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San Diego Region is Drought-Safe This Summer

June 21, 2021 – Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the San Diego County Water Authority today announced that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast, the result of three decades of strategic investments that create an aquatic safety net for San Diego County’s $253 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents.

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Helix Water District Student Poster Contest Winners Highlight Water is Life

Helix Water District honored local student artists for their winning Water Is Life posters at a virtual awards ceremony during Helix Water District’s board meeting on June 16, 2021.

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OMWD’s “AAA” Bond Rating Reaffirmed as Board Reduces Budget by 2.67 Percent

Encinitas, Calif. — At its meeting this evening, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors approved budget cuts following confirmation of OMWD’s exceptionally strong financial profile. The board was notified that Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that offers independent credit opinions, has reaffirmed OMWD’s “AAA” bond rating with a stable outlook, the highest possible rating assigned by Fitch. The board also approved a revised budget for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022 that saves over $1 million versus the originally approved budget.

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OMWD Recognizes Local Students for “Love Water, Save Water”

Encinitas, Calif. — Winners of the annual “Love Water, Save Water” youth poster competition were recognized by Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its June 16 meeting.

Students from fourth grade classes in OMWD’s service area participated in this year’s competition. All three winners are from Stone Ranch Elementary School in 4S Ranch.

The first place winner was Norah Shin. Her poster features a faucet with a globe-colored water drop positioned between two hands making a heart.

Unearthed After Serving South Bay Customers for Nearly 100 Years, Vintage Water Pipe on Display at Bonita Museum

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority has announced a piece of local history is now on display at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. Earlier this year, the Authority completed the replacement of its 36-inch transmission main in the Bonita Valley area. Portions of the large critical pipeline were nearing 100-years-old and due to be retired and replaced.

Water Authority Congratulates MWD on Selection of New General Manager

June 9, 2021 – “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Chairwoman Gloria Gray and the MWD Board of Directors on the selection of Adel Hagekhalil to serve as the district’s next General Manager. Adel is exactly the kind of person and visionary leader Southern California needs, especially as we experience another period of sustained drought, to help guide MWD as it faces important near- and long-term planning decisions impacting its water supply resources and water rates and charges.

“In addition to his demonstrated skills as an agency manager and water policy leader, Adel brings to the MWD table a highly collaborative style of leadership and commitment to meet the unique needs of each of the district’s 26 member agencies. He is also committed to continuing his advocacy to address equity and environmental and social justice issues impacting Southern California’s underserved communities.

“Adel’s selection sends an important signal that Southern California is planning to rely more on sustainable local water supplies in the future, while not abandoning our commitment to the Bay-Delta and Colorado River. These include Water Authority agency projects such as San Diego’s Pure Water Project, the East County Water Purification Project, and Oceanside’s Pure Water Project.

“Importantly, Adel received strong support from employees who have worked for him, as well as from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council, and other officials for whom he worked and to whom he reported. He is known by all to be an inclusive leader, a bridge-builder, and an advocate for the environment, social justice, and underserved communities. Numerous San Diego County elected officials, labor, business, and community groups joined in writing letters of support for Adel’s appointment.

“In short, Adel brings exactly the kind of experience and leadership we believe MWD needs at this time, and we look forward to continued collaboration with him.”

— Gary Croucher, Board Chair, San Diego County Water Authority

 Note: Hagekhalil is scheduled to meet with the Water Authority’s Board of Directors at its June 24 board meeting.

Helix Water District Logo Square officers for 2021

Helix Water District Planning Document Reveals Sufficient Water Supplies

Helix Water District Board of Directors just adopted its 2020 Urban Water Management Plan following a public hearing. The 2020 Urban Water Management Plan supports the district’s long-term planning efforts to ensure that it has enough water supplies to meet existing and future water needs.

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OMWD’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Earns Statewide Plant of the Year Honors

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was honored today by California Water Environment Association as its 2021 Plant of the Year (Small).

Presented during CWEA’s Virtual Conference and Expo, the award recognizes accomplishments with regard to regulatory compliance, innovative practices, employee development, cost-effectiveness, and other evidence of superior plant operations.

Water Authority Board Approves 2020 Urban Water Management Plan

May 27, 2021 – The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today approved the Water Authority’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan for timely submission to the state. The plan highlights how regional investments in a “water portfolio approach” to supply management and a sustained emphasis on water-use efficiency mean that San Diego County will continue to have reliable water supplies through the 2045 planning horizon – even during multiple dry years.

Water Authority Recommends 0% Change in Next Two-Year Budget

May 27, 2021 – The San Diego County Water Authority’s general manager today recommended to the Board of Directors a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 – a 0% change from the current two-year budget – due to the agency’s continuing commitment to cost control.