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(L to R) Staff from the City of La Mesa and the U.S. Green Building Council of California (USGBC) present the Green Business Certification to Helix Water District's board of directors. From left: City of La Mesa's Hilary Ego and Lainey Bloom, USGBC's Robert Carr, Division 2 Director Andrea Beth Damsky, Division 3 Director Mark Gracyk, Board President Dan McMillan, Division 4 Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, and City of La Mesa's Logan Kelly and Serena Lee. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Recognized As Certified Green Business

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The California Green Business Network and the City of La Mesa presented the Helix Water District with its Green Business certification at the June board of directors meeting. Achieving this certification recognizes the district’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.

To achieve certification, businesses and government entities must meet an extensive set of core and elective measures covering seven categories: energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater, water, and community.

“Our district’s focus on sustainability also has financial benefits,” said Dan McMillan, Helix Water District board president. “We can make decisions that are good for the environment as well as the ratepayer’s wallet.”

The Helix Water District serves 278,000 people in San Diego’s east county suburbs.

Investments In Clean Energy Benefit Consumers

The installation of solar panels is lowering Helix Water District energy consumption and budget costs. Photo Helix Water District

The installation of solar panels is lowering the Helix Water District’s energy consumption and budget costs. Photo Helix Water District

Helix has made significant investments in clean energy, securing a renewable energy supply through its power purchase agreement and further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by installing solar panels at its Nat L. Eggert Operations Center. The agreement has delivered double-digit cost savings, reaching as high as 18% on electric commodity costs, over the last several years.

Helix has secured the renewable energy supply it needs through 2030.

The district currently fuels its fleet with 100% renewable diesel, which has reduced the district’s carbon emissions by an estimated 500 metric tons per year. It is also developing state-of-the-art charging infrastructure at its operations center to support its transition to an electric fleet.

This charging infrastructure is funded almost entirely through grants due to the district’s swift action in developing the project and securing funding.

Energy Efficiency Reduces Power Consumption and Costs

Helix also underwent a lighting retrofit and installed energy-efficient window coverings at its facilities. It also installed lighting controls, features a programmable smart thermostat, and ENERGY STAR appliances to reduce its electricity usage. Through retrofits and the implementation of energy-efficient appliances and measures, the district has reduced its electricity consumption by 15%.

Additionally, a key priority of the district is educating customers on the responsible use of water, promoting the adoption of high-efficiency appliances and irrigation, and encouraging the use of climate-appropriate landscaping. Helix models water efficiency at its facilities through the use of low-water-use toilets, faucets, appliances, and irrigation systems.

These efficiencies allow the district to reduce its water consumption and long-term water costs.

“This certification proves that a government agency can prioritize sustainability while managing public funds responsibly,” said Helix Water District Board Director Mark Gracyk. “The district is proud to be an industry leader in sustainable and fiscally responsible business practices.”

Helix Water District Demonstration Garden Offers Community Resource

The award winning Helix Water District Demonstration Garden offers ideas on conserving water and energy in your landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District Green Business

The award winning Helix Water District Demonstration Garden offers ideas on conserving water and energy in your landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

In 2020, the Helix Water District installed drip irrigation and a low-water use demonstration garden at its administration office to reduce its outdoor water use and provide a resource to the community. The San Diego Architectural Foundation awarded the district a coveted Orchid Award for the project in 2023.

Visitors can see firsthand what plants thrive in the San Diego climate and what water-wise landscaping can look like.

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OMWD Receives Highest Achievement for Financial Reporting for 30th Consecutive Year

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its May 21 meeting the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award recognizes OMWD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

The annual report provides an overview of a government agency’s fiscal management, investment policies, and budget planning. The award represents a significant accomplishment by an agency, as GFOA states that it is the highest recognition that can be achieved in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

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Padre Dam Municipal Water District to Host Career Workshop

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Are you interested in landing a career in the water industry? Padre Dam Municipal Water District is hosting a career workshop at its Customer Service Center on Thursday, May 15 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.

Those interested in a fulfilling career in public service are invited to hear from experts about jobs in the water industry, learn interview tips and tricks, and receive resume review. This event is open to the public, with an emphasis on entry-level professionals, career changes, and students.

 

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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.

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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.