Pioneering Water Recycling Facility Decommissioned After Half Century Of Service

After more than 50 years of reliable service to East San Diego County, the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility was decommissioned in a community ceremony on April 8, attended by elected officials, water industry leaders, and members of the community.

As a pioneer in water reuse, the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility addressed critical water supply challenges, improved pollution control, and enhanced recreational opportunities at Santee Lakes during its 50-year operation. It serves as a model for sustainable water management both locally and globally, and exemplifies the principle that water is too precious to be used just once.

Ray Stoyer, former General Manager of the Santee County Water District, paved the way for this award-winning facility and was a true trailblazer in advancing water reuse. The facility was dedicated in his honor in 2011.

The facility was relocated to its current site just north of Santee Lakes in 1967, laying the foundation for future growth. In 1997, it was renovated to expand its capacity, producing up to two million gallons of recycled water daily to support Santee Lakes and other non-potable uses throughout the community.

Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility Legacy Continues

“The Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility has been a cornerstone of water sustainability in East County for more than half a century,” said Kyle Swanson, General Manager and CEO of Padre Dam Municipal Water District. “Its legacy of innovation has set the standard for responsible water reuse.

“While we honor this incredible facility, we are excited to continue its pioneering spirit with the East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program, providing reliable potable water for our community for generations to come,” added Swanson.

Rob Northcote, Operations Manager for the East County AWP Program, began his career at the facility in 1997. “The Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility has always been more than a workplace. I’ve been honored to be part of a facility distinguished by its history, innovation, and depth of expertise.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see its legacy continue, as the dedication of those who worked here will help guide the East County AWP Program into the future.”

New Water Recycling Facility Currently Under Construction

The East County Advanced Water Purification (EWP) Program will create a local, sustainable, and drought-proof drinking water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify recycled water. It will treat up to 16 million gallons of wastewater per day, producing roughly 11.5 million gallons of purified potable water daily- enough to supply up to 30 percent of the region’s drinking water. Once operational, it will be one of California’s first surface water augmentation programs- bridging the region’s legacy to a leading-edge future.

Construction is currently underway on a new Water Recycling Facility, as part of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program, which will be one of the first surface water augmentation projects in California. It will have the capacity to treat up to 16 million gallons of wastewater per day and produce 11.5 million gallons of purified drinking water daily. This is enough to supply up to 500,000 people.

In late 2026/early 2027, the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility is slated for demolition. This marks the transition to a new era of water reuse. The existing chlorine contact basin and recycled water pump station will be repurposed to support the new plant and ongoing delivery of recycled water to East County customers.