The R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant in Lakeside treats 87.8% of the Helix Water District's water to the highest state and federal water quality standards. Photo: Helix Water DistrictHelix Water District Water Quality Report: 100% Compliance
The Helix Water District’s new 2024 Water Quality Report shows that throughout 2024, the district continued to deliver healthy, top-quality drinking water, which was 100% compliant with federal and state standards.
The characteristics of each specific local water supply depend on its original source and the route it travels through rock, soil, lakes, and rivers. Helix WD manages the characteristics of each water source through its multi-step treatment process.
In 2024, 58% of the Helix Water District’s supply came from the Colorado River, 25% came from Lake Cuyamaca and creeks in the mountains east of San Diego, and 17% came from Northern California through the State Water Project.
All raw water, whether imported or local, is treated before entering the Helix Water District distribution system. In 2024, 87.8% of the District’s water was treated at Helix Water District’s R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant in Lakeside.
The remaining 12.2% of water was purchased through the San Diego County Water Authority and treated at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s R.A. Skinner Treatment Plant, the Water Authority’s Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant, and/or the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant.
Experts Behind Water Quality at Helix Water District
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
Federally regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, public water systems are monitored for contaminants, including microbial threats, chemical hazards, or disinfection byproducts. All water and wastewater systems are regularly tested to ensure quality.
Each day of the year, state-certified staff at the Helix Water District conduct hands-on testing in the field and in its lab. Over 200 water samples are collected and analyzed every 24 hours to ensure its drinking water meets all safety standards. Water quality testing continuously monitors the treatment process, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“I wish all of our customers could meet our treatment staff,” said Helix General Manager Brian Olney. “Their expertise and experience goes into every drop of water we produce. They are at the forefront of the water industry and are committed to keeping the communities we serve healthy and happy.”
The 2024 Water Quality Report explains the water quality standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of California, and presents Helix’s water quality data for each standard. As in years past, Helix’s tap water outperformed all standards.
Water Quality Report Available To Customers
The Helix Water District’s 2024 Water Quality Report is available online in both English and Spanish.
- in English at fyi/wqr2024-english
- In Spanish at fyi/wqr2024-espanol
For questions about the report, please email the Helix Water District water quality staff at or call (619) 667-6248.
The delivery of safe water to the Water Authority’s 22 member agencies and their customers is the top priority for the Water Authority through regular water quality monitoring, supported through investments in ongoing maintenance.
Helix Water District is a not-for-profit, local government agency responsible for tap water in San Diego’s East County suburbs. The district provides water treatment for 500,000 residents and distributes water to 278,000 people in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, the community of Spring Valley, and areas of Lakeside
