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Vista Irrigation District Invites Homeowners To Enter Landscape Contest

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Vista, Calif. — Proud of your water-wise yard? Consider entering the 2026 WaterSmart landscape contest with a chance to win a $250 gift card from a local home supply store.

The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.

For more information about the contest and to submit an application please visit www.landscapecontest.com.  The deadline to enter the contest is May 8, 2026.

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OMWD Earns “Platinum” Award for Leadership and Transparency

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Encinitas, Calif. — Today, OMWD’s Board of Directors was honored by Special District Leadership Foundation for reaccreditation as a “District of Distinction–Platinum Level,” SDLF’s highest accreditation. This designation recognizes OMWD’s commitment to responsible financial management, ethical leadership, and transparency in all areas of its operations.

Special districts are local governments that deliver specialized services such as water, fire protection, and sanitation. There are 2,000 independent special districts in California, and only 14 have achieved District of Distinction at the platinum level. OMWD was the first water district in San Diego County to achieve the District of Distinction accreditation in 2008.

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North County Water and Wastewater Agencies Receive Statewide Award for Community Engagement

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Encinitas, Calif. — Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District received California Water Environment Association’s statewide award for Community Engagement and Outreach Program of the Year. The award recognizes the success of the agencies’ 2025 Water Career Day.

The Water Career Day event brought together water and wastewater professionals, high school and community college students, and military veterans. Participants explored various career paths through interactive stations and demonstrations.

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Vista Irrigation District Commemorates Special Districts Week

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Vista, CA  —  Today, the Vista Irrigation District commemorated Special Districts Week to encourage District customers to be involved in their community and be civically engaged with their local government. Special Districts Week, April 5 to April 11, 2026, will be established by the State Legislature with approval of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 161.

ACR 161 is sponsored by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), a statewide association representing over 1,300 special districts and affiliate organizations throughout the state.

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OMWD Maintains AAA Bond Rating for 10th Consecutive Year

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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.

 

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Free Workshop on Native Plants and Waterwise Landscaping

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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.

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OMWD Wins Collection System of the Year Honors

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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.

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OMWD Converts La Cresta at Colinas de Oro Community to Recycled Water for Irrigation

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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.”

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Water Agencies Offer Free Rain Collection Workshop

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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.

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Vista Irrigation District To Sponsor Scholarship Contest

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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.

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