Encinitas, CA—As part of its continued efforts to reduce potable water demand, Olivenhain Municipal Water District is co-hosting a free graywater workshop with partners San Dieguito Water District and Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. Participants will learn how to build a branched drain system step-by-step. The workshop will be held at the Encinitas Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 22.
Chula Vista, Calif. – At the October 9 Sweetwater Authority Governing Board meeting, the Authority’s first Citizens Advisory Committee appointees were formally announced. The announcement included a ceremonial oath and reception.
Vista, Calif. – Vista Irrigation District has received two major statewide honors, the District of Distinction Platinum Recognition award and the Transparency Certificate of Excellence.
The District of Distinction recognition is awarded by the Special District Leadership Foundation to special districts that show their commitment to good governance, transparency, prudent fiscal policies and sound operating practices.
The district originally obtained its accreditation in 2009 and just received its most recent reaccreditation. Platinum recognition is the highest level of recognition for a district and requires completion of all Special District Leadership Foundation programs demonstrating a comprehensive approach to excellence in district administration and government; the district is one of only eleven special districts statewide to receive District of Distinction Platinum recognition.
Carlsbad, Calif. – The Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant maintains an investment grade rating in the latest report from Fitch Ratings, affirming the plant’s sound financial management and its ability to provide a stable, reliable source of drinking water to the San Diego region. As the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient desalination plant in the nation, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant’s revenue stability stems from an effective collaboration between Poseidon Water and the San Diego County Water Authority.
Encinitas, Calif. —The Special District Leadership Foundation recognized Olivenhain Municipal Water District today at California Special Districts Association’s annual conference in Anaheim for a sixth “District of Distinction” biennial accreditation. This recognition celebrates OMWD’s sound fiscal management and commitment to transparency in all areas of its operations.
Chula Vista, Calif. – On Wednesday, September 25, the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Governing Board voted unanimously to approve measures to maintain water affordability and share operational savings with its customers. As a result, the average customer will actually see their bill go down in the future.
The Governing Board, as part of its Strategic Work Plan effort for the year, voted to reduce its Wholesale Water Purchase Rate to offset other increases so that the average Authority customer will see a slight decrease in their water bill next year. The Authority’s new rate structure will go into effect on January 1, 2020.
Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District turned on the tap to start providing recycled water to Surf Cup Sports, LLC. By irrigating approximately 55 acres of grass sports fields with recycled water, OMWD and Surf Cup Sports will save up to an estimated 100 million gallons of potable water per year, reducing potable water demand and improving sustainability.
Crews from the Fallbrook Public Utility District are helping rebuild water services in Paradise, Calif. after the devastating November 2018 Camp Fire.
The Camp Fire burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,793 structures, caused 85 deaths and three firefighter injuries. The Camp Fire is the deadliest, most destructive fire in California’s history, according to CAL FIRE.
Colter Shannon and Austin Wendt left the FPUD yard Sept. 22 to make the 565-mile, 10-hour drive to Paradise. On Sept. 29, two more FPUD crew members, Toby Stoneburner and Matt Perez, will depart for the Butte County town. Each two-member team will spend two days driving and five days working on repairs for a total of seven days.
“I just want to help,” said Wendt. “That town went through devastation and I can actually do something to physically help. My wife and I always send backpacks to places devastated by hurricanes. For the most recent one, we sent 25 backpacks stuffed with school supplies.”
The Paradise Irrigation District is still struggling to repair the damaged infrastructure that resulted in more than 10,500 customers being issued a “do not drink” water advisory.
Two other San Diego County water agencies recently helped Camp Fire recovery efforts. Six water professionals from the Helix Water District and Padre Dam Municipal Water District spent one week in August assisting the Paradise Irrigation District.
Their time away won’t cost FPUD a penny as their labor is reimbursed by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“We’re doing this because we recognize that we are in a fire-prone area here in Fallbrook,” said Jack Bebee, FPUD general manager.
The Rice Fire in 2007 burned 206 homes, 9,472 acres, two commercial properties, and 40 outbuildings in the Fallbrook area. Bebee said he knows Fallbrook may one day need the help the crews are now providing to Paradise.
He said the crews can bring back with them some of the lessons they learn from the destruction and repair work. Bebee said the district is also working with North County Fire on emergency preparedness and the FPUD board room has been set up as an emergency command center in the event it is needed.
Encinitas, Calif. —Olivenhain Municipal Water District is offering a Basics of Backyard Composting and Vermicomposting workshop to the general public to promote water use efficiency. OMWD will hold the free workshop on Tuesday, October 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve’s Interpretive Center Honoring Susan. J. Varty.
Vista, Calif. – Vista Irrigation District has been presented with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. This certificate is the only national award for public sector financial reporting.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government agency and its management team. This marks the twelfth year the district has received recognition for excellence in financial reporting and transparency.
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019