Agency News

News from the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies.

Otay Water District Logo

Otay Water District Announces ‘Thankful for Water’ and ‘Drink Tap December’ Instagram Photo Contests

In November, the Otay Water District launched two holiday-themed Instagram contests — Thankful for Water and Drink Tap December. “Water is something that we all have in common and often take for granted that we have safe and reliable tap water,” said Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton. “Through these contests, we encourage the public […]

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo

Local Photographers Honored for Their Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Encinitas, Calif.— At its November 13 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized amateur photographers for their winning images captured in the fourteenth annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. “I am impressed with the quality of images and talent of EFRR visitors,” said OMWD Board Secretary Bob Kephart. “This year’s winning images […]

East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority JPA Logo

Joint Powers Authority Formed to Govern East County Advanced Water Purification Program

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, appointed representatives from Padre Dam Municipal Water District, City of El Cajon and County of San Diego held the formation meeting of the East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to serve as the governing body for the East County Advanced Water Purification project. The creation of the […]

Otay Water District Logo

Otay Water District Receives Service Provider of the Year Award from the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Chula Vista, Calif. – The Otay Water District is the recipient of the Service Provider of the Year Award from the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented to an organization for its corporate identity and first impressions, and overall service to customers including creativity in assisting customers, responsiveness and timely attention to […]

Positive Operating Performance Boosts Desal Plant Bond Rating

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 24, 2019) – Bonds from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and pipeline were upgraded to BBB and given a stable outlook in a new report from Fitch Ratings, affirming the project’s sound management and its ability to provide a stable, reliable source of drinking water to the San Diego region. As the largest, […]

Padre Dam Receives Platinum District of Distinction Recognition

Santee, Calif.– Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recently accepted the Platinum District of Distinction Recognition, the highest accreditation for a district awarded by the Special District Leadership Foundation. This designation recognizes Padre Dam for its sound policies and practices in the areas of fiscal management, governance, Board conduct, district finances and transparency.

City of Oceanside Invited to Apply for Water Infrastructure Loans

The City of Oceanside was invited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to apply for two separate Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. Oceanside submitted letters of interest in early summer 2019 for the Pure Water Oceanside and Lower Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project as well as the Buccaneer Sewer Lift […]

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Honored for Transparent Financial Reporting 

Receives Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for Twenty-Fourth Consecutive Year Encinitas, Calif.— Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its October 16 meeting the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This is the twenty-fourth consecutive year OMWD […]

New California Law Creates Path to Water and Wastewater Industry for Military Vets

State legislation co-sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Otay Water District has been signed into law, making it possible for veterans to receive credit for their military education and experience when applying for civilian water and wastewater system operator certifications in California. State legislators, water industry leaders, veteran advocates and business […]

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Offers Graywater Workshop on October 22

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 […]

Inaugural Sweetwater Authority Citizens Advisory Committee Appointees Announced

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 Irrigation District Logo

VID Receives Statewide Awards For Governance and Transparency

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 […]

Credit Analysis Affirms Carlsbad Desalination Plant is Financially Strong

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 […]

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Honored for Government Transparency and Sound Financial Practices

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.

Sweetwater Authority’s Governing Board Approves Cost-Saving Measure for Customers

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 […]