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Left group, front row: San Marcos councilmembers Ed Musgrove and Mike Sannella; San Marcos Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins; San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones. Back row: San Marcos Fire Department Fire Marshall/Battalion Chief Jason Nailon. Right group, front row: Vallecitos Board Member Craig Elitharp and President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Ph.D.; Vallecitos Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi. Back row: Vallecitos Board Member Jim Pennock with grandson; Vallecitos Board Member Erik A. Groset, Vallecitos General Manager James Gumpel. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness HeloPod

Vallecitos Water District, City of San Marcos, and CalFIRE Collaborate on Wildfire Preparedness

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In preparation for the 2024 wildfire season, the Vallecitos Water District and City of San Marcos worked with the California Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) to provide a new water source to aid firefighters.

On Tuesday, April 30, Vallecitos Board President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Ph.D., and San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the District’s new HeloPod, including a demonstration of the new tool in use. CalFIRE representatives joined water and city officials for the event.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department helicopter demonstrates how it deploys water from the HeloPod in firefighting. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter demonstrates how it deploys water from the HeloPod in firefighting. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

“The Vallecitos Water District, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Fire, and Cal-Fire have demonstrated our commitment to progress and partnership by providing the resources, expertise, people, and political will to achieve this benefit to our community. Today we are marking an occasion of progress and partnership as much as we are celebrating the milestone in-service of the HeloPod,” said Boyd-Hodgson.

“This important new weapon in our fight against wildfire stands as a testament to how government agencies can work together to protect our quality of life, our property and our community for years to come,” added Boyd-Hodgson.

See a demonstration video of the HeloPod.

The HeloPod is located next to a Vallecitos Water District-owned water storage tank east of North Las Posas Road in the Santa Fe Hills area.

CalFIRE provided the HeloPod unit to Vallecitos. Facilities and maintenance personnel installed it in its permanent location in San Marcos. It is eight feet long, six feet wide, and five feet deep.

HeloPod Helps Improve Wildfire Fighting Capacity

Vallecitos Water District personnel install the HeloPod. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness

Vallecitos Water District personnel installed the HeloPod. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The event marked a significant milestone in firefighting capacity in inland North San Diego County.

This HeloPod is a new high-capacity helicopter water dipping source — a 5,000-gallon cistern specifically designed for firefighting helicopters. It can be filled by water from Vallecitos’ Palomar Tank. It is strategically located in the hills north of Highway 78. It will serve as a vital resource for firefighting helicopters, enabling them to swiftly access clean water to contain and extinguish wildfires before they spread.

Each HeloPod holds a ready supply of 5,000 gallons of water. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire preparedness

Each HeloPod holds a ready supply of 5,000 gallons of water. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

With access to a HeloPod, firefighting helicopters can fill their water tanks faster and conduct more water drops per hour. Filling up a helicopter with a HeloPod is four times faster than filling up by landing, which is vital when seconds count.

County Fire and CalFIRE are also placing large HeloPods around San Diego County. One is already in use at the CalFIRE Station in Julian, and at the CalFIRE San Diego Unit in El Cajon; at the Rainbow Fire Center in Fallbrook, and at the McCain Valley Fire Camp in Boulevard. Future HeloPods will be placed at Crouch Valley near Mt. Laguna and near the Puerta La Cruz CalFIRE Conservation Camp near Warner Springs.

Padre Dam Dives into a New Medium with Launch of The Water Drop Podcast

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April 26, 2024 – Padre Dam Municipal Water District has launched a new podcast, The Water Drop to dive
into the latest information and hot topics in the water industry.

The Water Drop debuted in March 2024 and monthly episodes are planned. Padre Dam staff as well as
outside experts will discuss an array of industry topics including sustainability, trends and the future of all
things water.

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OMWD Hosts Ecoliteracy Showcase Featuring Local Students’ Environmental Projects

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, the Encinitas Union School District, and BCK Programs invite members of the public to attend a free Ecoliteracy Showcase on May 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Encinitas Farm Lab, located at 441 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. The showcase celebrates local students’ year-long efforts in promoting environmental awareness and action, with a special emphasis on water conservation during Water Awareness Month in May.

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South Bay Irrigation District transforms into “South Bay Water,” announces upcoming community logo contest

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Chula Vista, CA  – On April 9, 2024, the South Bay Irrigation District Board of Directors approved a proclamation to rebrand the district as “South Bay Water.” The updated name enhances the connection between the district and its important role as the governance branch of Sweetwater Authority, a public water agency that serves 200,000 residents in South Bay with safe and reliable tap water.

Helix Water District crews lower the five-ton replacement valve into place for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Replaces Aging Key Water Valve

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One of the largest water valves key to Helix Water District operations was recently replaced. The massive five-ton, five-foot diameter valve is one of the largest in the district’s operation.

This valve isolates a section of pipe allowing water from Lake Jennings to flow into the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant. This replacement addresses two needs: First, it replaces an aging valve, and second, it allows Helix Water District to make cost-effective improvements on a 62-year-old supply line feeding the water treatment plant.

Helix Water District crews prepare the five-ton replacement valve for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District crews prepare the five-ton replacement valve for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Infrastructure Updates Preparing for East County Advanced Water Purification Program

The valve replacement is among the major improvements underway that will help move, treat, and deliver new water from the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The program will come online for East County in 2026.

The East County AWP program creates a new, local, and drought-proof water supply using state-of-the-art technology. It will purify recycled water, producing up to 30% of East County’s drinking water.

All work on installing the replacement valve in its new location took place in one day. Photo: Helix Water District

All work on installing the replacement valve in its new location took place in one day. Photo: Helix Water District

The large valve isolates a section of the Lake Jennings pipeline, which moves water out of Lake Jennings and to the inlet of the Levy treatment plant. Since the new East County AWP water will flow through this pipeline 24 hours a day every day for the next 30 years, it is vital for the Helix Water District to inspect and make any necessary repairs to ensure the pipeline is in excellent condition before the new water source comes online. The old valve had exceeded its useful life.

Replacing the large valve also allowed the Helix WD to relocate the new valve, improving access for inspections and maintenance. The previous valve was located over 400 feet from where the water enters our treatment plant and upstream of our other supply pipeline, leaving this section of the pipeline filled with water.

The new water valve has an expected operation life of 50 years. Photo: Helix Water District

The new water valve has an expected operation life of 50 years. Photo: Helix Water District

Before relocating the new valve, Helix maintenance teams could only access this section of pipe during a treatment plant shutdown. While working on the old valve, the district needed to purchase more expensive imported water to serve its customers while the plant was shut down and unable to produce its regular supply.

With the new valve in place, fewer shutdowns will occur and prevent the need for purchasing supplemental imported water while performing maintenance and repairs. Relocating this valve and keeping the plant running was the best option for long-term operations and cost savings.

Water Valve Installation Complete In One Day

Maintenance professionals secure the new valve into place. Photo: Helix Water District

Maintenance professionals secure the new valve into place. Photo: Helix Water District

Construction started early in the morning by cutting out an existing pipe section near the treatment plant’s headworks. The new valve was lowered into position, aligned, welded together, and up and running within 14 hours. The valve is so large it takes more than 400 rotations to close it. The new value is expected to have a useful life of 50 years.

Current work to accommodate the East County AWP project is still in progress. It involves creating new access ways, removing the old valve, constructing a new vault, and preparing the Lake Jennings pipeline for inspection.

Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations. Photo: Helix Water District

Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations. Photo: Helix Water District

Once completed, the district will have longer-lasting infrastructure that can meet the demands of our region and future water supplies. Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations.

To learn more about East County AWP, please visit https://eastcountyawp.com/

 

(Left to right) California Dept. of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Gov. Gavin Newsom join the snow survey team for fourth media snow survey of the 2024 season is held at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo:  Andrew Nixon, California Dept. of Water Resources

Snow Survey Confirms Water Supplies Remain Plentiful for San Diego

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The California Department of Water Resources performed its fourth snowpack survey of the season on Tuesday, April 2, confirming that the early winter’s “snow drought” gave way to a slightly above-normal snowpack following a series of storms.

DWR’s early April snow survey marks what is considered the peak snowpack for the year in the Sierra Nevada. The Colorado River Basin – San Diego County’s main source of water – also reports more snow than average for this time of year.

DWR’s survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113 percent of the average. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Two consecutive wet winters, combined with regional investments and conservation by residents and businesses, delivered enough water to meet the San Diego region’s needs for the rest of 2024.

Wet Winter and Full Reservoirs Support Region

Across California, reservoirs are nearly full as we approach the start of summer—the heaviest water-use months. Plentiful water is a rare occurrence in the arid Southwest. From 2020 to 2022, the state suffered severe drought conditions that forced water-use reductions for millions of California residents.

California's major reservoirs are between 69 and 99 percent of capacity as of April 1. Graphic: California Dept. of Water Resources snow survey

California’s major reservoirs are between 69 and 99 percent of capacity as of April 1. Graphic: California Dept. of Water Resources

For the past decade, San Diego County has been insulated from drought-induced cutbacks due to the long-term investments in secure water supplies, a strategy that emerged in the early 1990s following an economically devastating drought. Since 1990, the region has dramatically cut water demands, reducing per capita water use by more than 50 percent. Water conservation has become a “way of life” for the region’s residents and businesses.

Innovative Leadership in Water Management

The Water Authority is currently working to sell or transfer some of its surplus water supply to areas with greater needs. For instance, an innovative water transfer deal could eventually deliver drought-resilient water supplies to South Orange County through the Moulton Niguel Water District and help combat increasing water rates for San Diegans.

A deal completed in late 2023 saved the San Diego region about $20 million. These water transfers help maintain the viability of the Colorado River as the most critical water resource for the Southwest.

“Wet years are the right time to prepare for the inevitable dry years,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “That’s why we’re working every day to explore creative deals that help us reduce water rate pressures for San Diegans, enhance our long-term water security, and help our neighbors meet their needs for drought-resilient water supplies.”

(Editor’s Note: Information in this story was provided by the California Department of Water Resources).

 

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OMWD’s AAA Bond Rating Affirmed

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s AAA Revenue Bonds were affirmed with a stable outlook on March 27 by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that offers independent credit opinions. The AAA rating is the highest possible grade and has been awarded to only a handful of agencies in Southern California.

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Construction of New Recycled Water Pipelines Allows OMWD to Reduce Dependence on Imported Drinking Water

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is scheduled to start construction in April on the extension of several underground pipelines within the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad that will allow the conversion of 28 irrigation meters to recycled water.

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As soon as 2026, the East County Advanced Water Program will deliver water to the faucets of customers. Photo: East County AWP milestone

East County Advanced Water Program Hits Multiple Milestones  

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Work on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program facilities and pipelines reached multiple milestones at the start of 2024, and construction continues on schedule at multiple East County locations through 2025. As soon as 2026, the AWP will deliver water to the faucets of customers in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District service area.

At the main construction site north of Santee Lakes, more than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the water recycling, solids handling, and advanced water purification facilities. Nearly 60% of the 2.3 total miles of open-cut construction on wastewater pipelines that make up the AWP Program are complete.

More than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the East County Advanced Water Program water recycling, solids handling and advanced water purification facilities. Photo: East County AWP

More than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the East County Advanced Water Program water recycling, solids handling and advanced water purification facilities. Photo: East County AWP

Construction also continues on Fanita Parkway, north of Ganley Road in Santee, and within Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve. Pipeline water testing is now underway on that installed pipeline.

Work on the pipelines for the East County Advanced Water Program is affecting access to the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, which remains open. Photo: East County AWP

Work on the pipelines for the East County Advanced Water Program is affecting access to the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, which remains open. Photo: East County AWP

In addition, pipeline work at Santee Lakes is occurring between Lakes 3 and 4. There is a road closure and no parking in some areas. The Kiwanis Playground at Lake 4 remains open and parking has been preserved for playground visitors.

“Roughly a year and a half ago, we started with a blank slate and since then, the Joint Powers Authority and its project partners have made significant achievements at each of the construction sites,” said Mark Niemiec, director of the East County AWP. “It’s during these ongoing activities within the community including at Santee Lakes that we really appreciate our neighbors’ patience and understanding.”

Pipeline undergrounding scheduled this spring

These new pipelines servicing the East County Advanced Water Program will soon be moved underground. Photo: East County AWP

These new pipelines servicing the East County Advanced Water Program will soon be moved underground. Photo: East County AWP

The wastewater pipelines that will run from the East Mission Gorge Pump Station near State Route 52 to the first lake at Santee Lakes will soon be pulled underground. This trenchless construction method called “Horizontal Directional Drilling” minimizes the impacts to nearby waterways, including the San Diego River. The process takes an estimated 24 to 36 straight hours.

Elsewhere, Fanita Parkway will be temporarily closed for up to one week in March between Ganley Road and Lake Canyon Road to allow for paving on both sides of the street. Residents will see detour signs prior to the closure. The road closure will occur during the day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Purified water pipeline construction is continuing west on Mast Boulevard in Santee, as well as west on Mapleview Street in Lakeside and from Laurel Canyon Road to El Monte Road. Lane closures can be expected.

Residents and commuters in Santee and Lakeside can monitor road closures on the East County AWP website. Photo: East County AWP

Residents and commuters in Santee and Lakeside can monitor road closures on the East County AWP website. Photo: East County AWP

Construction on the 23,000-square-foot Visitors Center is in progress and will be completed by the end of 2025. It will house administrative offices, the operation control center, a testing laboratory, and a community room. The steel beam installation, including 66 columns and 100 beams, will use 350,000 pounds of U.S. steel.

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure for purified pipeline construction. The trail will close again during the summer for a couple of months to allow for additional pipeline construction near the shoreline.

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure. It will close again for additional construction later this summer. Photo: East County AWP

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure. It will close again for additional construction later this summer. Photo: East County AWP

When complete, the East County AWP Program will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day, which is enough to serve an estimated 400,000 people, or roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply.

The East County AWP Program includes construction of the following:

When operational, the East County AWP will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day which is enough to serve roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply. Photo: East County AWP

When operational, the East County AWP will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day which is enough to serve roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply. Photo: East County AWP

  • Water recycling facility treating 16 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater.
  • Advanced water purification facility treating and purifying 11.5 MGD.
  • Purified water pipeline transporting purified water 10 miles to Lake Jennings.
  • Wastewater and residual pipelines. Each segment is three miles long.
  • East Mission Gorge Pump Station (retrofitted) and City of San Diego partnership of regional brine and wastewater pipelines traveling from the pump station in Santee to the City of San Diego’s sewer line in Mission Valley.
  • Energy recovery system creating three megawatts of renewable energy.

To stay up-to-date with project schedules, community impacts and work descriptions, check the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s interactive map on  www.eastcountyawp.com or visit @eastcountyawp on social media

The San Diego County Water Authority issued its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, focusing on the need to adopt, engage, and transform its operations to ensure a healthy and resilient regional water system in the face of change. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority FY23 annual report

Year Of Impact: Water Authority Issues FY2023 Annual Report

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The San Diego County Water Authority issued its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, recapping the agency’s efforts to adapt, engage, and transform in ways that ensure a safe and resilient regional water system today and for future generations.

The annual report can be accessed on the Water Authority website.

Commitment to public transparency

The San Diego County Water Authority issued its FY23 annual report, part of its effort to ensure transparency. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority issued its FY23 annual report, part of its effort to ensure transparency. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Water Authority is committed to informing residents and businesses about key issues, projects, and programs that impact the regional water supply. The Annual Report is part of this effort.

Each year, Board members and staff make presentations to more than 100 business, community, and civic groups.

In communities with active or proposed construction projects, the Water Authority conducts proactive outreach to ensure awareness about neighborhood impacts. In addition, the agency participates in numerous civic organizations that strengthen the community, and it creates periodic outreach and education campaigns about critical issues.

Adapting to changing weather, inflationary pressure

With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority FY23 annual report

With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Managing water in a hot, dry climate like requires continual innovation, collaboration, conservation, and strategic investments. The FY23 Annual Report recaps the Water Authority’s multiple initiatives to pursue further collaboration on river management, as well as its successful advocacy for new legislation that would give the state more tools to deal with extreme weather.

Of importance to ratepayers, strategic actions were taken to address inflationary pressures and decreased water sales to keep water rates as low as possible. With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars.

The Water Authority also obtained grant funds to install free water-saving devices in underrepresented communities, and it helped secure federal financial aid for low-income water customers in the region to cover overdue residential water and wastewater bills.

The Water Authority seeks to maintain the lowest possible rates while working to ensure that everyone in the region has access to safe and reliable water supplies. Water affordability requires coordinated efforts by all levels of government – federal, state, wholesale, and retail.

Proactive maintenance protecting water affordability

Crews work on First Aqueduct Rehabilitation.

The timely rehabilitation of the First Aqueduct is part of the Water Authority’s proactive asset management program. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Finally, the Water Authority completed one of its biggest maintenance operations in more than 75 years. The work was part of a proactive asset management program to maintain and rehabilitate its 308 miles of large-diameter pipelines, which deliver water to millions of San Diegans. This transformational work was critical in ensuring the reliability of the region’s water delivery system. The program promotes water affordability by avoiding costly unplanned disruptions in service.

With decades of strategic investments, the Water Authority has emerged as a model for statewide efforts to develop diversified water supply portfolios that can adapt to the changing climate. These assets provide water supply reliability for the region’s economy and 3.3 million residents. Over the past year, the Water Authority continued to prepare the region for an uncertain future.

From helping customers lower their water bills to protecting ratepayers from rate increases, the Water Authority is always looking for ways to support San Diego County’s long-term welfare. Though challenges persist, the agency strives to continue making a positive impact by advocating for initiatives that move the region and state toward water affordability and reliability.