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.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
Wildlife Protected for New Underground Reservoir Project
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Kristiene GongOne by one, small mammals and amphibians living within a construction zone in Mission Trails Regional Park are being relocated to safe areas. Protecting sensitive species is one part of the Mission Trails Project. A team of biologists from the San Diego County Water Authority, AECOM, and the San Diego Natural History Museum began surveying […]
Vallecitos Water District Training Preps Firefighters for Wastewater Plant Emergencies
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalNorth San Diego County fire agencies teamed up in November with the Vallecitos Water District for confined space training drills. The drills, held over a two-week period, prepare firefighting professionals to respond to emergencies in facilities such as wastewater treatment plants and maintain their confined space certification. The recent training took place at the Vallecitos […]
San Diego Projects Improve Water Quality, Fish Habitat
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Ed JoyceTwo projects underway will enhance fish habitat and water quality at Murray Reservoir. The reservoir in Mission Trails Regional Park is owned by the City of San Diego and operated by its Public Utilities Department. “As stewards of the area, it is important for us to improve and enhance the environment in and around Murray […]
National City Firefighters Get WaterSmart with Sweetwater Authority
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalThe National City Fire Department is learning more about the water system it relies on, thanks to some specialized training for firefighters from Sweetwater Authority staff. Firefighters wanted to learn more about the water distribution system and where the city’s water originates. The department also wanted to review the location of Sweetwater Authority’s treatment facilities, […]
Freshwater Fishing Flourishes at San Diego Region’s Reservoirs and Lakes
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalSan Diego County’s freshwater fishing in area reservoirs and lakes managed by the region’s water agencies attracts expert anglers and beginners alike. Of San Diego County’s 24 reservoirs and lakes, 18 allow fishing. Bryan Norris, Reservoirs and Recreation Program Manager for the City of San Diego, oversees eight locations offering recreational opportunities, including fishing. “We […]
Pipeline 4 Repairs Completed In North San Diego County
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Ed JoycePipeline 4 – one of the San Diego region’s major water pipelines – is back in regular service after a leak was repaired, a testament to the San Diego County Water Authority’s proactive asset management program. The pipeline resumed normal operations November 10 after nearly two months of modified operation. The leaky section was near […]
Volunteer Opportunities at Water Agency Reservoirs in San Diego County
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalPeople around the world know the San Diego region for its beautiful setting along the Pacific Ocean. But visitors, and even many local residents, aren’t aware of the recreational activities available year-round at area reservoirs. There are 24 reservoirs in San Diego County. Of these, there are 18 fishable lakes and some offer overnight camping. […]
Vallecitos Water District ‘Work We Do’ Videos Connect With Community
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Vallecitos Water District is moving beyond traditional bill mailers and tri-fold brochures to communicate with its customers in a more effective and dynamic way by using video. Vallecitos Board President Hal Martin conceived the idea to create “Work We Do” videos to help customers see and understand first hand the complex work Vallecitos water […]
Pipeline 4 Repairs Underway in North San Diego County
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Ed JoyceA recently discovered leak in a section of a pipeline in North County will be repaired in coming months while Pipeline 4 returns to service. Crews have installed bulkheads in the pipeline to isolate a portion of Pipeline 4 for repairs. This will allow the pipeline to continue treated water deliveries throughout the county in […]
Innovative Pipeline 5 Relining Completed
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Kristiene GongSan Diego County Water Authority crews completed relining a segment of Pipeline 5 in Fallbrook and San Marcos in late July, reaching a milestone in a strategic, multi-decade pipeline relining program. The 2.3-mile segment of Pipeline 5 was relined with new steel liners that are planned to last for more than 75 years. The proactive […]
Proactive Partnerships Keep Pipelines in Top Shape
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Kristiene GongThis summer, the Water Authority is partnering with three technology companies to test the condition of the agency’s oldest pipelines forming the First Aqueduct in Valley Center. Technology providers test their new and improved tools on Water Authority and member agency pipes. The tools are then used to assess the condition of those same pipes. […]
Trenchless Technology Saves Ratepayers Time, Money, and Inconvenience
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalA method of replacing sewer pipe without digging or removing the old pipe – trenchless pipe repair – is saving Vallecitos Water District ratepayers money and reducing traffic delays. It’s another example of how water agencies in San Diego County are tapping cost-effective technology. The district is using the trenchless method to extend the life […]
Vallecitos Water District Smokes Out Wastewater System Problems
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle FalkenthalProblems in wastewater systems can’t hide behind a smokescreen at the Vallecitos Water District. The district’s Systems Collection Department routinely performs “smoke testing” of its wastewater system. This technique can easily locate flows caused by broken or incorrectly installed sewer pipes, lateral connections, or missing/broken clean-out caps. The test is performed by introducing smoke, comprised […]
New Permit Fosters Sustainable Water Production at Carlsbad Desalination Plant
/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Ed JoyceSan Diego regional water quality regulators today issued a permit for the installation of new, technologically advanced and environmentally sensitive seawater intake and discharge facilities at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. The plant – and the new permit – support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s April 29 executive order for California “to think differently and […]
Drones Offer Water Agencies Cost, Safety Benefits
/in Facilities & Operations, Features /by Ed JoyceWater agencies across San Diego County are saving time and money while improving employee safety with drones. Industry analysts say drone use by water agencies worldwide is growing. The Helix Water District, Otay Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority have embraced the technology, using drones to inspect and monitor facilities, and to […]