Agency News

News from the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Sewer Customers Will Not Face Higher Rates in 2020

Encinitas, Calif. —Following a review of its sewer rates and charges, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors voted at its May 20 meeting to hold the line on current sewer rates and fees rather than increase rates as scheduled.

East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority JPA Logo

East County Advanced Water Purification Program Moves Forward

May 22, 2020, Santee, CA – The East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved water and wastewater service agreements this week, moving this significant drinking water project one-step closer to reality. These water and wastewater agreements are critical to the JPA’s eligibility for key Program financing opportunities.

Water Authority Proposes Rates for 2021

The all-in rates charged to the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies would increase by 6.3% for untreated water and 6.2% for treated water in calendar year 2021, if the Board of Directors adopts a staff recommendation released this week. The recommended rate increase equates to a net of 3% for member agencies […]

Sweetwater Authority Recognized as “District of Distinction”

Sweetwater Authority (Authority) received the “District of Distinction” accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. This distinction, a prestigious title, is only possessed by two percent of the more than 4,000 Special Districts.

Sweetwater Authority Governing Board and essential employees display dedication to service, community during COVID-19 crisis

Chula Vista, Calif. – In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Board Members and employees have focused all efforts on accomplishing three key goals: provide safe, reliable water; do our part to protect customers from financial impacts of the pandemic; and care for the community we serve.

Regional Water Agencies Boost Efforts to Fight Hunger

San Diego – An effort to bolster food bank supplies in San Diego County is getting a helping hand from the region’s public water agencies. The San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies are supporting a virtual food drive in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The campaign allows donors to select and purchase items such as canned meats, […]

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OMWD Has Rapidly Responded to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis: Here is What You Need to Know

Encinitas, Calif.—The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posed an unprecedented threat to the global community, requiring quick action, responsible decision-making, and forward thinking. With nearly every community facing this global health emergency, OMWD has taken several proactive steps to protect customers, employees, and the water supply.

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OMWD Welcomes Entries in 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

Encinitas, CA—Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites residents with water-efficient gardens to enter the 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The winning landscape will receive $250. The deadline to apply is April 27, and applications are available at www.landscapecontest.com

San Diego Food Bank-Virtual Food Drive-San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Partners with San Diego Food Bank to Fight Hunger

In addition to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply, the Board leadership of the San Diego County Water Authority is joining regional efforts to fight the economic impacts of the pandemic by setting up a virtual food drive in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank.   The San Diego Food Bank helps feed hundreds […]

Water Authority Board of Directors Meeting Will Be Streamed Online

To help protect public health, the monthly Board meeting will be a virtual meeting only – no Board members, member agency staff or members of the public will be able to attend the meeting in person at our Kearny Mesa headquarters. The meeting can be accessed electroncially by going to this web link: https://www.sdcwa.org/meetings-and-documents and then clicking the link below […]

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Carlsbad Desalination Plant Staff Take Extraordinary Step to Shelter in Place to Ensure Operational Continuity at Critical Facility

“As manager of the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant in San Diego County, our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of the employees and compliance with stringent state and federal standards for the production of a safe and healthy drinking water supply.

Region’s Water Agencies Collaborate to Ensure Water Security

The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have increased regional coordination and communication to ensure the coronavirus pandemic does not impact safe and secure water service for San Diego County. Public water supplies in the San Diego region remain safe to drink due to numerous robust treatment processes used by local and regional water […]

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Pipeline Construction Scheduled to Begin Along North El Camino Real Next Week

Encinitas, CA—Olivenhain Municipal Water District will begin construction to replace aging water infrastructure in El Camino Real the week of March 23. To reduce traffic impacts, all work will take place at night, between 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday.  

1st Place, “Blessed Stream,” Zabrina Urness, Sweetwater High School, Grade 10 winning photos

Sweetwater Authority Displays Winning Photos at Board Reception

Ten South Bay area high school students were honored for their winning photos at the March 11 Sweetwater Authority Governing Board meeting. Nearly 100 students from Sweetwater’s service area entered its annual water photo contest, which challenges students to showcase the importance of water in everyday life through photography. Students submitted photos in two categories. […]

Grossmont High School senior Avery McFedries won first place in the Color category. Photo: Helix Water District

Ten High School Photographers Honored by Helix Water District

Ten East County high school students were honored for their winning photos in the 2020 Helix Water District High School Photo Contest. The winning photographers were recognized at the February 26 board of directors meeting. This year’s photo contest challenged high school photographers to highlight the importance and beauty of water in our everyday lives. […]