Encinitas, CA — Fitch Ratings reviewed OMWD’s financial position and confirmed that OMWD will maintain its AAA bond rating. OMWD’s revenue bonds have held the AAA rating since 2016, which validates OMWD’s creditworthiness and financial stability.
A bond rating is an evaluation of an institution’s credit quality and financial strength. A AAA rating is the highest grade awarded by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that provides independent credit opinions. The AAA rating helps demonstrate that OMWD continues to provide a high level of service to its ratepayers while budgeting appropriately and managing its finances responsibly.
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 Falkenthal2026-03-11 16:07:422026-03-11 16:07:42OMWD Maintains AAA Bond Rating for 10th Consecutive Year
The City of Oceanside will begin construction on the second phase of its downtown water and sewer pipeline replacements project beginning the week of March 9. This project is the second of a five-phase program to replace aging water and sewer mains throughout the downtown Oceanside area.
Phase I located between Neptune and Pier View Way included the replacement of 2.5 miles of water and over 1.5 miles of sewer infrastructure.
Construction on Phase II will begin in the alley located south of Meyer Street and north of Pacific Street.
The Phase II Project includes the replacement of over three miles of sewer pipelines and over 2.5 miles of water infrastructure. It also expands the City of Oceanside’s recycled water system in downtown with nearly a mile of new pipe.
Modernizing Water and Sewer Utilities in Oceanside
The project map displays the locations of Phase II water and sewer pipeline replacements. Photo: City of Oceanside
“The City of Oceanside is excited to begin construction on the Downtown Water and Sewer Replacement – Phase 2 project,” said Neil Irani, Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Oceanside. “This project is the second phase of our program to replace aging and undersized water and sewer utilities throughout the downtown Oceanside area.
“Over the next couple of years, approximately three miles of sewer and 2.5 miles of water will be replaced with modernized materials. The project will also expand the recycled water system in the downtown area, continuing Oceanside’s commitment to sustainable water sources. This investment in our utility infrastructure is critical to maintain safe and reliable water and sewer service for our customers,” explained Irani.
Aging Pipeline Replacements Prevent System Failures
Many of the water and sewer mains scheduled for replacement in this project are at an advanced age. Some of the sewer mains are approaching 100 years old, well past their expected useful life.
The old pipelines were made of cast iron. Replacement pipelines are made of polyvinyl chloride pipes. The city will also replace hydrants, water meters, and manhole covers.
This project will continue the City of Oceanside’s commitment to updating the water and sewer systems to current standards while ensuring sufficient capacity to meet the area’s growing needs. The City will also add additional recycled water customers as part of the system expansion, including public, commercial, and mixed-use residential properties.
Recycled water is non-potable water typically used for irrigation. Developing recycled water sources is an important part of Oceanside’s commitment to provide customers with sustainable and alternative water sources.
Minimizing Disruptions To Oceanside Community
Work on this project will be restricted to daytime hours, and will pause during busy summer months to avoid disruptions. Photo: City of Oceanside
The Phase II construction is expected to last approximately two years. Traffic throughout construction areas will generally be maintained at all times. Road closures or detours with impacts to the public will be allowed as night work only.
Daytime work is restricted from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional restrictions in the busiest areas. No work will be allowed west of Myers Street during the busy summer season.
Work will also be restricted during popular annual events and weekly markets in the downtown area
Nearby properties will receive advanced notice through door hangers. Water and sewer service will be maintained, with short, planned interruptions also communicated in advance through door hangers. There will also be regular updates in the City newsletter, The Oceanside Tide, as the project progresses.
The project cost is approximately $30 million and is funded through previously budgeted capital improvement program funds and state and federal grants.
Please visit the Oceanside Water Utilities webpage for updates on the project. Residents and business owners with questions about the project or traffic impacts can call representatives (760) 435-5930 or email " class="external" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> for project-related questions.
Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District and partners invite the public to attend a free Native Plants and Waterwise Landscaping Workshop. The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in OMWD’s boardroom, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.
Steve Sherman from California Landscape Technologies will explain how to choose attractive, waterwise, low-maintenance, and non-invasive plants. Native plants naturally thrive in San Diego’s soils and climate. They also support pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
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
