Facilities and Operations

News on the processes, people, and places working to deliver a safe and reliable wholesale water supply to the San Diego region’s 24 member water agencies.

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

Major Reservoir Upgrade is Part of Poway Water Infrastructure Program

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 […]

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

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Marks Milestone Recycled Water Anniversary

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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. […]

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

Turning Seawater into Drinking Water

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

Sweetwater Reservoir Open to Free Fishing on Sundays in 2023  

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 […]

shutdown season-First Aqueduct-maintenance shutdown

First Aqueduct Maintenance Shutdown Runs Feb. 27-March 8

(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 […]

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

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 […]

Historic First Aqueduct-asset management-Pipeline 1-maintenance

First Aqueduct Maintenance Shutdown Runs Jan. 23-Feb. 1

The San Diego County Water Authority’s First Aqueduct will be shut down periodically over the next three months for maintenance projects to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region. Two shutdowns on the First Aqueduct are scheduled from January through March, when portions of the aqueduct will be relined, along with other […]

FRS II- Mission Trails- Flow Control Facility

Mission Trails Water Project Completed; Park Trails Reopened

One of the San Diego County Water Authority’s large-scale capital improvement projects – the Mission Trails Flow Regulatory Structure II and Flow Control Facility (FRS II) – is now completed. The project upgraded the Water Authority’s untreated water supply system by improving the delivery of water to treatment plants serving the central and southern areas […]

Historic First Aqueduct-asset management-Pipeline 1-maintenance

Work Begins on Water Authority’s Historic First Aqueduct

The San Diego County Water Authority’s First Aqueduct will be shut down periodically over the next four months for maintenance projects to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region. A series of three shutdowns on the First Aqueduct is scheduled from December through March, when portions of the aqueduct will be relined, […]

Pipeline 5-Shutdown-Shutdown Season-Asset Management

“Shutdown Season” for Regional Aqueducts in San Diego County

Sections of the regional aqueducts in San Diego County will be shut down over the next six months for maintenance projects to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region. The San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies are coordinating on the annual “shutdown season” to minimize impacts to residents and […]

Fallbrook Public Utility District changes the painted numbers on its Rattlesnake Tank to reflect the year incoming seniors at Fallbrook High School will graduate. Photo: Fallbrook Public Utility District

Rattlesnake Tank Gets Class of 2023 Makeover

The Fallbrook Public Utility District’s water storage tank uphill from South Mission Road has received a fresh set of painted numbers the past 40 years, but not everyone knows the story behind the annual makeover. FPUD crews change the painted numbers on the tank to reflect the year incoming seniors at Fallbrook High School will […]