Encinitas will fund the construction of native plant demonstration gardens in the coming fiscal year, but it won’t pay for a consultant to produce a city ordinance spelling out how native plants should be used generally.
If you’re under the San Dieguito Water District, your water rates will increase by mid-summer following a unanimous board vote Wednesday evening.
Large trees were the driving force that led Encinitas homeowners to remove grass and create a vibrant, low-water use landscape. The waterwise transformation won the San Dieguito Water District 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest.
Rick and Melanie Cullen had a yard with grass with large shade trees. But the roots of their three large Liquidambar trees were damaging the driveway and the grass, which motivated the couple to remake their landscape.
Plants in beautiful colors that attract pollinators highlight the plant palette. Photo: San Dieguito Water District
Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, City of Encinitas, and San Diego County Water Authority are offering a free WaterSmart landscape makeover workshop to assist residents in selecting climate-appropriate plants for their landscapes. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive in Encinitas.
This complimentary workshop will illustrate how a low-water-use landscape can be an upgrade, not a compromise to a garden’s aesthetic appeal. A landscape expert will teach participants about plants and why some are more water-efficient than others. In addition, participants will learn about WaterSmart plant palettes and how to research and choose plants that fit individual design themes.
Registration for the workshop is required at www.olivenhain.com/events.
A new recycled water pipeline in Encinitas is helping to reduce the region’s dependence on imported water supply. The Olivenhain Municipal Water District, or OMWD, constructed the Manchester Avenue Recycled Water Pipeline Project to expand the availability of recycled water within the City of Encinitas.
Local, regional, state and federal officials celebrated the project‘s completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at MiraCosta College. The officials highlighted the various funding sources for the new pipeline while also pointing out the various infrastructure projects online and under development to increase local water supply sources in San Diego County.
“Every drop of recycled water used on our landscapes replaces a drop of imported drinking water,” said OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “With the ongoing challenges we’re facing on the Colorado River, expanding our recycled water distribution system to convert more customer irrigation systems to sustainable, local supplies is of paramount importance.”
Congressman Mike Levin attended the celebration along with representatives from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s office and Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s, as did local agency partners San Diego County Water Authority, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and the City of Encinitas.
“Creating a water system that is not dependent on imported supplies is vital for the long-term sustainability of the region,” said Congressman Levin. “Every project that expands the use of recycled water lessens our dependance on imported supplies and improves our resiliency to future droughts. The collaborative approach taken by neighboring agencies to complete this project is an exemplary way to strengthen the region’s infrastructure.”
“Every project that expands the use of recycled water lessens our dependance on imported supplies and improves our resiliency to future droughts,” said San Diego Congressman Mike Levin. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
“The completion of this project represents a necessary effort by numerous agencies to lessen the region’s dependence on imported water,” said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath. “The climate crisis is creating unpredictable weather patterns and we must invest in projects that will improve the region’s long-term resiliency to drought.”
Senator Catherine Blakespear said recycled water projects are becoming a critical tool in the fight against drought. “This project is a great example of how water agencies can work together to lessen our dependance on imported water supplies and create a more sustainable water supply portfolio,” said Blakespear.
Water conservation is a way of life for all Californians, and San Diego residents have embraced water-efficiency. Over the past decade, residents and businesses across the county have adopted “WaterSmart” plants, irrigation technologies and habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources and reduce landscape maintenance.
The San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies collaborate with organizations and other agencies to offer a variety of WaterSmart tools, including classes and rebates, along with a water-use calculator and other resources.
Local, regional, state and federal officials celebrated the completion of @OMWD's recycled water pipeline with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 11 at MiraCosta College. https://t.co/36n5VKx6GY #cawater #WaterSmart @SaveOurWater #WaterRecycling pic.twitter.com/xX1ttUZqe8
— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) April 11, 2023
The new pipeline is an element of the larger North San Diego County Regional Recycled Water Project, a collaborative effort among nine North County agencies that coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries. The recycled water being delivered through the new pipeline is produced at San Elijo Joint Powers Authority’s water reclamation facility in Cardiff.
“This project further expands the reach of our local recycled water system and makes drought-proof water for irrigation available for Encinitas’ schools, churches, and greenbelts,” said Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz, “and it’s a great example of local agencies working together to develop cost-effective solutions for our residents.”
Expanding the use of recycled water for irrigation, as a renewable and locally produced water source, is an important strategy to reduce overall dependence on imported potable water.
OMWD has successfully converted Westmont of Encinitas to recycled water for landscape irrigation. The assisted living facility is the first of many customers along the Manchester Avenue and South El Camino Real corridor to tap into the newly installed recycled water pipeline.
Customers connecting to the new 1.4 mile six-inch diameter pipeline will irrigate with recycled water, reducing the demand for imported drinking water by more than 27 million gallons per year, according to the OMWD.
Additional customers along the corridor are working to convert their irrigation systems to accommodate the new recycled water supply, which will ultimately reduce demand for imported potable water by more than 27 million gallons every year.
“Investing in drought-resilient supplies is a top priority and every new recycled water customer we connect to our distribution system decreases demand for imported water,” said OMWD Board Secretary Larry Watt. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
OMWD serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water and continues to identify additional ways to make recycled water available to eligible customers. In addition to recycled water efforts, OMWD is working on an additional project to construct a brackish groundwater desalination plant to further diversify supplies and provide ratepayers with a local source of drinking water. These supply projects, combined with conservation efforts, will help to ensure that OMWD customers will have the water they need during future droughts.
The new recycled water pipeline is a collaborative effort among nine North San Diego County agencies that coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries.
(L-to-R: Lesley Dobalian/@sdcwa, Jack Simes/ @usbr Area Manager, Loisa Burton/@sdcwa, and Vic Nguyen/@CA_DWR Regional Manager) pic.twitter.com/oxazmuxVbd— San Diego County Water Authority (@sdcwa) April 11, 2023
The project was funded in part by a $600,000 Proposition 84, Round 4 grant and a $750,000 Proposition 1, Round 1 grant via the California Department of Water Resources Integrated Regional Water Management Program. The new recycled water pipeline is also part of a suite of projects receiving $23.9 million in funds from the US Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is a public agency providing water, wastewater services, recycled water, hydroelectricity, and operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Organized in 1959, OMWD currently serves approximately 87,000 customers over 48 square miles in northern San Diego County.
Today, OMWD celebrates the completion of the installation of the #ManchesterRecycledWater pipeline along with project partners @sdcwa, SEJPA, @usbr, and @CA_DWR. Thank you @RepMikeLevin, @SenBlakespear, @AsmTbh, and @Tony_Kranz for joining us! https://t.co/2ynSGfx2Sf pic.twitter.com/14Er9c9beI
— Olivenhain MWD (@OMWD) April 11, 2023
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
Encinitas, Calif. — As California enters its third consecutive dry year and following the driest first three months of a year in the state’s recorded history, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Water Resources Control Board took steps to drive water conservation at the local level, calling on local water suppliers to take locally appropriate actions that will conserve water across all sectors.
In response, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and San Dieguito Water District are asking Encinitas residents to step-up and assist Californians across the state in dealing with the drought.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District recently completed the Manchester Avenue Potable Water Pipeline Project. In total, 3,700 linear feet of aged potable water pipeline was replaced along Manchester Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Encinitas Boulevard.
The pipelines previously serving water in this area were installed in 1961 and were approaching the end of their lifespan.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District recently completed the Manchester Avenue Potable Water Pipeline Project. In total, 3,700 linear feet of aged potable water pipeline was replaced along Manchester Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Encinitas Boulevard.
The pipelines previously serving water in this area were installed in 1961 and were approaching the end of their lifespan. OMWD takes a proactive approach in repairing and replacing aging water infrastructure to avoid leaks and ensure the continuation of uninterrupted water service to its customers. In the third year of drought in California, projects like this pipeline replacement, help save potable water and reduces costs to ratepayers.
“Emergency leaks are very costly, can waste millions of gallons of water, and can be disruptive to surrounding communities,” said Bob Topolovac, OMWD board director. “The investments we made to prevent these emergencies will benefit our ratepayers well into the future.”
Crews complete the final backfilling and repaving of the excavation area on Manchester Avenue required to facilitate the new pipeline installation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The project completion map shows streets now fully opened to traffic and restored. Graphic: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
To minimize the impact on the surrounding community, construction took place mainly at night. The project was completed on time and with no major disruptions or water outages to the impacted community. OMWD coordinated with the City of Encinitas on a traffic management plan to mitigate construction traffic, and there were no significant traffic impacts.
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
The San Diego County Water Authority and three member agencies are partnering with Altman Plants for an Adopt-A-Plant event Saturday in Encinitas.
Vista-based Altman Plants, the largest nursery plant grower in the nation, has led efforts to increase water-efficiency and sustainability. The first 500 guests will receive free Smart Planet-brand drought-tolerant succulents to spur more residents to adopt water-efficient landscaping.
Water Authority member agencies – City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District – have joined Altman Plants to highlight how WaterSmart plants, and landscaping and irrigation techniques can save our most precious natural resource.
The event, at the Encinitas Home Depot from 9 a.m. to Noon, also includes an appearance by Geena the Latina, an iHeart radio personality who is promoting WaterSmart living on behalf of the Water Authority, and even an Altman employee dressed as a cactus.
The plant giveaway is intended to promote WaterSmart landscaping as drought conditions statewide underscore the importance of carefully managing water.
“Tossing your turf and converting to a WaterSmart landscape is one of the most important ways that residents and businesses can reduce their water use permanently,” said Denise Vedder, Water Authority director of public affairs. “There are many beautiful low-water and native plants available that thrive in our region and combining those plants with water-efficient irrigation systems and sustainable landscape practices creates a beautiful landscape.”
Reliable water supplies are essential to the success of Altman Plants and the more than 5,000 farmers in San Diego County. The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies support the region’s growers, who generate more than $1.8 billion annually.
“San Diego farms have specialized in integrating agricultural activity and urban living, growing crops that optimize limited acres,” according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “San Diego far surpasses its fellow top producing counties in terms of average dollar value per acre with an agricultural production more valuable than other urbanized areas of California, such as San Francisco, Orange County, and Los Angeles combined.”
The nation’s largest nursery plant grower has small roots, beginning in a Los Angeles backyard, and now stretches from San Diego County to the East Coast.
Altman Plants started in Ken & Deena Altman’s backyard in 1975. What began as a hobby, based on the couple’s interest in plants slowly transformed into a wholesale nursery business encompassing more than 1,700 acres in six states. The business began with a plant catalog of unusual succulents.
Later, the Altman’s would sell plants to local retail nurseries. The retailers loved the unusual and varied plants, and so did their customers. Altman Plants became more and more important to retailers because of their quality plants and innovative products.
For Altman Plants, water-efficiency, sustainability and WaterSmart operations are second nature, and the March 26 plant adoption event is another example of how the company gives back to the community.
The Water Authority, its 24 member agencies, and partners, offer numerous classes, rebates and other resources to help make WaterSmart living simple. More information at watersmartsd.org.
(Editor’s note: The City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District are three of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
North San Diego County fire agencies teamed up with Olivenhain Municipal Water District in early December for confined space training drills. The drills prepare firefighting professionals to respond to emergencies in facilities such as water or wastewater treatment plants and are required to maintain their confined space certification.
Participants from North County fire agencies benefitted from the opportunity for team building during their recent training exercise hosted by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
This year, training took place in one of OMWD’s water transmission vaults. Firefighters were able to use the vaults to practice confined space entries and other rescue scenarios. Fire personnel worked with OMWD staff in a team effort, and both groups benefitted from the opportunity to understand each other’s equipment and protocols.
Participating fire agencies include the Cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, North County, Vista, and the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District.
As a result of training with OMWD, North County fire agencies can now respond more efficiently and confidently to similar facilities thanks to establishing working relationships in advance of emergencies. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Confined space permits are required by OSHA before making any kind of confined space entry or rescue. OMWD and other member water agencies use such permits. Bob Topolovac, OMWD board director, said, “The confined space training with the fire agencies helps everyone prepare for emergencies that could happen in similar facilities.”
OMWD staff reviewed the conditions and possible actions within the vault space with fire crews. Participants discussed decision-making for confined space entry and conditions they might encounter, such as chemical exposure and electrical lock-out/tag-out requirements.
As a result of training, fire agencies can now respond more efficiently and confidently to similar facilities thanks to establishing working relationships in advance of emergencies. “We appreciate the collaboration with local fire agencies to ensure we’re all prepared for potential future emergencies. We look forward to supporting future training exercises,” added Topolovac.
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
