Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District accepted California Water Environment Association San Diego
Section’s 2025 Collection System of the Year Award for its 4S Ranch and Rancho Cielo collection system at CWEA’s
awards event on January 31, 2026. The award acknowledges excellence in sewer system management.
This recognition is awarded to agencies that demonstrate high performance in system reliability, regulatory compliance,
and environmental stewardship. CWEA judging criteria include administrative and operating procedures, safety and
training programs, and emergency response.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-02-02 15:22:432026-02-02 15:22:43OMWD Wins Collection System of the Year Honors
Encinitas, CA — Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District began supplying recycled water to the HOA community of La Cresta at Colinas de Oro in Carlsbad. Using recycled water for the HOA’s irrigation needs will save over 2.25 million gallons of drinking water each year.
“Converting irrigation to recycled water exemplifies responsible stewardship,” said OMWD Board Director Lanfried. “It’s about making sensible choices whenever possible. This drought-resilient alternative for irrigation saves drinking water for future needs.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-01-26 17:54:162026-01-26 17:54:16OMWD Converts La Cresta at Colinas de Oro Community to Recycled Water for Irrigation
The Otay Water District board of directors elected Francisco X. Rivera as president for 2026 at its January meeting. Rivera represents Division One.
The board also elected board member Mark Robak, who represents Division Five, as vice president. Delfina Gonzalez, who represents Division Two, was elected as treasurer.
Rivera will serve as president through the end of the calendar year.
Under Rivera’s leadership, the Otay Water District will continue to fulfill its mission of providing exceptional water and wastewater service to its customers and of managing its resources in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner.
Rivera Service In Region’s Water Industry
Rivera was appointed to the District Board of Directors in September 2024 to fill the Division One vacancy through December 2026.
In 2025, he served as the board treasurer and chair of several committees, including Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources; the Ad Hoc Salt Creek Golf Course Lease and Property Disposition; and the Ad Hoc Employee Negotiations.
Rivera also served on the Desalination Project and the Recycled Water Agreement Ad Hoc committees.
In addition, Rivera represented the District on the Chula Vista Interagency, Otay Water District and Sweetwater Authority Task Force to Develop Recycled Water Opportunities, San Diego Area Wastewater Management District, and the WateReuse Association.
Rivera is one of the Otay Water District’s representatives to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors.
“It is an honor to be elected board president,” said Rivera. “I look forward to working with our board to support fiscal responsibility, reliable infrastructure, and transparent governance on behalf of the District and its customers.”
Three Decades of Leadership
Francisco X. Rivera brings extensive experience in civil engineering and infrastructure projects to the Otay Water District board of directors. Photo: Otay Water District
Rivera, a licensed civil engineer and traffic engineer, brings more than three decades of public-sector engineering, transportation, and infrastructure leadership to the Otay Water District. He retired in 2023 after almost 40 years with the City of Chula Vista, where he served as a principal civil engineer and city traffic engineer. During his tenure, he led major land development, transportation, wastewater, and capital improvement programs and managed large-scale regional infrastructure projects.
In addition to his District service, Rivera serves on the San Diego Association of Governments Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, which oversees the expenditure of TransNet funds, the countywide half-cent transportation sales tax generating approximately $425 million annually. He was unanimously reappointed to a four-year term through May 2030 and serves as chair for fiscal year 2026, following a term as vice chair.
Rivera Contributions to Community Service
Rivera is also active in regional and community service. His past and current roles include the City of Chula Vista Measure A Public Safety Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee, the Salvation Army South County Advisory Board, vice president of the Eastlake III Homeowners Association, and chair of the Eastlake III HOA’s Architectural Review Committee.
Rivera’s professional achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Public Works Association Outstanding Service in a Public Agency Award, as well as honors from the City of Chula Vista and the San Diego County Bike Coalition.
Rivera holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the United States International University. During his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, riding his mountain and road bikes locally, and volunteers each March as a bike marshal at the San Diego Half Marathon.
The five-member Otay Water District board of directors is the governing body of the District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Each director is elected by voters within one of five divisions to represent the public’s interest on the Board. Directors serve four-year terms in office.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/otay-2026-board-leaders-1080x720-1.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-01-20 08:08:532026-01-20 15:30:08Francisco X. Rivera Elected 2026 Otay Water District Board President
Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District invite you to attend a free workshop on the benefits of collecting rainwater. The class is being held on January 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at OMWD headquarters located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.
The workshop will cover the benefits of harvesting rainwater and what type of collection systems work best for different types of homes. The workshop will also review how to maintain a rain collection system and how to apply for applicable rebates.
Construction is progressing at the various project sites for the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The past year saw a number of accomplishments, bringing the initiative one step closer to the finish line.
Watch the latest East County AWP video presentation.
The East County AWP Outreach team will kick off 2026 with a pop-up event for the public at Mission Trails Regional Park on Saturday, January 17, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Representatives will answer questions and share information about the pipeline work underway within Mission Trails Regional Park, including rehabilitation of an existing sewer pipeline, and installation of a new nine-mile residuals pipeline along Father Junipero Serra Trail within the park. Visit the project’s website for more details.
Work to install a temporary sewer bypass pipeline is complete, allowing work to continue during rainy months without risking a sewer spill and protecting wildlife and waterways.
Education Center Nears Completion
The lights are on at the East County AWP’s Education Building, which also houses administrative offices and a new laboratory. Photo: East County AWP
The new Education Center building, which will also house the administrative offices and a brand-new laboratory, is now 90% complete. San Diego Gas and Electric finished its work on the new treatment facility’s main electrical room, and power is now available for its operations. With electricity in place, the team is gearing up for the next milestone: installing the East County AWP sign outside the building.
Each digester can store up to 1.4 million gallons, and stands 46 feet high and measures 75 feet in diameter. Photo: East County AWP
Next, construction will get underway on the energy recovery system. Located north of the Education Center, Anaergia is working on the final design, with construction scheduled this winter. The methane produced by three digesters will be captured and used to generate both heating and electricity. The energy recovery system will provide up to 30% of the project’s energy needs, saving the operators and ratepayers money.
Crews are preparing for the installation of the final 3,500 feet of 36-inch wastewater pipeline. Work is active at the East Mission Gorge Pump Station and just south of Lake One at Santee Lakes. This segment is set to be completed this summer.
The East County AWP successfully secured two critical water discharge permits from the San Diego Regional Water Control Board, a significant operational milestone.
Mast Boulevard Construction Progress
Construction work is complete and Mast Boulevard from Fanita Parkway to Vomac Road is now restored. Photo: East County AWP
Mast Boulevard from Fanita Parkway to Vomac Road is a whole lot smoother after completion of final paving and striping work.
Crews are continuing work on Mast Boulevard from Vomac Road to W. Hartland Circle and are expected to wrap up by mid-to-late February. There is a 24-hour temporary closure of the second westbound lane near the work area. Expect paving and striping after these repairs are complete.
Habitat Restoration Restores Native Plants
Native plants are being reintroduced after construction has been completed in several areas including at Lake Jennings. Photo: East County AWP
As part of ongoing restoration following the installation of purified and wastewater pipelines, new plantings were installed last month around Lake Jennings, the Historic Flume Trail, El Monte Road, Laurel Canyon Road, and the end of Mast Boulevard.
These plants are native to San Diego and the surrounding area. They include California sagebrush, San Diego County sunflower, bush sunflower, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, lemonade berry, and spiny redberry.
Planting is also being done north of Ganley Road, and hydroseeding near the East Mission Gorge Pump Station and along Fanita Parkway will bring a more vibrant landscape to East County for years to come.
Overnight Work Continues Through February
Overnight work on a wastewater pipeline continues along Fairmount Avenue between Twain Avenue and Mission Gorge Road in San Diego between 8:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Noise and bright lights, along with road and lane closures, may affect traffic and nearby residents and businesses. Home access will be maintained at all times. Work should be complete at the end of February.
Interactive Map Helps Residents Stay Updated On Program Progress
The East County Advanced Water Program made significant progress in 2025.
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.
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
Vista, CA – Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for scholarships from the district. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about how water related issues influence our daily lives.
The Vista Irrigation District board of directors elected Marty Miller as its president and Jo MacKenzie as its vice-president for 2026 at its annual organizational meeting.
Director Marty Miller will serve as board president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Miller, who has served on the board of directors since 2008, represents Division 1, which stretches from Gopher Canyon Road to Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. This will be the fourth time Miller has led the board since being elected.
Miller, who owned a general construction company for over 40 years, has served as chair of the district’s water sustainability, fiscal policy, public affairs, and Warner Ranch committees. He has represented the district on the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) board of directors since 2011.
Miller is also a member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board of directors, representing the Water Authority, and a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission Special Districts advisory committee.
Director Jo MacKenzie will serve as vice-president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
MacKenzie has served on the Board of Directors since December 1992 and represents Division 5, which includes northeast and southeast Vista, north Twin Oaks Valley, and the Bennett area in the city of San Marcos.
MacKenzie has been a member of governing boards and committees of statewide and local organizations for many years. She has been actively involved with the Association of California Water Agencies, the California Special Districts Association and San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission, serving as a representative for special districts.
Currently, MacKenzie leads the California Special Districts Association Finance Corporation board of directors as its president and serves as vice-president of the Special District Leadership Foundation board of directors.
Miller and MacKenzie are joined by directors Frank Nuñez (Division 2), Peter Kuchinsky (Division 3), and Patrick Sanchez (Division 4) to form the district’s board of directors.
Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to more than 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/vid-2026-directors.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-12-16 07:35:482025-12-16 07:35:48Vista Irrigation District Board Elects Officers For 2026
Strategic infrastructure investments by the City of Oceanside continue to strengthen its water independence. Oceanside is currently constructing the last components of its Lower Phase 1 Recycled Water System.
The project is now reaching a crucial phase following the successful completion of six miles of new recycled water pipeline along El Camino Real, extending from the San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility south to the Fire Mountain site.
Currently, construction is underway on a new recycled water reservoir and pump station. This project will ensure reliable storage and efficient distribution of recycled water resources and reduce reliance on imported water.
Construction Activity Continues at Fire Mountain Site
Crews began construction on a 2.2 million-gallon reservoir (storage tank) on Fire Mountain Drive directly west of the Eternal Hills Memorial Park cemetery in March 2025. Construction on the project is progressing on schedule.
See video of the Oceanside Fire Mountain project’s progress.
Construction crews completed site preparations, installed recycled water and storm drain piping, and constructed two subterranean concrete vaults. On August 28, crews poured the concrete slab for the new reservoir. On September 5, crews started work on the reservoir walls and columns.
Constructing the Fire Mountain reservoir roof is the next step. As reservoir construction continues, crews will work on the pump station that will deliver recycled water from the reservoir to a higher-pressure zone in the distribution system.
Residents can expect minimal street closures during construction, with advance notice provided when closures are necessary.
Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2026.
Construction on the Fire Mountain project in Oceanside is progressing on schedule and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Map: City of Oceanside
Commitment to Water Sustainability
This important project supports the City of Oceanside’s goal of maintaining locally controlled, sustainable water sources for its residents. The investment in updated water infrastructure represents City leadership’s commitment to Oceanside’s water independence and sustainability. It will increase local drought resilience and decrease the City’s reliance on imported water.
The City’s recycled water projects benefit Oceanside ratepayers by slowing the rising cost of water, reducing stress on the water supply, and ensuring a reliable source of water during times of drought or natural disasters.
A brand-new 2.2-mile trail is open along the east side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Originally a maintenance road, the trail has been transformed into a scenic pathway for walking, running, and mountain biking.
Previously accessible only as a maintenance road, the 2.2-mile route has been repurposed into a safe and inviting public trail ideal for walking, running, and mountain biking.
“Sweetwater is committed to increasing public recreation while protecting water quality and preserving the environment and habitats at Sweetwater Reservoir,” said Sweetwater Authority board chairman Manny Delgado. “This new trail and the accompanying improvements are a testament to those continued commitments.”
This enhancement was made possible through a $1.16 million grant awarded to the Urban Corps of San Diego County by the California Conservation Corps, dedicated to trail improvements and habitat restoration. Additional support came from the County of San Diego, through two generous grants to the San Diego Mountain Biking Association.
Trail Provides New Access to Open Space
(L to R) Sweetwater Authority Assistant General Manager Roberto Yano, Otay Water District board member and San Diego County Water Authority board member Mark Robak, and National City Vice Mayor, Sweetwater Authority vice chair and San Diego County Water Authority board member Ditas Yamane at the ribbon cutting for the new Sweetwater Reservoir southern trail. Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association
Dedicated in September, the new trail connects the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Area (SWRRA) with the County of San Diego’s Southern Trail, offering the South Bay community fresh opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The trail connects to existing paths in the area and was created while preserving native vegetation and sensitive habitats, benefitting local wildlife.
The trail runs parallel to the reservoir’s shoreline east of Bonita and south of Spring Valley. It provides beautiful views of the water and the surrounding open space. It also connects to the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that preserves native plants and wildlife as part of a regional conservation effort.
The trail is designed to be more accessible for beginners and families than some of the more rugged trails in the adjacent Wildlife Refuge to encourage fitness and recreation. By linking with existing paths, the trail also strengthens the region’s recreation network, creating new opportunities for exploration and connectivity.
Along with opening the trail, Sweetwater Authority has taken steps to protect the environment. Crews are restoring nearby habitat by removing invasive weeds, improving drainage, and planting native vegetation. These improvements will make the area healthier, support local wildlife, and reduce wildfire risk.
Trail Preserves Local Environment
South Bay community leaders and members of the public gathered to celebrate the opening of the newest trail at the Sweetwater Authority Recreation Area. Photo: Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association
The addition of the new trail builds on Sweetwater Reservoir’s long tradition of outdoor recreation, which already includes a popular shoreline fishing program open Friday through Monday. With the new trail, visitors have another way to enjoy the natural beauty of Sweetwater Reservoir while also helping to protect the local environment.
The Sweetwater Reservoir Shared Maintenance Road and Trail officially opened to the public on September 5, 2025. Trail maps, visiting hours, and safety guidelines are available on Sweetwater Authority’s website at www.sweetwater.org.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sweetwater-trails-map-1.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-11-19 07:35:372025-11-20 07:24:13New Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Open for Recreation
Santee, CA – The East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program has
successfully secured two critical water discharge permits from the San Diego Regional Water Control Board during its November 12 meeting. This approval marks a major milestone for the multi-agency project, bringing it one step closer to becoming a reality.
Both permits are scheduled to take effect in June 2026, allowing the Program to advance toward
construction completion and system startup. T
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ECJPA_AWP_Logo-Cnt_10.18.19-copy.png200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-11-13 07:33:512025-11-13 07:33:51East County AWP Program Secures Two Water Discharge Permits
