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Innovative Water Deal Deliver Benefits to Regional Ratepayers

For the second year in a row, the San Diego County Water Authority and its partners have struck a deal to conserve water in Lake Mead, support the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River and save local ratepayers money.

The agreements between the Water Authority, the Imperial Irrigation District, and the Metropolitan Water District, with funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, are designed to promote voluntary water conservation. The 2024 agreement was announced during a meeting of the Colorado River Board of California at this year’s Colorado River Water Users Association’s conference in Las Vegas.

As a part of these deals, the Water Authority agreed to leave 50,000 acre-feet of water from its Quantification Settlement Agreement supplies in the Colorado River, helping California meet federal conservation goals.

The 2023 agreement between the three parties was the first of its kind. The 2024 deal will save San Diego County ratepayers approximately $20 million, which will be applied to 2026 wholesale water rates.

“For the second year in a row, the Water Authority and its partners have struck a deal to conserve water in Lake Mead and save our local ratepayers approximately $20 million,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “This is a win-win for all of us and demonstrates how the Water Authority is strategically using its assets to help protect ratepayers and the Colorado River through innovative thinking.”

The Water Authority’s efforts are part of a larger commitment by California water users to protect the overtaxed Colorado River, including plans to save at least 400,000 more acre-feet in 2025 after conserving more than 1.2 million acre-feet over the last two years.

“It is really a model partnership and collaboration between states and local entities and the federal government,” said U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner M. Camille Calimlim Touton.

California’s efforts have led to the equivalent of 16 feet of water being added to Lake Mead in two years, providing much-needed stability to the entire river system as the seven Basin states work with the federal government to create a post-2026 operations plan for the river.

“Our collective achievements not only have made a profound impact on Lake Mead today, they also illustrate the can-do spirit that the Water Authority and our partners bring to future conservation work on the river,” said Colorado River Board Vice Chair and Water Authority Director Jim Madaffer. “We are both proud of what we have accomplished and committed to delivering additional solutions for the Southwest in the years ahead.”

SLIDER The welcome sign for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which includes 750 miles of shoreline. The federal site was Americaís first national recreation area established in 1947. Photo taken August 17, 2022. Christopher Clark / U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation

The Colorado River Basin is the most important water source in the West, providing water for more than 40 million people and generating hydropower in seven U.S. states.

The Water Authority will continue to pursue other water transfers and exchanges to maximize the value of San Diego County’s water resources and minimize the cost to local ratepayers. Those steps include budget cuts, project deferrals, debt refinancing, increasing grant funds and restructuring rates.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Board Recognizes Outgoing Member Larry Watt for 12 Years of Public Service

Encinitas, Calif. — At its November 6 meeting, OMWD’s Board of Directors honored Board Secretary Larry Watt for 12 years of dedicated service to its ratepayers. Mr. Watt did not seek reelection for another term, and this was his last meeting as a board member.

“Mr. Watt will be missed,” said Board President Christy Guerin. “Our ratepayers greatly benefited from his knowledge and experience from over 40 years of devoted public service.”

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Honors 2024 “Pure Excellence” Award Winners

Encinitas, Calif. — At its November 6 board meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized six community members with “Pure Excellence” awards. The winners—HASA, Inc., Begone Graffiti, Ariel Reed, Walter Haslop, The Grauer School, and Larry Watt—were acknowledged for their significant contributions to OMWD and the local community.

“Tonight, we celebrate our 2024 honorees who are making a difference in our community,” said OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “We are grateful for their efforts in delivering exceptional service, promoting water use efficiency and the preservation of natural habitat, and providing good leadership.”

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OMWD Board Will Hold Public Hearing on October 16 on Proposed Water Charges That Would Impact the Average Residential Customer Bill by Less Than Five Percent

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on October 16 to receive
comments on proposed water charges. The proposed charges would increase a residential customer’s bill with average
usage by less than five percent, beginning January 1, 2025.

OMWD buys all of its drinking water supply from its wholesaler, San Diego County Water Authority. Buying wholesale
water makes up approximately 60 percent of OMWD’s operating costs. Effective January 1, 2025, SDCWA will increase
the price OMWD pays for water by 14 percent.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Receives Award for Exceptional Advocacy

Encinitas, Calif. — At its annual conference today, California Special Districts Association honored Olivenhain Municipal Water District with its Exceptional Outreach and Advocacy Award for OMWD’s engagement with legislators and policymakers.

“OMWD is honored to be recognized for our efforts shaping water policy, representing our ratepayers at the state and federal levels, and collaborating with regional partners,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio.

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East County Advanced Water Program Joint Powers Authority $433,235,000 Tax-Exempt Interim Notes (Green Bonds)

Santee, Calif. – The East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority (Authority) plans to issue approximately $433,235,000 in tax exempt, fixed rate notes on September 4, 2024. The Notes are being issued to finance, on an interim basis, a portion of the design, construction, and development costs of the East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Project. The Notes are special, limited obligations of the Authority payable solely from Net Revenues of the Authority, and, if needed, other funds held by the Authority.

Leaders from the Metropolitan Water District join SDCWA board Chair, Secretary and General Manager at the August 2024 Board meeting.

Water Authority Welcomes MWD Chair to Discuss Regional Water Future

On Thursday, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Chairman Adán Ortega and Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay addressed collaboration between two of the largest wholesale water agencies in Southern California in light of MWD’s major long-term planning effort. This process aims to chart a course for meeting Southern California’s water resource management needs while rising to the challenges of a changing climate and maintaining its financial sustainability.

Speaking to the Board of the San Diego County Water Authority, Ortega praised the work of Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz, Vice Chair Nick Serrano and General Manager Dan Denham during an era of change at both agencies.

“Through your leadership, barriers between our member agencies are coming down opening new possibilities for greater interdependence in our region that can result in greater reliability, value for our residents, and fiscal health for the entire water supply chain,” Ortega said.

Members of the Metropolitan Water District join the August 2024 SDCWA Board meeting for a robust discussion.

This spring, Katz and Denham spoke to the MWD Board about growing the agencies’ relationship based on water security, affordability and mutual benefits.

Ortega touched on similar themes regarding MWD’s ongoing effort to prepare for a changing climate over the next century via its Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water effort. MWD is trying to chart a course forward with its 26 member agencies that meets the needs of the region while keeping water affordable all in the face of uncertainties caused by the changing climate. Through this process, MWD will consider potential multi-billion-dollar supply projects.

Ortega said the work of the San Diego region’s delegates to the MWD Board have been crucial for helping to chart Southern California’s water future. He thanked Director Tim Smith for leading MWD’s Finance and Asset Management Committee in implementing a two-year budget that was approved without opposition ; Director Marty Miller for his efforts to ensure financial accountability; MWD Secretary Lois Fong-Sakai for establishing a tone of civility at the MWD Board; and MWD Vice Chair Gail Goldberg for her work on MWD’s complex climate adaptation plan.

“Together, during the last two years we have made great progress in steps that are modernizing Metropolitan in the task of climate adaptation,” Ortega said.

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Otay Water District to Fill Division One Vacancy Through Appointment Process

Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District announced at its Aug. 7 board meeting that it will fill its division one board vacancy through an appointment process. The application deadline for candidates interested in filling the seat is Monday, August 26, 2024, by 5 p.m.

The vacancy occurred following the resignation, effective Aug. 2, of former board director Tim Smith, who represented division one. The board’s four remaining members, at its August meeting, unanimously voted to fill the vacancy through an appointment process, as outlined in Government Code § 1780.

Summer 2023 Water Academy class visiting the Olivenhain Dam and Pump Station.

Application Period Now Open for the Fall 2024 Citizens Water Academy

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity for emerging leaders throughout San Diego County to join the Citizens Water Academy and get an up-close understanding of our most important resource.  

Over multiple sessions participants will learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go behind the scenes with water managers, planners, and engineers to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission. 

Water Academy participants at the base of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority.

Water Academy participants at the base of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority.

Since its launch in 2015, this award-winning program has equipped nearly 800 civically engaged leaders with the water knowledge they need to make a difference in their communities and careers.  

Whether you’re a staffer or a working professional, an elected official or business leader, the information and relationships you’ll gain from the Citizens Water Academy will be impactful. Finally, graduates will have access to a robust and growing alumni network from across the region. 

The application period runs from July 25 to August 28, with the class taking place in mid-October. Citizens Water Academy participants must attend all three sessions. Applications are available on the Water Authority website through this link. 

Session Guide: 

Session 1 October 16 – Wednesday lunch hour (via Zoom): Welcome and overview by Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham.   

Session 2 October 17 – Thursday evening dinner: Presentations and activities focused on planning for a water-resilient future.   

Session 3 October 19 – Saturday half day: Breakfast and lunch, and behind-the-scenes tours of the Water Authority’s Control Room, Emergency Operations Center, and Olivenhain Dam and Pump Station. 

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Cultivate and Protect: Free Permaculture Gardening and Wildfire Preparedness Workshop

Encinitas, Calif.— Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, invites the public to attend a free workshop on permaculture gardening and wildfire safety. This workshop will be held on August 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in Escondido.

Josh Robinson of SD Sustainable will discuss methods to reduce outdoor water use through permaculture gardening design. Permaculture gardening mimics nature to garden organically, provides habitat for wildlife, and creates a low-maintenance, water-efficient garden. Participants will learn about designing ecologically functional gardens, and food forestry, and discover examples of San Diego ecosystem gardens.