a limited amount of highly reliable water, the Water Authority can both retain water security for San Diego County and mitigate upward pressure on rates.
“The San Diego region’s investments in water supply reliability have given us an unusual opportunity to both help ratepayers and support other regions that have fewer water supply options,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “We are talking with potential partners in Southern California and beyond.”
In 2023 and 2024, the Water Authority saved San Diego County ratepayers $40 million with a series of complex transfers that helped raise the water level in Lake Mead, the keystone reservoir for the Colorado River system. While another similar deal is possible, the Water Authority is also negotiating with water-scarce areas about transferring drought-proof desalinated seawater for multiple years.
“We are in a new era in water management for San Diego County, an era marked by collaboration, creativity and efficiency,” Denham said. “The Water Authority is leading the way with strategic alliances that create multiple benefits for San Diego County and the Southwest.”
Such deals will take several months or even years to secure due to the complexities of water law. For instance, the Water Authority may be able to lease water to an agency in Arizona, using the Colorado River as the conduit for delivering those supplies. These kinds of exchanges and transfers help optimize water use, especially during droughts, and enable other users to benefit from a reliable water supply.
The Colorado River Basin provides essential water supplies to approximately 40 million people and 30 Tribal Nations, nearly 5.5 million acres of agricultural lands, and habitat for ecological resources across parts of several Western states (including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and Mexico.
“While we can’t discuss the details of negotiations, it’s fair to say there is significant interest in buying some of our drought-resilient water – and that’s welcome news for San Diego County ratepayers,” said Denham. “Our goals are to maintain our water reliability for generations to come while at the same time controlling costs.”
“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to promote affordability for our ratepayers. We’re committed to doing everything we can to ease the burden on ratepayers while protecting the water security we’ve worked so hard to build,” said San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano.
The more immediate good news for the region and state is that the California Department of Water Resources’ fourth snowpack survey of the year showed plenty of water in the Sierra to stretch through the summer and fall. While the San Diego region typically gets a small fraction of its water from Northern California, the health of the snowpack is important for the statewide economy.
DWR’s late March or early April measurements mark what is considered the peak snowpack each the year in the Sierra Nevada. On Friday, the agency reported the statewide snowpack is 90 percent of average.
The Colorado River Basin – which supplies about two-thirds of San Diego County’s water – also shows a healthy snowpack. Precipitation and snowpack are about average across the basin for this time of year. However, over the past two decades, a series of mostly dry years has strained the Colorado River. Most of the Water Authority’s water from the river is through conservation agreements in the Imperial Valley.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rain-barrel-3708967-1280.jpg7211080Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-04-01 14:07:222025-04-01 14:07:22Water Authority Seeks to Transfer Water and Lower Costs
The Vallecitos Water District honored its recently retired Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the district and its customers, re-naming the Twin Oaks Reservoir Facility as the Ed Pedrazzi Water Storage Facility.
Current and former Vallecitos Water District employees and supporters gathered for the dedication at the site to celebrate Pedrazzi’s career and legacy.
Pedrazzi was hired as a utility worker in the Construction Department in 1989. He was promoted five times from Water Systems Operator to Senior Operator, then Supervisor, and ultimately Operations and Maintenance Manager.
The new naming plaque for the Ed Pedrazzi Reservoir Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Vallecitos General Manager James Gumpel said, “Ed’s career is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. Beyond his professional achievements, Ed’s true impact can be measured by the people he has mentored.”
Gumpel also noted Pedrazzi’s influence extends far beyond the Vallecitos Water District. “Ed has helped develop industry leaders and shape policies that improve water management across the region. His impressive list of certifications and qualifications, including his expertise in emergency response and hazardous materials management, reflect his dedication to safety, innovation, and progress.”
Accolades and Thanks for Pedrazzi’s Contributions
Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
Testimonial after testimonial offered tributes to Pedrazzi’s leadership role and the inspiration and motivation he provided through his long tenure at Vallecitos WD.
“Ed, if you look around at the people here, these are all people that you have made an impact on in some way or the other. That is a huge legacy, and you should be really, really proud,” said Vallecitos Board Vice President Jennifer Kerschbaum, P.E.
“You instilled your values of being so dedicated to the public, the public safety, the public’s best interest. You instilled your values of hard work into each of your team members, and you have guided your team along the way over many years. That’s why I’m so happy to see your name on this facility.
“This facility is the heart of our operations, and I really feel like you, Ed, are the heart of our district, and you’ve left a lasting legacy,” said Kerschbaum.
Pedrazzi Grateful For Recognition From Colleagues
Ed Pedrazzi was known for sending Minion memes with his emails to lighten the work day. Minion-themed cookies at the naming event commemorated Ed’s unique leadership style. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Pedrazzi thanked Gumpel and the board for approving the name change in his honor.
“It’s been one hell of a career … You guys made my job easy. You supported me through everything, and I just want to thank you all so much,” said Pedrazzi
“Ed, your leadership, your passion for mentorship, and your unwavering commitment to the safety and success of this district will not be forgotten,” said Gumpel. “Your name will stand as a reminder of excellence, service, and the impact that one individual can make on an entire industry.”
Ed Pedrazzi monitors Vallecitos Water District systems in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
When Vallecitos WD Public Information Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins conferred with Gumpel about whether to mount the naming plaque on a building or on one of the monument boulders in front excavated from the worksite, Gumpel said there was only one choice.
“Ed, you’ve always been our rock, so your plaque will be placed on one of these rocks. On behalf of Vallecitos Water District, your colleagues, and the countless individuals you have mentored, we thank you. Congratulations, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vwd-solar-twin-oaks-2-morning-1080x720.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-04-01 07:00:202025-03-27 14:33:15Reservoir Renamed In Honor of Vallecitos Employee Ed Pedrazzi
The San Diego County Water Authority is at the halfway point on a critical construction project to extend the life of the historic First Aqueduct and ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water supplies for the region.
Work on the project, known as the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, is expected to run through summer 2026 with renovations to 99 structures along two large diameter pipelines that run from north to south county.
“The First Aqueduct has served our region for over 70 years, and this investment is about making sure it continues to do so reliably,” said Nick Serrano, chair of the Water Authority Board of Directors. “This project is a great example of our water bills at work – ensuring that the infrastructure delivering safe and clean water to our homes and businesses remains strong for generations to come.”
Officials commemorate installation of the first portion of pipe along the new Second Pipeline of the San Vicente Aqueduct in 1951. Photo: Water Authority
The project represents one of the most extensive maintenance efforts in the agency’s history. The First Aqueduct serves 11 water agencies countywide. Improvements are focused on two parallel pipelines that were construction in the late 1940s and 50s.
The three-and-a-half-year project stretches 21-miles starting north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15, continuing south to Slaughterhouse Canyon in unincorporated San Diego County and ending at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Along the way the work crosses Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and parts of unincorporated San Diego County.
Funding for the $66 million effort comes from water bills across the region as part of the Water Authority’s Capital Improvement Program.
Phase One of the work began in spring 2024 on Pipeline 2 structures. That work is scheduled to conclude at the end of February with Pipeline 2 being put back in service. The second phase will take Pipeline 1 out of service so that
work on its structures can begin. By working on the parallel pipelines separately, the Water Authority keeps one pipeline in service and minimizes potential for interruptions to water delivery during construction.
“As Phase One of the project moves toward completion, the Water Authority is grateful to the many neighbors and property owners impacted by the construction for their patience and support as this vital work continues,” Serrano said. “By making these improvements before they become urgent, we avoid more costly repairs and reduce the overall cost of system maintenance, while keeping our water supply safe and the taps flowing.”
To expedite the transition to Phase Two of the project, construction will take place around the clock for 10 days from Feb. 23 to March 4. Night work is planned for seven locations. Most of the 24-hour worksites are on undeveloped land with negligible impacts on residents or businesses.
The Water Authority is coordinating with local water agencies to minimize the potential for interruptions to water service during construction. Residents with questions or concerns about water service should contact their local water supplier, while questions about the project should be directed to the Water Authority at .
For more information about the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can find work sites near their own addresses, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20240910ks-pipeline-2-station-16018-pw--e1750651845406.jpeg8101080Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-02-21 07:35:102025-02-21 07:36:52Major Milestone Reached on San Diego’s Historic First Aqueduct
San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano has appointed new leadership for the Board’s committees and regional boards. These positions are responsible for running vital committees that impact all aspects of the Water Authority’s operations and representing the Water Authority on key regional bodies.
“I am proud to announce these appointments, which reflect the expertise, dedication, and leadership needed to advance our priorities for the San Diego region,” said Chair Serrano. “This group of leaders brings diverse perspectives to the table and shares my commitment to keeping water rates low, ending the era of litigation that has stood in the way of collaborative decision-making for the Southwest, fostering regional collaboration across Southern California, and ensuring a sustainable future for San Diego County.”
Board Chair Nick Serrano.
The new San Diego County Water Authority committee chairs are:
• Ismahan Abdullahi (City of San Diego) – Administrative & Finance Committee • Amy Reeh (Yuima Municipal Water District) – Engineering & Operations Committee • Neal Meyers (Olivenhain Municipal Water District) – Imported Water Committee • Valentine Macedo, Jr. (City of San Diego) – Legislation & Public Outreach Committee • Marty Miller (Vista Irrigation District) – Water Planning & Environmental Committee
Chair Serrano also appointed Chair Emeritus Mel Katz (City of Del Mar) to be San Diego’s new delegate to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California. Katz replaces former MWD Director Tim Smith (Otay Water District), who retired from this position late last year. Katz was officially sworn-in to his new role as an MWD delegate last week.
In addition, Board Secretary Joy Lyndes (San Dieguito Water District) will serve as the Water Authority’s primary representative to SANDAG.
“Together, we will continue to build on the progress we’ve made, tackle the challenges ahead, and deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our communities,” Serrano said. “I have full confidence in this team’s ability to advance our collective vision for a stronger, more affordable, and more resilient water future.”
The Water Authority’s 22 member agencies are represented through a 34-member Water Authority Board of Directors. At least one director from each agency sits on the Board. The Board establishes and administers policies for the Water Authority, and generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month with special workshops and other meetings as needed.
