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OMWD’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Recognized as California’s 2024 Plant of the Year

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Encinitas, Calif. — Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was awarded California Water Environment Association’s statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (Small) award at CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego. The award acknowledges 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.

“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 OMWD President Matthew R. Hahn.

 

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Otay Water District Kicks Off the 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

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Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest for residential customers. The program highlights the importance of outdoor water-use efficiency and awards customers for their dedication to making conservation a way of life. The deadline to enter is Friday, May 9, 2025.

The winner will receive the title of “Best in District” and a $250 gift card to a local plant nursery of their choice, along with a certificate, yard sign, and a goody bag. Entries are judged based on design, overall attractiveness, efficient irrigation methods, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance.

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Complimentary Waterwise Firescaping and Wildfire Preparedness Workshop

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Encinitas, Calif. —Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites the public to attend a free workshop about waterwise firescaping techniques and wildfire preparedness.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the OMWD boardroom, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas. Registration is required at www.olivenhain.com/events.

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(L to R) SDG&E EV Customer Solutions Manager Lianna Lienau, Helix Division 2 Director Andrea Beth Damsky, Helix Board Vice President Joel A. Scalzitti, Helix Board President Dan McMillan, Helix Division 3 Director Mark Gracyk, Helix Division 4 Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, and San Diego County Air Pollution Control District Chief of Emissions Reductions Kathleen Keehan at the groundbreaking for the Helix electrification project at its El Cajon operations center. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Working Toward Zero-Emission Future

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As part of its initiative to transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet, Helix Water District leaders broke ground in late March on a retrofitting project at the district’s operations center in El Cajon.

The $11 million project, which is almost entirely grant-funded, will increase electrical capacity and charging infrastructure needed for the transition at its operations center in El Cajon. The facility will also support other East County public agencies as they work towards electrifying their own vehicle fleets. 

Helix Preparing to Meet New California Requirements

Helix Water District purchased its first EV truck in 2022. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District purchased its first EV truck in 2022. Photo: Helix Water District

While all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California will be zero-emission by 2035, the state wants government agencies with vehicle fleets to get to zero emissions more quickly. By 2027, all new medium and heavy-duty truck purchases must be zero-emission vehicles.

The district’s fleet of vehicles is used by employees responsible for maintaining 742 miles of pipeline, valves, hydrants, and meters. While the Helix Water District first began purchasing electric vehicles in 2022 as part of its overall sustainability efforts, its current infrastructure requires upgrades to support an electric-only vehicle fleet.

“The Helix board of directors voted 5-0 to approve this project because this is the next step on the path we’ve chosen for our agency,” said board member Mark Gracyk.

“We have already reduced our energy use by 15% and our carbon footprint by 40%. This project will be a model for other agencies working to electrify their fleets and help the cities we serve meet their climate action plan goals.”

In addition to the major change in operations, the Helix Water District must maintain 24/7 readiness for emergency responses, with a vehicle fleet that requires time to recharge.

Partner Collaboration Makes Helix Project Possible

Helix Water District will work with SDG&E and the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to complete its project. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District will work with SDG&E and the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to complete its project. Photo: Helix Water District

Retrofitting the district’s operations center to increase electrical capacity and installing the new infrastructure presented challenges. The Helix project team moved quickly to secure outside expertise and funding to get ahead of other public agencies in California competing for resources.

Through funding and technical support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District and San Diego Gas & Electric, Helix is ready to begin construction. The organizations guided the district through idea gathering, planning, designing, and equipment selection. The collaboration will continue through construction.

“This charging infrastructure project is particularly impactful for air quality in the area because the communities serviced by the Helix Water District have some of the highest levels of air pollution in San Diego County. SDAPCD looks forward to the full implementation of this project,” said Paula Forbis, Air Pollution Control Officer, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.

“Our collaboration with Helix Water District and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving our progress to meeting California’s climate goals,” added Miguel Romero, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, SDG&E.

Helix Effort Meets Climate Action Plan Goals

The district’s fleet of vehicles is used by employees responsible for maintaining 742 miles of pipeline, valves, hydrants, and meters. Photo: Helix Water District Zero-emission

The district’s fleet of vehicles is used by employees responsible for maintaining 742 miles of pipeline, valves, hydrants, and meters. Photo: Helix Water District

Vehicle emissions are one of the highest sources of pollution in San Diego County. For this reason, SDAPCD considers the shift from diesel to electric vehicles one of the most impactful ways to improve air quality.

According to SDG&E, Helix Water District’s plan to transition 86 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and install nearly six megawatts of charging infrastructure aligns with SDG&E’s mission to support public agencies and fleet operators in meeting California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation and local climate action plan goals.

Helix received a $5.2 million grant from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, a $2.2 million grant from San Diego Gas & Electric’s Power Your Drive for Fleets Program and an additional $1.5 million through the Disadvantaged Community Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program. The district will fund the remaining $2 million.

“We understood early on the impact that the state’s advanced clean fleet regulation would have on the district. The cost associated with projects of this size are significant and we did not want this to impact the communities we serve, many of which are low-income communities,” said Dan McMillan, board president of the Helix Water District.

“I want to thank, on behalf of the district, San Diego Gas & Electric and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District for their financial support. Collaboration is the only way we can move projects like this forward.”

The electrification project will take approximately one year to complete.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Maintains AAA Bond Rating

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Encinitas, Calif. — Fitch Ratings reviewed Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s revenue bonds on March 13 and determined that OMWD will maintain its AAA rating. Since 2016, OMWD’s revenue bonds have held the AAA rating, which is the highest grade awarded by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that offers independent credit opinions.

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Water Agencies in North County Further Partnership to Minimize Costs to Ratepayers

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Encinitas, Calif. — At their March 19 board meetings, both Olivenhain Municipal Water District and Vallecitos Water District approved entering into a partnership agreement allowing VWD to install communication equipment at OMWD’s Denk Reservoir site in Carlsbad.

OMWD’s Denk Reservoir overlooks the southern portion of VWD’s service area and provides a clear line of sight between VWD’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation and San Elijo Hills Pump Station facilities. By partnering with OMWD to use the Denk Reservoir site to host the ethernet radio equipment, VWD will connect their two facilities with a reduced amount of equipment. The improved communications will ensure that system operators can monitor flow and pressure levels to make operational changes throughout the distribution system.

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City of San Diego Water Utilities personnel make repairs on a fire hydrant. Photo: City of San Diego

City of San Diego Working to Ensure Water System Readiness For Fire Emergencies

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With the threat of heightened wildfire risk ever present in the San Diego region, the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities staff employs multiple strategies, including preventative maintenance and rapid response efforts, to ensure the continued reliability of the City’s water system in an emergency.

In the event of public safety power shutoffs impacting water infrastructure, Public Utilities staff execute the City’s emergency response plan, ensuring backup generators are available and fully operational. Crews remain on duty to refuel generators as needed and monitor operations to keep the system running smoothly.

City of San Diego Public Utilities crews inspect and maintain the city's water infrastructure so it will function properly even in an emergency. Photo: City of San Diego water system readiness

City of San Diego Public Utilities crews inspect and maintain the city’s water infrastructure so it will function properly even in an emergency. Photo: City of San Diego

Thanks to proactive planning, hard work, and expertise, customers experience the minimum possible impact on their water delivery during any wildfire watches or responses.

“Repairing and maintaining the City of San Diego’s water infrastructure is a top priority,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department.

“With wildfires being a potential danger in our region, it is imperative that we have a reliable water system to help protect us. I’m very proud of the hard work of our Public Utilities staff, who are essential to keep the water flowing.”

Preparing Water Infrastructure For Wildfire Emergencies

Preventative maintenance on key water system infrastructure is part of the City of San Diego's wildfire preparedness. Photo: City of San Diego water system readiness

Preventative maintenance on key water system infrastructure is part of the City of San Diego’s wildfire preparedness. Photo: City of San Diego

Public Utilities staff prioritize safeguarding vital water infrastructure during power shutoffs and wildfires while also maintaining firefighting resources citywide. One key priority is ensuring the city’s 26,000 fire hydrants are in proper working order.

Public Utilities’ teams respond to an average of 100 knocked-over hydrants each year. Repair work is typically completed within 24 hours.

In addition, crews perform preventative maintenance on approximately 7,000 fire hydrants annually. In 2024, crews replaced 71 hydrants and repaired an additional 357 hydrants that were identified as leaking.

These collective efforts are essential to ensuring a reliable potable water system for local firefighters to perform their challenging tasks and to help keep our City safe at all times.

Border 2 Wildfire Tests City of San Diego Response

City water pump station crews overhauled two critical valves that support water supply storage in the South Bay. Photo: City of San Diego

City water pump station crews overhauled two critical valves that support water supply storage in the South Bay. Photo: City of San Diego

During the recent Border 2 wildfire in late January 2025, City of San Diego Public Utilities crews prepared infrastructure in the South Bay to prepare for any potential impacts.

City water pump station crews overhauled two critical valves that support water supply storage in the South Bay. The valves allowed for an alternate connection to distribute water to customers as the Border 2 fire approached the Otay Water Treatment Plant and the Lower Otay Reservoir.

Otay Water Treatment Plant operations were able to continue through the duration of the fire, thanks to the experienced staff and the robust firefighting efforts by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CalFIRE). Crews ensured a secondary water supply was ready if needed to maintain uninterrupted water service to customers.

 

(L to R): California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist; Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer; and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third California snowpack survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

California Snowpack Helped By Storms, But Averages Continue To Drop

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its third snow survey of the 2025 season on February 28 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The survey recorded 34 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 13.5 inches, which is 58 percent of the average for this location. Statewide, the snowpack is 85 percent of the average for this date.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Weather Extremes Mark 2025 Season

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Winter 2025 has been subjected to weather extremes. Powerful storms have interrupted dry and warm conditions, temporarily boosting the snowpack to near normal.

In February, multiple rounds of atmospheric rivers earlier in the month raised the statewide snowpack to 97 percent of average. But dry weather conditions returned, and the snowpack has fallen to 85 percent. Averages will continue to drop without additional snow.

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water sits at 74 percent of the critical April 1 average. This is when the California snowpack usually peaks.

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

While forecasts show storm activity may pick up in March, it may not be enough for the snowpack to catch up to average by April 1. The southern Sierra Nevada has significantly fallen behind this season, with the region’s snowpack just 70 percent of average.

Regional Differences In Watershed Averages

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

“In addition to the large swings in snowpack conditions we’ve seen this year, a big regional disparity remains between the Northern, Central, and Southern Sierra Nevada,” said Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit.

“With so many of this season’s storms missing the southern half of the state, our statewide snowpack average can mask just how below average some regions are,” explained Reising. “Water managers will need to consider not just the extreme swings through the winter and spring months, but also the big differences from watershed to watershed.”

Thanks to efforts to capture as much water as possible, reservoirs across California are currently 118 percent of average.

Snowpack Monitoring Vital Planning Tool

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources / California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

Measuring the California snowpack provides vital information to guide how California’s water supplies are managed. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts, which help water managers, including those in the San Diego region, anticipate how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer.

This information is also key in calculating State Water Project allocation monthly updates.

On average, the California snowpack supplies about 30 percent of the state’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

Data from DWR snow surveys and forecasts helps determine how DWR and other agencies manage the state’s water resources.

DWR conducts snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April, and, if necessary, May. The following survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.

For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov.

 

Members of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Survey team conduct measurements during the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Snowpack Dips Well Below Average in Second Snow Survey of Season

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Dry weather in January led to a reduced snowpack in the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) second snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. The snow survey takes place approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Statewide, the snowpack is 65 percent of the average for this date.

Extremely Dry Conditions in January Put Dent in Early Season Start

(L to R): Anthony Burdock, Water Resources Engineer, Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, and Chan Modini, Water Resources Engineer, conducted the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on  January 31, 2025. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

(L to R): Anthony Burdock, Water Resources Engineer, Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, and Chan Modini, Water Resources Engineer, conducted the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on  January 31, 2025. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

On January 1, the statewide snowpack was 108 percent of average after a series of large storms in November and December boosted snow totals. An excessively dry January has pushed the Northern Sierra back to near average, the Central Sierra to 58 percent of average, and has led the Southern Sierra Nevada to fall to under 50 percent of average.

“Despite a good start to the snowpack in the Northern Sierra in November and December, we can look back as recently as 2013 and 2021 to show how quickly conditions can change for the drier,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “California missed out on critical snow-building storms in January which has pushed the state down below average for this time of year.

“While we are excited to see some storm activity in the coming days, sustained periods of no precipitation can dry the state out very quickly. For each day it’s not snowing or raining, we are not keeping up with what we need.”

Although forecasts show storm activity may pick up this month, large early-season snow totals do not guarantee the state will reach average or above-average water supply totals.

Effective Water Management Keeps Statewide Reservoirs Near or Above Average

A drone view of Loafer Point Stage 2 Boat Ramp and Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville in Butte County, California in late December. The water storage was 2,008,215 acre-feet (AF), 59 percent of the total capacity. Photo: Ken James, California Department of Water Resources snow survey

A drone view of Loafer Point Stage 2 Boat Ramp and Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville in Butte County, California in late December. The water storage was 2,008,215 acre-feet (AF), 59 percent of the total capacity. Photo: Ken James, California Department of Water Resources

California has effectively managed its reservoirs to keep storage above average for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is currently at 126 percent of average for this time of year. San Luis Reservoir, which is jointly operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is at 101 percent of average for this time of year.

Reservoirs in Southern California are also near or above their historical averages.

Measuring California’s snowpack is a key component of managing its water supplies. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts which help water managers plan for how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer.

This information is also key in calculating State Water Project allocation forecasts each month.

Despite some recent rain, Southern California, including San Diego County, has still experienced well below-average precipitation in the current water year.

On average, California’s snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why California’s snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

The next survey is tentatively scheduled for February 28. For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov

 

 

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OMWD Still Accepting Applications for Vacancy on Board of Directors

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is calling for applications to fill the Division 1 vacancy on its Board of Directors. Departing director Marco San Antonio resigned from OMWD on January 24.

OMWD’s board intends to conduct interviews at its March 19 board meeting to fill the vacancy. The newly appointed director will represent Division 1 through December 4, 2026, filling the remaining 20 months of the four-year term.

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