Facilities & Operations Archives

Clearwell-City of Poway-water infrastructure-CIP-reservoir

Major Reservoir Upgrade is Part of Poway Water Infrastructure Program

September 21, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike Lee

Construction on the City of Poway’s clearwell replacement is anticipated to begin this fall following the award of contract to Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. The contract was awarded at the Sept. 19 Poway City Council meeting.

The clearwell is Poway’s major storage reservoir for water treated at the water treatment plant, prior to being distributed to Poway water customers.

Poway Water Infrastructure Program

Replacing the aging clearwell, built in 1964, is the second phase of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program. This program is the largest capital improvement program (CIP) in the city’s 43-year history. The first phase of the program built the infrastructure necessary to bypass the clearwell. The improvements to Poway’s water system will increase the reliability of drinking water for water customers now and for generations to come.

The two tanks that will be built as part of the clearwell replacement project, will provide Poway’s water system with redundancy and operational flexibility in that one tank can be taken offline for maintenance and repairs without interrupting service. Gatweway Pacific was the lowest responsible bidder for the project, with a bid amount of approximately $31.6 million.

The targeted construction start date is Fall 2023 and will include the restoration of the ballfield at Lake Poway once the new tanks are operational. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.

Water Projects Overview

With the goal of increasing the reliability of drinking water for water customers now and generations to come, the City of Poway is undertaking the largest capital improvement program (CIP) in the city’s 40-year history.

The CIP will include replacing the clearwell (water storage reservoir) at the water treatment plant and a new San Diego County Water Authority treated water connection and redundant pipeline. In order to replace the clearwell, a bypass system consisting of two 1.4 million-gallon tanks, pipelines, a pump station and other appurtenances will be constructed.

These infrastructure improvement projects have been in the planning stage for a long time and are moving ahead as part of a mutual agreement between Poway and the State Division of Drinking Water.

SDCWA Treated Water Connection/Redundant Pipeline

The San Diego County Water Authority treated water connection and redundant pipeline project provides Poway with its first treated water connection to the Water Authority’s treated water aqueduct, as well as providing redundant pipelines. This project will help diversify Poway’s water supply portfolio and allow for operational flexibility and plant maintenance. It will also provide a redundant pipeline to the 36″ water transmission line on Lake Poway Road, which is currently the single transmission line that carries treated water to the distribution system.

The Poway City Council considered approval of the engineering design agreements during the April 5, 2022 City Council meeting. The City is also working with the Water Authority to evaluate alternatives to reduce the cost of this project.

(Editor’s note: The City of Poway is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility-CWEA 2022 Plant of the Year

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Marks Milestone Recycled Water Anniversary

August 30, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Water recycling reduces the need to import or develop additional drinking water supplies. It is a vital water management strategy to ensure a safe, reliable, and locally controlled water supply to support healthy environments, robust economies, and high quality of life.

Water and wastewater agencies in San Diego County are developing or expanding their water recycling infrastructure. Among those at the forefront is the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. OMWD marks a significant milestone in August: the 20^th anniversary of its award-winning 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, which began serving high-quality recycled water for irrigation in August 2003.

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s award-winning 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility celebrates its 20th anniversary in August 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD annexed the 4S Ranch and Rancho Cielo Sanitation Districts from the County of San Diego in 1998. OMWD also took ownership of a small wastewater treatment facility in 4S Ranch. This facility had the capability to treat 0.25 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater from the surrounding commercial center and condominium complex. Treated wastewater was disposed of by spraying it on nearby unimproved pastures.

Recognizing the significant development plans for the 4S Ranch area, OMWD expanded the capacity of the facility to 2.0 MGD. As part of this expansion, OMWD also incorporated additional treatment phases of filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, improving water quality. OMWD required area developers to install the entire recycled water infrastructure for their planned communities.

Today, the facility produces over one million gallons of recycled water per day. It is delivered to irrigation customers in the southeastern portion of OMWD’s service area for use at HOA common areas, schools, parks, streetscapes, and golf courses. Together with recycled water purchased from nearby water and wastewater agencies to serve customers in portions of Encinitas and Carlsbad, OMWD now serves up to 15 percent of its customers’ total water demand with recycled water.

“For 20 years, OMWD has proudly served 4S Ranch and neighboring communities with high-quality recycled water, reducing the use of drinking water for irrigation,” said OMWD Vice President Matthew Hahn. “As California continues to face water supply challenges, the expansion of our recycled water system strengthens our water supply reliability and promotes sustainable water management.

How water recycling helps build water reliability

OMWD serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its award-winning 4S Ranch facility. Photo: Olivenhain Mu recycled water

OMWD serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its award-winning 4S Ranch facility. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Water recycling is the process of capturing and treating wastewater, for non-domestic purposes such as irrigation and industrial processes.

Water and wastewater agencies across San Diego County are developing or expanding their recycled water systems to reduce the need to import or develop other supplies.

Since 2003, OMWD has significantly increased its recycled water purchases through connections with neighboring agencies, including the City of San Diego, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, Rancho Santa Fe Community Services District, and Vallecitos Water District. OMWD now serves over two and a half million gallons of recycled water every day. Each year, OMWD installs additional recycled water pipelines and converts more customers from potable water to recycled water.

By 2027, the volume of recycled water produced in the U.S. is projected to increase 37% from 4.8 billion gallons per day to 6.6 billion gallons per day, according to a recent survey by Bluefield Research.

OMWD leadership in developing water recycling

In 2021, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District completed several replacement and upgrade projects at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

As a founding member of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, OMWD works with nine northern San Diego County water and wastewater agencies across jurisdictional boundaries to reduce the impact of water supply shortages on San Diego County’s $268 billion economy. This regional approach has proven successful in developing local projects as well as obtaining $9 million in funding, significantly reducing the costs of water recycling projects for North San Diego County water ratepayers.

In addition, the Coalition has also secured federal funding of $23.8 million to help cover costs for water reclamation projects through 2025.

Expanding capacity for the future

Water and wastewater agencies across San Diego County including OMWD are developing or expanding water recycling projects, because every gallon of recycled water reduces the need to import or develop other supplies. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

As it looks forward to the next 20 years, OMWD continues to expand its recycled water capacity. It began construction this summer on three recycled water pipelines near Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad and in Village Park in Encinitas. Once complete, OMWD can convert up to 27 meters to recycled water, offsetting 12.7 million gallons of potable water used annually for irrigation.

OMWD has long pursued alternative water supplies like recycled water, a reliable, drought-proof approach for complementing existing water sources.

The San Diego County Water Authority has supported the development of recycling projects for decades, through membership in groups such as the WateReuse Association and collaborative efforts to promote local reuse efforts. Approximately 35,000 acre-feet of recycled water is beneficially reused within the Water Authority’s service area annually, and the volume is expected to continue growing as new and expanded plants come online.

(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Construction of the new Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir in North San Diego County was completed in June 2023.

Award-Winning Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir Project

July 24, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Kimberlyn Velasquez

The award-winning Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir enhances drinking water supply reliability and operational efficiency for the region. Construction was completed June 23 on the San Diego County Water Authority project in North San Diego County.

Work started in March 2021 with the demolition of an out-of-service steel tank.

Project work included construction of an underground isolation vault and flow control facility, in addition to a new 2.1 million-gallon water tank connected to the Valley Center Pipeline.

Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir project-water infrastructure

The project included construction of the water tank, flow control facility, and valve vault; paving of the project site and access road; and installation of new security fencing. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Improved operational flexibility

Operational flexibility is increased at Hauck Mesa by balancing the flow of treated water between the agency’s First and Second Aqueducts and by helping to maintain water deliveries if power supplies are interrupted. The new storage reservoir enhances the Water Authority’s ability to provide reliable and efficient deliveries of treated water to member agencies.

The walls of the new tank are about 60 feet tall, stained a forest green color to blend in with the natural landscape, and made of prestressed, or wire wrapped, concrete.

“The prestressed technology will maintain the tank walls in permanent compression, allowing the tank to accommodate seismic events while remaining watertight,” said Water Authority Construction Manager Emma Ward-McNally.

The project reached a major milestone in April 2022 when crews poured the concrete roof of the new prestressed concrete water tank. The entire system, including the new tank and flow control facility, was put into service in May 2023.

Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir project-concrete tower-water infrastructure

In April 2022, crews worked to pour the concrete roof of the new Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir in North San Diego County. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Award-winning Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir project

The Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir project has received two awards: The 2023 Honor Award from the American Public Works Association for Utilities in the $6 – $25 million category and was a joint winner of the 2023 Outstanding Water Project from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Hauck Mesa Reservoir Storage project-water infrastructure-award winning

Water Authority Construction Manager Emma Ward-McNally (seated left) receives APWA award for the Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir Project. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority/APWA

Strategic infrastructure improvements by the Water Authority and its member agencies are part of the regional effort to ensure continued delivery of water to support the region’s $268 billion economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents. As part of the asset management program, it is critical to actively replace and repair the Water Authority’s assets, which include pipes, valves, facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure.

Collaboration with Valley Center Municipal Water District

During construction, the Water Authority worked closely with the Valley Center community, Valley Center Municipal Water District, and nearby homeowners to minimize short-term construction impacts during the project.

The Water Authority operates and maintains a regional water delivery system capable of delivering 900 million gallons of water per day. Building and operating the large-scale infrastructure required to meet the region’s water needs now and in the future requires careful planning and technical expertise. The Water Authority uses a sophisticated approach to cost-effectively build, operate, maintain and secure its water facilities as an integrated system.

(Editor’s note: The Valley Center Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Santa Fe Irrigation District board members, senior management, and community leaders celebrate SFID's 100th anniversary.

Santa Fe Irrigation District Celebrates a Century of Service

July 13, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Community leaders and neighbors joined the Santa Fe Irrigation District in celebrating its 100th anniversary at a “Century of Service” event on June 21. The celebration at the San Dieguito Reservoir recognized SFID’s contributions to the community over the past 100 years and reflected on the water agency’s history and milestones.

In addition to the celebration, SFID received recognition from state and federal officials. Congressman Scott Peters delivered a proclamation for SFID, which is part of his congressional district.

Congressman Mike Levin also recognized the milestone: “Congratulations to the Santa Fe Irrigation District on 100 years of serving our community! As Californians, we all understand the importance of conserving water and the impact droughts have on our daily lives. I’m grateful to have SFID as a partner in the work to strengthen our local water independence.”

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot issued a congratulatory message: “Many thanks to the Santa Fe Irrigation District for 100 years of service. We appreciate this century-long legacy of water service to generations of Californians and look forward to continuing to partner on adjusting to the changing climate by improving water efficiency and diversifying our water supply.”

Evolution of water service as communities grow and thrive

The original Santa Fe Irrigation District office in 1926. Photo: Santa Fe Irrigation District

In 1923, SFID was established under the California Irrigation District Act of 1887. SFID was originally formed by landowners to provide water service to the area. Residents within the proposed SFID boundaries voted on and approved the creation of the Santa Fe Irrigation District in January 1923. Initially, SFID supplied water to primarily meet agricultural irrigation needs from the Lake Hodges reservoir, its only water source at the time. As the area developed, the District began providing potable water to residential, commercial, and institutional customers.

In 1948, SFID became a member of the San Diego County Water Authority and gained access to imported water supplies from Northern California and the Colorado River.

In 1948, the first Colorado River water flowed into Lake Hodges. This occasion marked the completion of a water line from the San Vicente Reservoir, where the first Colorado River barrel empties into the county water system. Photo: Santa Fe Irrigation District

In November 1948, officials celebrated the completion of a water line from the San Vicente Reservoir, where the first Colorado River barrel empties into the county water system. Pictured above are former Santa Fe Irrigation District members, including (with camera) former board director R.M. Clotfelder, former general manager D.M. Bakewell, and former directors William A. Smart, George Dose, and Harry Porter.

Modernizing safe, reliable water delivery

The Lake Hodges Dam flume, which delivered water from Lake Hodges to SFID, was replaced in 2003 with a new 36-inch transmission pipeline. Use of the historic 75-year-old flume ended. A new Rancho Cielo Raw Water Pump Station located on Del Dios Highway was also placed into service in 2003, providing an alternative means of moving water from Lake Hodges directly to the R.E. Badger Filtration Plant.

The San Dieguito Reservoir was constructed in 1918. This terminal storage reservoir can hold 550-acre feet of raw water. Photo: Santa Fe Irrigation District

During the construction of the Lake Hodges Dam, the San Dieguito Reservoir was also constructed in 1918. This terminal storage reservoir can hold 550-acre feet of raw water. In 1967 the San Dieguito Reservoir Pump Station was built to pump water from the reservoir to the R.E. Badger Filtration Plant.

The Santa Fe Irrigation District owns 150 miles of pipelines and a six-million-gallon treated water reservoir in the City of Solana Beach called Larrick Reservoir. The reservoir was constructed in 1965 and named after H. G. Larrick Sr., a board member from 1941 to 1957.

Today, the District serves approximately 20,000 customers on 10,300 acres of land in three communities: Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, and the City of Solana Beach.

(Editor’s note: The Santa Fe Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Helix Water District SCADA/ Instrumentation/Electrical Technician Joshua Smith works on an ozone generator at the district’s R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant in Lakeside. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Upgrades Water Treatment, Saves Costs

April 17, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

A recent upgrade to a Helix Water District treatment plant saved money for its ratepayers while ensuring a continued supply of high quality drinking water.

After 20 years of service, the ozone disinfection system at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant needed an upgrade. The projected cost of outsourcing the work needed came to $3.5 million. Instead, Helix staff at the plant proposed doing the work themselves – and they did – saving an estimated 70% after the work was completed for $1.1 million.

“With infrastructure projects, we always start with two questions,” said Helix Water District General Manager Brian Olney. “Do we replace it or can we rehabilitate it? And, is it better to outsource the work or do it in-house? These two questions saved our customers millions of dollars this year and are a good example of how we continuously look for ways to save our customers money.”

The Helix Water District uses ozone generators to reduce the use of chlorine as a primary disinfectant. Ozone inactivates a wide range of microorganisms, needs little contact time with the water, and it eliminates most of the odor and taste issues some people associate with tap water. Photo: Helix Water District

Ozone Disinfection and Drinking Water

Water treatment is a multi-step process. First, organic material suspended in the water is removed. Water is then disinfected to remove or inactivate harmful microscopic organisms. Finally, the water is filtered.

Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant at conventional water treatment plants. The Helix Water District uses ozone as its primary disinfectant, supplemented with chlorine. Ozone inactivates a wide range of microorganisms, needs little contact time with the water, and it eliminates most of the odor and taste issues some people associate with tap water. This mix maintains the quality of the water while it makes its way through the water distribution system.

The treatment plant uses an ozone generator, which produces ozone by applying high amounts of electricity to oxygen gas. The oxygen molecules (O2) split and regroup as ozone (O3). The ozone gas then bubbles up through the water to inactivate any microorganisms present.

Upgrading ozone generators with new technology

Helix maintenance staff worked closely with the manufacturer of its original ozone system installed in 2002. The same manufacturer supplied new hardware and electrical components required for the upgrade. The ozone disinfection system includes the gas feed systems, generators, power supply units, and the instrumentation hardware and software controlling the system.

The project began with a proof-of-concept pilot project two years ago. Once the methods were tested, each of the three ozone generators was upgraded with the new technology, then tested and commissioned.

In addition to the 70% estimated cost savings from the upgrade project, the improved efficiencies of the ozone generators will produce long-term cost savings.

The ozone generators and their power supply units are now fully upgraded thanks to the efforts of the Helix team. The last phase of the project is the replacement of the computer control system, which is scheduled for 2024.

(Editor’s Note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)

sea water-seawater desalination-desalination-Carlsbad Desalination Plant-Trason Bragg

Turning Seawater into Drinking Water

March 29, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike Lee /Atlanta News Now (CBS)by Trason Bragg Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The power and technology behind the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which turns seawater into drinking water, is described in this video report from Reporter Trason Bragg.

The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient desalination plant in the nation, and it has produced more than 100 billion gallons of drinking water for San Diego County since operations began in December 2015.

Seawater into drinking water

“As we continue to confront increasingly frequent and intense droughts, today’s announcement is an exciting step in our efforts to provide sustainable, reliable water supplies for San Diego County,” said San Diego Rep. Mike Levin. https://t.co/FFvhKliuGN #cawater #WIFIALoan

— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) March 25, 2023

New intake and discharge facilities

The new intake and discharge facilities at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant will ensure the plant continues to meet California’s stringent Ocean Plan standards for protecting marine life. Work started in January 2023 and the new facilities are anticipated to be operational by December 2024. Except for a planned plant outage required near the end of the project to connect the new facilities to the existing intake system, construction is not expected to impact water production.

100 billion gallons-reverse osmosis-seawater desalination

Reverse osmosis is the heart of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. During this process, dissolved salt and other minerals are separated from the water, making it fit for consumption. This reverse osmosis building contains more than 2,000 pressure vessels housing more than 16,000 reverse osmosis membranes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Helix Water District's Tunnel Hill storage tank rehabilitation project took approximately two years to complete. Photo: Helix Water District

Tunnel Hill Water Tanks Rehabbed and Upgraded by Helix Water District

March 1, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Helix Water District recently completed an extensive rehabilitation of its Tunnel Hill water storage tanks. The two tanks are above Interstate 8 near the Los Coches freeway exit. The tanks play an important role in the water infrastructure system by storing and providing water to thousands of Helix Water District customers in Lakeside and El Cajon.

The project took two years to complete in several phases. The first phase of the project involved stripping the exterior of the smaller and newer, reinforced concrete tank. The new, natural concrete finish does not require paint and will reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The larger steel Tunnel Hill water tank received a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. Photo: Helix Water District

Next, the larger steel tank received new paint and a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. The height of the tank was extended by five feet to improve the tank’s performance and safety in an earthquake, especially to protect nearby neighborhoods. The exterior of the steel tank was recoated.

Both tanks received new interior coatings to prevent corrosion and were replumbed with flexible fittings to prevent breaks and keep the tanks connected during an earthquake.

Asset Management

Both tanks received new interior coatings to prevent corrosion and were replumbed with flexible fittings to prevent breaks and keep the tanks connected during an earthquake. Photo: Helix Water District

“The Tunnel Hill Tank improvements are a great example of successful asset management,” said Helix Water District Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. “It would have cost over $10 million dollars if we had to replace the tanks. However, rehabilitating cost $3.5 million dollars. Our District is over 100 years old, and it is important to stay on top of our aging water system. We continuously monitor and manage our infrastructure because it’s the best long-term solution for our customers.”

The completed improvements will extend the life of the Tunnel Hill tanks for another 50 to 75 years.

Watch video of the Tunnel Hill Tank rehabilitation project in progress

Vital Roles In Water Infrastructure

Tanks are the most visible parts of water infrastructure and play a vital role in supplying water for the daily needs of residents and businesses, as well as for emergencies. The Helix Water District operates and maintains 25 tanks across its 50-square-mile service area. Proactive rehabilitations are less expensive than the construction of a new tank.

The height of the larger tank was extended by five feet to improve the tank’s performance and safety in an earthquake, especially to protect nearby neighborhoods. Photo: Helix Water District

Eight additional water storage tanks were inspected and repaired in 2022. In addition, as part of its proactive maintenance, crews replaced 11,560 feet of cast-iron pipeline and surveyed 14,728 feet of pipeline route for design.

The district pulled electromagnetic detectors through 12,000 feet of the 36-inch diameter pipeline that delivers water from the Colorado River and Northern California to the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant in Lakeside. The detectors measure the pipe wall and identify weak points, facilitating faster, more precise and less expensive repairs. Based on the data, the Helix Water District replaced 805 feet of pipe and installed 34 steel plates and 10 new access manways.

(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

The Sweetwater Reservoir will offer free fishing on Sundays throughout 2023. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Reservoir Open to Free Fishing on Sundays in 2023

February 22, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Sweetwater Reservoir now offers “Free Fishing Sundays” through the Sweetwater Authority’s Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access weekly on Sundays will continue through the end of 2023.

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to the water agency’s customers. The program offers outdoor activities including 2.5 miles of shoreline fishing, and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

Beginning March 1, program hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance is at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

New program, free access

The new program extends this opportunity due to the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir to recreational use.

“We recognize that the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir has impacted recreation access,” said Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We hope that by offering free access to the program on Sundays, customers and local residents will come out and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities located right here in our own community.”

A California Fishing License is required, and the Authority has established rules to ensure the protection of the water supply and sensitive habitats surrounding its reservoirs. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

San Diego County lakes prized for freshwater fishing

A happy angler shows off his catch at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Photo: Fishbrain.com

San Diego County’s freshwater fishing in area reservoirs and lakes managed by the region’s water agencies attracts experts and beginners alike. Eighteen of the County’s 24 reservoirs allow fishing, including the 960-acre Sweetwater Reservoir.

According to FishedThat.com, Sweetwater Reservoir is rated among San Diego County’s top three freshwater fishing locations. Fish available in the reservoir include carp, largemouth bass, bluegill, red-eared sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.

Fifth-grade students in the Sweetwater service area were also provided free fishing passes for the year through their schools.

Primarily a local water supply for the Sweetwater Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the agency has created recreational opportunities at the reservoir including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail, operated by the County of San Diego.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

shutdown season-First Aqueduct-maintenance shutdown

First Aqueduct Maintenance Shutdown Runs Feb. 27-March 8

February 22, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Mike Lee

(Editor’s Update: Work started Monday, February 27, as scheduled)

The final shutdown for scheduled maintenance of the San Diego County Water Authority’s First Aqueduct is scheduled to begin February 27. The shutdown will run through March 8, allowing crews to reline portions of the historic aqueduct and perform regular maintenance work that ensures a safe and reliable water supply for the region. Portions of the First Aqueduct were shut down earlier this year for similar work, as part of a proactive approach to saving on future maintenance or replacement costs.

The Water Authority and its member agencies are coordinating to minimize impacts to residents and businesses, while servicing pipelines that are more than 65 years old.

Customers of these affected retail agencies during the final planned shutdown should check with their local water utility if they have questions about localized impacts: Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Vista Irrigation District, Helix Water District, Yuima Municipal Water District, and the cities of San Diego, Poway and Ramona.

“Taking care of this critical infrastructure during the shutdown season extends the life of the First Aqueduct and helps to avoid both water emergencies and the high costs of emergency work,” said Eva Plajzer, the Water Authority’s director of operations and maintenance. “Maintaining our water delivery system in coordination with our member agencies ensures the continued safe and reliable supply that serves the region’s 3.3 million residents and our $268 billion economy.”

Maintenance work on pipelines is scheduled during low-demand periods to minimize impacts on water service.

The historic First Aqueduct was constructed in the 1940s (Pipeline 1) and in the 1950s (Pipeline 2). On November 28, 1947, the first Colorado River water flowed south from Riverside County for 71 miles into the City of San Diego’s San Vicente Reservoir via the First Aqueduct.

The Water Authority’s Asset Management Program is a key element of providing safe and reliable water supplies to the region. The agency continually assesses and inspects its 310 miles of large-diameter pipelines, which provide treated and untreated water to 24 member agencies in San Diego County. The program is widely recognized for pioneering work, including a patented inspection device.

As assets age, the Water Authority proactively replaces and repairs them to minimize impacts to member agencies and the public. Investments in the latest inspection technologies – including electromagnetic scanning, robotic inspections and 3D tunnel inspections – help the Water Authority’s asset management team detect defects in pipelines and related facilities.

(Editor’s Note: The Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Vallecitos Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Vista Irrigation District, Yuima Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, and the cities of San Diego and Poway, are 11 of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

If a leak is confirmed, then a repair is scheduled and completed within days of discovery and during normal working hours. Photo: Otay Water District Leak prevention

Annual Leak Detection Program Gets Underway in Otay Water District

January 24, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

As part of its annual preventative maintenance program to safeguard its water supply and reduce water loss, the Otay Water District will conduct leak inspections of its pipeline system beginning January 30. Inspections are expected to continue until April 28. The District’s contractor, Utility Services Associates, will inspect approximately 171 miles of potable water mains in Spring Valley and Jamul, along with potable and recycled water mains in areas of Chula Vista.

Minor water leaks account for more than a trillion gallons of water wasted each year in homes across the United States. According to the EPA Fix-A-Week-Leak website, each average household with unaddressed leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water loss every year, enough to wash 300 loads of laundry.

Since 2013, the proactive Leak Detection Program has identified 292 leaks that have been repaired by the District, resulting in an average annual savings of $54,000 per year from reduced water losses. Graphic: Otay Water District

For example, the EPA reports a leak just one-32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month.

Since 2013, the proactive Leak Detection Program has identified 292 leaks that have been repaired by the District, resulting in an average annual savings of $54,000 per year from reduced water losses.

“The Otay Water District conducts inspections annually in different communities we serve,” said Otay System Operations Manager Jake Vaclavek. “It is more critical than ever to insure we are not wasting water as we cope with our state’s ongoing megadrought.”

Workers conduct inspections weekdays through April

An effective leak detection and repair program is one of the main components for water conservation and an important part of asset management. Photo: Otay Water District

Customers may see workers inspecting the meter in front of their home or business, typically between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend and night work may also be required. Inspections can range from a few minutes to a full day.

Inspection workers will wear a Utility Services Associates logo and carry company identification. They will not need access to the homes or property of customers. They may contact customers if they need to momentarily shut off their water supply for further testing. Water supply will not be shut off without permission from someone at the home or property.

The Otay Water District will continue its annual leak inspection through April. Photo: Otay Water District

Workers might lift water meter covers, inspect, and attach equipment to meters or valves. If they suspect a leak, the Otay Water District will contact the customer and advise them of the potential leak.

For questions on the Otay Water District Leak Detection Program, contact customer service at (619) 670-2222.

(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

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