April 26, 2024 – Padre Dam Municipal Water District has launched a new podcast, The Water Drop to dive
into the latest information and hot topics in the water industry.
The Water Drop debuted in March 2024 and monthly episodes are planned. Padre Dam staff as well as
outside experts will discuss an array of industry topics including sustainability, trends and the future of all
things water.
Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, the Encinitas Union School District, and BCK Programs invite members of the public to attend a free Ecoliteracy Showcase on May 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Encinitas Farm Lab, located at 441 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. The showcase celebrates local students’ year-long efforts in promoting environmental awareness and action, with a special emphasis on water conservation during Water Awareness Month in May.
Chula Vista, CA – On April 9, 2024, the South Bay Irrigation District Board of Directors approved a proclamation to rebrand the district as “South Bay Water.” The updated name enhances the connection between the district and its important role as the governance branch of Sweetwater Authority, a public water agency that serves 200,000 residents in South Bay with safe and reliable tap water.
One of the largest water valves key to Helix Water District operations was recently replaced. The massive five-ton, five-foot diameter valve is one of the largest in the district’s operation.
This valve isolates a section of pipe allowing water from Lake Jennings to flow into the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant. This replacement addresses two needs: First, it replaces an aging valve, and second, it allows Helix Water District to make cost-effective improvements on a 62-year-old supply line feeding the water treatment plant.
Helix Water District crews prepare the five-ton replacement valve for installation. Photo: Helix Water District
The valve replacement is among the major improvements underway that will help move, treat, and deliver new water from the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The program will come online for East County in 2026.
The East County AWP program creates a new, local, and drought-proof water supply using state-of-the-art technology. It will purify recycled water, producing up to 30% of East County’s drinking water.
All work on installing the replacement valve in its new location took place in one day. Photo: Helix Water District
The large valve isolates a section of the Lake Jennings pipeline, which moves water out of Lake Jennings and to the inlet of the Levy treatment plant. Since the new East County AWP water will flow through this pipeline 24 hours a day every day for the next 30 years, it is vital for the Helix Water District to inspect and make any necessary repairs to ensure the pipeline is in excellent condition before the new water source comes online. The old valve had exceeded its useful life.
Replacing the large valve also allowed the Helix WD to relocate the new valve, improving access for inspections and maintenance. The previous valve was located over 400 feet from where the water enters our treatment plant and upstream of our other supply pipeline, leaving this section of the pipeline filled with water.
The new water valve has an expected operation life of 50 years. Photo: Helix Water District
Before relocating the new valve, Helix maintenance teams could only access this section of pipe during a treatment plant shutdown. While working on the old valve, the district needed to purchase more expensive imported water to serve its customers while the plant was shut down and unable to produce its regular supply.
With the new valve in place, fewer shutdowns will occur and prevent the need for purchasing supplemental imported water while performing maintenance and repairs. Relocating this valve and keeping the plant running was the best option for long-term operations and cost savings.
Maintenance professionals secure the new valve into place. Photo: Helix Water District
Construction started early in the morning by cutting out an existing pipe section near the treatment plant’s headworks. The new valve was lowered into position, aligned, welded together, and up and running within 14 hours. The valve is so large it takes more than 400 rotations to close it. The new value is expected to have a useful life of 50 years.
Current work to accommodate the East County AWP project is still in progress. It involves creating new access ways, removing the old valve, constructing a new vault, and preparing the Lake Jennings pipeline for inspection.
Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations. Photo: Helix Water District
Once completed, the district will have longer-lasting infrastructure that can meet the demands of our region and future water supplies. Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations.
To learn more about East County AWP, please visit https://eastcountyawp.com/
The California Department of Water Resources performed its fourth snowpack survey of the season on Tuesday, April 2, confirming that the early winter’s “snow drought” gave way to a slightly above-normal snowpack following a series of storms.
DWR’s early April snow survey marks what is considered the peak snowpack for the year in the Sierra Nevada. The Colorado River Basin – San Diego County’s main source of water – also reports more snow than average for this time of year.
DWR’s survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113 percent of the average. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.
Two consecutive wet winters, combined with regional investments and conservation by residents and businesses, delivered enough water to meet the San Diego region’s needs for the rest of 2024.
Across California, reservoirs are nearly full as we approach the start of summer—the heaviest water-use months. Plentiful water is a rare occurrence in the arid Southwest. From 2020 to 2022, the state suffered severe drought conditions that forced water-use reductions for millions of California residents.
California’s major reservoirs are between 69 and 99 percent of capacity as of April 1. Graphic: California Dept. of Water Resources
For the past decade, San Diego County has been insulated from drought-induced cutbacks due to the long-term investments in secure water supplies, a strategy that emerged in the early 1990s following an economically devastating drought. Since 1990, the region has dramatically cut water demands, reducing per capita water use by more than 50 percent. Water conservation has become a “way of life” for the region’s residents and businesses.
The Water Authority is currently working to sell or transfer some of its surplus water supply to areas with greater needs. For instance, an innovative water transfer deal could eventually deliver drought-resilient water supplies to South Orange County through the Moulton Niguel Water District and help combat increasing water rates for San Diegans.
A deal completed in late 2023 saved the San Diego region about $20 million. These water transfers help maintain the viability of the Colorado River as the most critical water resource for the Southwest.
“Wet years are the right time to prepare for the inevitable dry years,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “That’s why we’re working every day to explore creative deals that help us reduce water rate pressures for San Diegans, enhance our long-term water security, and help our neighbors meet their needs for drought-resilient water supplies.”
(Editor’s Note: Information in this story was provided by the California Department of Water Resources).
Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s AAA Revenue Bonds were affirmed with a stable outlook on March 27 by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that offers independent credit opinions. The AAA rating is the highest possible grade and has been awarded to only a handful of agencies in Southern California.
Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is scheduled to start construction in April on the extension of several underground pipelines within the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad that will allow the conversion of 28 irrigation meters to recycled water.
Work on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program facilities and pipelines reached multiple milestones at the start of 2024, and construction continues on schedule at multiple East County locations through 2025. As soon as 2026, the AWP will deliver water to the faucets of customers in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District service area.
At the main construction site north of Santee Lakes, more than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the water recycling, solids handling, and advanced water purification facilities. Nearly 60% of the 2.3 total miles of open-cut construction on wastewater pipelines that make up the AWP Program are complete.
More than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the East County Advanced Water Program water recycling, solids handling and advanced water purification facilities. Photo: East County AWP
Construction also continues on Fanita Parkway, north of Ganley Road in Santee, and within Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve. Pipeline water testing is now underway on that installed pipeline.
Work on the pipelines for the East County Advanced Water Program is affecting access to the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, which remains open. Photo: East County AWP
In addition, pipeline work at Santee Lakes is occurring between Lakes 3 and 4. There is a road closure and no parking in some areas. The Kiwanis Playground at Lake 4 remains open and parking has been preserved for playground visitors.
“Roughly a year and a half ago, we started with a blank slate and since then, the Joint Powers Authority and its project partners have made significant achievements at each of the construction sites,” said Mark Niemiec, director of the East County AWP. “It’s during these ongoing activities within the community including at Santee Lakes that we really appreciate our neighbors’ patience and understanding.”
These new pipelines servicing the East County Advanced Water Program will soon be moved underground. Photo: East County AWP
The wastewater pipelines that will run from the East Mission Gorge Pump Station near State Route 52 to the first lake at Santee Lakes will soon be pulled underground. This trenchless construction method called “Horizontal Directional Drilling” minimizes the impacts to nearby waterways, including the San Diego River. The process takes an estimated 24 to 36 straight hours.
Elsewhere, Fanita Parkway will be temporarily closed for up to one week in March between Ganley Road and Lake Canyon Road to allow for paving on both sides of the street. Residents will see detour signs prior to the closure. The road closure will occur during the day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Purified water pipeline construction is continuing west on Mast Boulevard in Santee, as well as west on Mapleview Street in Lakeside and from Laurel Canyon Road to El Monte Road. Lane closures can be expected.
Residents and commuters in Santee and Lakeside can monitor road closures on the East County AWP website. Photo: East County AWP
Construction on the 23,000-square-foot Visitors Center is in progress and will be completed by the end of 2025. It will house administrative offices, the operation control center, a testing laboratory, and a community room. The steel beam installation, including 66 columns and 100 beams, will use 350,000 pounds of U.S. steel.
The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure for purified pipeline construction. The trail will close again during the summer for a couple of months to allow for additional pipeline construction near the shoreline.
The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure. It will close again for additional construction later this summer. Photo: East County AWP
When complete, the East County AWP Program will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day, which is enough to serve an estimated 400,000 people, or roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply.
When operational, the East County AWP will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day which is enough to serve roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply. Photo: East County AWP
To stay up-to-date with project schedules, community impacts and work descriptions, check the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s interactive map on www.eastcountyawp.com or visit @eastcountyawp on social media
The San Diego County Water Authority issued its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, recapping the agency’s efforts to adapt, engage, and transform in ways that ensure a safe and resilient regional water system today and for future generations.
The annual report can be accessed on the Water Authority website.
The San Diego County Water Authority issued its FY23 annual report, part of its effort to ensure transparency. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The Water Authority is committed to informing residents and businesses about key issues, projects, and programs that impact the regional water supply. The Annual Report is part of this effort.
Each year, Board members and staff make presentations to more than 100 business, community, and civic groups.
In communities with active or proposed construction projects, the Water Authority conducts proactive outreach to ensure awareness about neighborhood impacts. In addition, the agency participates in numerous civic organizations that strengthen the community, and it creates periodic outreach and education campaigns about critical issues.
With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Managing water in a hot, dry climate like requires continual innovation, collaboration, conservation, and strategic investments. The FY23 Annual Report recaps the Water Authority’s multiple initiatives to pursue further collaboration on river management, as well as its successful advocacy for new legislation that would give the state more tools to deal with extreme weather.
Of importance to ratepayers, strategic actions were taken to address inflationary pressures and decreased water sales to keep water rates as low as possible. With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars.
The Water Authority also obtained grant funds to install free water-saving devices in underrepresented communities, and it helped secure federal financial aid for low-income water customers in the region to cover overdue residential water and wastewater bills.
The Water Authority seeks to maintain the lowest possible rates while working to ensure that everyone in the region has access to safe and reliable water supplies. Water affordability requires coordinated efforts by all levels of government – federal, state, wholesale, and retail.
The timely rehabilitation of the First Aqueduct is part of the Water Authority’s proactive asset management program. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Finally, the Water Authority completed one of its biggest maintenance operations in more than 75 years. The work was part of a proactive asset management program to maintain and rehabilitate its 308 miles of large-diameter pipelines, which deliver water to millions of San Diegans. This transformational work was critical in ensuring the reliability of the region’s water delivery system. The program promotes water affordability by avoiding costly unplanned disruptions in service.
With decades of strategic investments, the Water Authority has emerged as a model for statewide efforts to develop diversified water supply portfolios that can adapt to the changing climate. These assets provide water supply reliability for the region’s economy and 3.3 million residents. Over the past year, the Water Authority continued to prepare the region for an uncertain future.
From helping customers lower their water bills to protecting ratepayers from rate increases, the Water Authority is always looking for ways to support San Diego County’s long-term welfare. Though challenges persist, the agency strives to continue making a positive impact by advocating for initiatives that move the region and state toward water affordability and reliability.
California water agencies including the San Diego County Water Authority are exploring ways to better manage sporadic periods of abundant rainfall — part of a larger effort to meet the ever-changing realities they face logistically and economically.
Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham recently discussed the evolution of regional water management on the Southern California Water Dialogue. The Water Dialogues are a monthly forum exploring water-related issues of regional interest.
The backdrop for the discussion is what many call “climate whiplash” — for instance, when three years of record drought from 2020 to 2022 were followed by abnormally high rainfall in 2023. In the future, California could experience shorter but more extreme wet seasons between periods of drought.
View the webinar here.
At the Water Authority — the agency responsible for long-term water planning in San Diego County — Denham said the lack of regular rainfall and little access to groundwater has forced the Water Authority to be more creative than most water agencies in securing a safe, reliable water supply.
“We embarked upon a 20-to-30-year process to diversify the Water Authority’s supply portfolio. Our board directed a portfolio approach to ensure that we had not only sufficient supplies but also made significant investments in infrastructure,” explained Denham.
“We’ve adopted cutting-edge conservation and techniques. We’ve sponsored legislation at the state level. And we’re at the forefront of many water use efficiency programs,” said Denham.
With those investments and actions as the foundation, the time is right to set a vision for the coming decades. “The future of water in Southern California — of course, reuse is going to be a big component of it — but I do believe a lot of it is going to be sharing resources and developing partnerships,” Denham said.
Signing the historic agreement: Top (L to R): Mel Katz, chair SDCWA Board; Jim Madaffer, Vice Chair Colorado River Board of CA and SDCWA Board member; Gloria Cordero, MWD’s representative to the Colorado River Board; Adan Ortega, chair MWD Board; J.B. Hamby, Chair Colorado River Board of CA. Bottom (L To R): Dan Denham, SDCWA General Manager; Camille Touton, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; Adel Hagekhalil, MWD General Manager; Jamie Asbury, Imperial Irrigation District General Manager. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Denham said investing in a long-term partnership with the Imperial Irrigation District in a water conservation agreement has proved key. “Those types of partnerships have continued and had been successful over the past 20 years,” said Denham.
“This is what our diversification looks like. This is 25 years’ worth of investment in resiliency, transitioning us from an imported water agency with one source of supply to where we’re at today with a really diverse resource mix,” said Denham.
Denham says in addition to maximizing reuse, sharing resources and developing partnerships to share those resources will become vital. The Water Authority signed a landmark agreement with the Metropolitan Water District and the Imperial Irrigation District in late 2023.
“What we were able to do was take advantage of those high runoff years in Northern California, bringing that State Water Project water down to San Diego and leaving some of our Colorado River conserved water in Lake Mead – 50,000-acre feet – which raised the reservoir by six inches. It could not have been done without the partnership that we have in relationships developed over time with the Metropolitan Water District and the Imperial Irrigation District. I look towards more of this to the future,” said Denham.
In October 2003, the San Diego County Water Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, State of California and U.S. Department of the Interior completed a historic set of agreements to conserve and transfer Colorado River water.
While planning for drought is necessary, it’s also necessary to devise a plan flexible enough to take advantage of high-runoff years.
“What do you do in those high runoff years, in those years of abundance? Some of that speaks to storage,” explained Denham. “The Water Authority has increased its largest surface water storage reservoir. It’s doubled in size. But the Water Authority — like others in the Metropolitan Water District service area in California, is realizing that those surface water storage reservoirs are pretty full.
“What does that speak to next? Flexibility, and the sharing of resources. If our reservoirs are full, or we don’t have the demands for the investments that we’ve made, whether it’s in the Colorado River supplies or the Carlsbad desalination plant, perhaps there’s another partner in Southern California or in the Lower Colorado River Basin that we can exchange supplies with.
“What I mean by that is we do have supplies that can be managed in a different way,” said Denham.
Established in 1998, the Water Dialogue explores the common interests among Southern California water agencies, environmental organizations, and public interest organizations, and serves as a clearinghouse and advocate for projects, activities, and processes that will improve the quality and reliability of Southern California’s water supply.
The Water Dialogue represents members including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Southern California Watershed Alliance, Sierra Club, West Basin Municipal Water District, Central Basin Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Trabuco Canyon Water District, Southern California Water Coalition, Atwater Consulting Group, Jacobs and Caltech/JPL/NASA.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
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