Tag Archive for: City of Oceanside

Minor water leaks account for more than a trillion gallons of water wasted each year in homes across the United States. Photo: Photim/Pixabay

Find and Fix Leaks During Fix-A-Leak Week 2026

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The importance of repairing leaks and saving water in the workplace and other commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, retail stores, and community centers, as well as in the home is the focus for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual “Fix A Leak Week” program.

In 2026, Fix a Leak Week takes place March 16 – 22. It is supported the San Diego County Water Authority and many of its 22 member agencies, and by other regional WaterSense partners throughout North America.

Fix a Leak Week was created in 2009 by the EPA’s WaterSense program. It offers a reminder every March to check indoor and outdoor plumbing systems for leaks.

San Diego County Residents Lead In Water Savings

Water use per capita has dropped by 45% in the last two decades thanks to water saving measures. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority fix leaks

Water use per capita has dropped by 45% in the last two decades thanks to water saving measures. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Total per capita water use in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area has dropped from a high of 222 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) to just 126 GPCD in FY 2025. During this timeframe, potable water use fell by more than 45%, even as the region’s population grew by about 14%.

Since 1991, the Water Authority’s water-use efficiency programs and initiatives have cumulatively conserved more than one million acre-feet of water. These savings were achieved through various measures, including incentives for water-efficient devices, legislative efforts, and outreach programs.

Leaks and continuously running water may not always be visible, but they can add up quickly and become a major cost in water and energy bills.

A faucet leaking one drip per second can waste nearly 58 gallons per week, while a showerhead leaking 10 drips per minute can waste about 10 gallons per week. Worn-out washers or loose connections are common culprits. Turn off the water, replace old washers, and tighten any loose fittings.

City of Oceanside Workshop Set on March 31

The City of Oceanside host a free workshop in March to help residents learn how to spot and fix water leaks. Photo: City of Oceanside Fix Leaks

The City of Oceanside host a free workshop in March to help residents learn how to spot and fix water leaks. Photo: City of Oceanside

The City of Oceanside offers an in-person workshop on Tuesday, March 31, for its residents to learn the basics of finding leaks in their homes. Participants will see hands-on “how-to” demonstrations explaining how to:

  • Read a water meter
  • Manage your water use
  • Find and fix common sneaky toilet leaks

“As California residents, we understand how precious water can be. Using water wisely, like planting low-water or native plants and using low-water fixtures, makes a huge difference. But small leaks, like a worn toilet flapper or a dripping faucet, can have large unseen impacts,” said Emyle Rogers, Management Analyst with the City of Oceanside, who will lead the workshop.

“According to the EPA, the average household can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year due to easy-to-fix leaks. The City of Oceanside provides tools to empower the community to identify these leaks and save water.

“Teaching hands-on skills, the Fix A Leak Workshop hosted by the City will help residents learn about the free WaterSmart portal, how to read their meter, and how to fix simple toilet leaks,” said Rogers.

The workshop is free. Residents are asked to register in advance at this link: https://bit.ly/FixALeakWorkshop26

Be Alert For Leaks By Following These Tips

View an informative video about Fix A Leak Week 2026 from the Vallecitos Water District.

  • Listen and look for unexpected water use indoors and outdoors, such as running water, unanticipated discharge to floor drains, or wet spots and puddling water on floors.
  • Don’t wait for a high-water bill to find problems. Read water meters during off-peak hours when water use is lower. If the meter continues to show high use, there may be a leak.
  • During the colder months, check your water usage on your water bill. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, you may have a leak.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a leak. Contact your water agency immediately.
  • Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • If your garden hose leaks during use, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

The EPA offers a helpful checklist to ensure you identify and find any possible sources of leaks.

Rebates and Incentives: A range of rebates and incentives programs are available to Water Authority customers who implement efficient water technologies and practices. These include rebates on irrigation devices, turf replacement, high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets. These programs have helped hundreds of thousands of residential, commercial, and agricultural water users improve their water efficiency.

Audits and Surveys: Programs offering residential, commercial, and agricultural customers free, on-site water-use evaluations that identify specific measures to save water are a great resource.

Learn about the residential, commercial, and agricultural programs and rebates available to assist residents and businesses in conserving water and saving money on the Water Authority’s Conservation webpage.

 

The City of Oceanside begins work on pipeline replacements of aging water and sewer mains. Some are approaching 100 years old, well past their expected useful life. Photo: City of Oceanside

Downtown Oceanside Pipeline Replacements Project Starts March 9

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The City of Oceanside will begin construction on the second phase of its downtown water and sewer pipeline replacements project beginning the week of March 9. This project is the second of a five-phase program to replace aging water and sewer mains throughout the downtown Oceanside area.

Phase I located between Neptune and Pier View Way included the replacement of 2.5 miles of water and over 1.5 miles of sewer infrastructure.

Construction on Phase II will begin in the alley located south of Meyer Street and north of Pacific Street.

The Phase II Project includes the replacement of over three miles of sewer pipelines and over 2.5 miles of water infrastructure. It also expands the City of Oceanside’s recycled water system in downtown with nearly a mile of new pipe.

Modernizing Water and Sewer Utilities in Oceanside

The project map displays the locations of Phase II water and sewer pipeline replacements. Photo: City of Oceanside

The project map displays the locations of Phase II water and sewer pipeline replacements. Photo: City of Oceanside

“The City of Oceanside is excited to begin construction on the Downtown Water and Sewer Replacement – Phase 2 project,” said Neil Irani, Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Oceanside. “This project is the second phase of our program to replace aging and undersized water and sewer utilities throughout the downtown Oceanside area.

“Over the next couple of years, approximately three miles of sewer and 2.5 miles of water will be replaced with modernized materials. The project will also expand the recycled water system in the downtown area, continuing Oceanside’s commitment to sustainable water sources. This investment in our utility infrastructure is critical to maintain safe and reliable water and sewer service for our customers,” explained Irani.

Aging Pipeline Replacements Prevent System Failures

Many of the water and sewer mains scheduled for replacement in this project are at an advanced age. Some of the sewer mains are approaching 100 years old, well past their expected useful life.

The old pipelines were made of cast iron. Replacement pipelines are made of polyvinyl chloride pipes. The city will also replace hydrants, water meters, and manhole covers.

This project will continue the City of Oceanside’s commitment to updating the water and sewer systems to current standards while ensuring sufficient capacity to meet the area’s growing needs. The City will also add additional recycled water customers as part of the system expansion, including public, commercial, and mixed-use residential properties.

Recycled water is non-potable water typically used for irrigation. Developing recycled water sources is an important part of Oceanside’s commitment to provide customers with sustainable and alternative water sources.

Minimizing Disruptions To Oceanside Community

Work on this project will be restricted to daytime hours, and will pause during busy summer months to avoid disruptions. Photo: City of Oceanside pipeline replacements

Work on this project will be restricted to daytime hours, and will pause during busy summer months to avoid disruptions. Photo: City of Oceanside

The Phase II construction is expected to last approximately two years. Traffic throughout construction areas will generally be maintained at all times. Road closures or detours with impacts to the public will be allowed as night work only.

Daytime work is restricted from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional restrictions in the busiest areas. No work will be allowed west of Myers Street during the busy summer season.

Work will also be restricted during popular annual events and weekly markets in the downtown area

Nearby properties will receive advanced notice through door hangers. Water and sewer service will be maintained, with short, planned interruptions also communicated in advance through door hangers. There will also be regular updates in the City newsletter, The Oceanside Tide, as the project progresses.

The project cost is approximately $30 million and is funded through previously budgeted capital improvement program funds and state and federal grants.

Please visit the Oceanside Water Utilities webpage for updates on the project. Residents and business owners with questions about the project or traffic impacts can call representatives (760) 435-5930 or email " class="external" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> for project-related questions.

The Fire Mountain project supports the City of Oceanside’s goal of maintaining locally controlled, sustainable water sources. Photo: City of Oceanside

Fire Mountain Project Expands Oceanside Recycled Water System

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Strategic infrastructure investments by the City of Oceanside continue to strengthen its water independence. Oceanside is currently constructing the last components of its Lower Phase 1 Recycled Water System.

The project is now reaching a crucial phase following the successful completion of six miles of new recycled water pipeline along El Camino Real, extending from the San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility south to the Fire Mountain site.

Currently, construction is underway on a new recycled water reservoir and pump station. This project will ensure reliable storage and efficient distribution of recycled water resources and reduce reliance on imported water.

Construction Activity Continues at Fire Mountain Site

Crews began construction on a 2.2 million-gallon reservoir (storage tank) on Fire Mountain Drive directly west of the Eternal Hills Memorial Park cemetery in March 2025. Construction on the project is progressing on schedule.

See video of the Oceanside Fire Mountain project’s progress.

Construction crews completed site preparations, installed recycled water and storm drain piping, and constructed two subterranean concrete vaults. On August 28, crews poured the concrete slab for the new reservoir. On September 5, crews started work on the reservoir walls and columns.

Constructing the Fire Mountain reservoir roof is the next step. As reservoir construction continues, crews will work on the pump station that will deliver recycled water from the reservoir to a higher-pressure zone in the distribution system.

Residents can expect minimal street closures during construction, with advance notice provided when closures are necessary.

Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2026.

Construction on the Fire Mountain project in Oceanside is progressing on schedule and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Map: City of Oceanside

Construction on the Fire Mountain project in Oceanside is progressing on schedule and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Map: City of Oceanside

Commitment to Water Sustainability

This important project supports the City of Oceanside’s goal of maintaining locally controlled, sustainable water sources for its residents. The investment in updated water infrastructure represents City leadership’s commitment to Oceanside’s water independence and sustainability. It will increase local drought resilience and decrease the City’s reliance on imported water.

The City’s recycled water projects benefit Oceanside ratepayers by slowing the rising cost of water, reducing stress on the water supply, and ensuring a reliable source of water during times of drought or natural disasters.

Please visit the City of Oceanside Water Utilities project webpage for more project information. Residents can contact project officials at or 760-435-5836.

 

 

After 14 years serving in the United States Marine Corps, Carlos Cortes found civilian employment in the water industry with the City of Poway. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego Veterans Find Purpose and Opportunity in Water Industry Careers

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In honor of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, the San Diego County Water Authority and the region’s member agencies recognize the contributions of veterans to San Diego County’s water and wastewater industry, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply.

Water industry professionals and members of the U.S. armed forces share a common commitment to serving the public. Military veterans are ideally suited to work in water and wastewater industry jobs when they enter the civilian workforce.

The San Diego region employs approximately 4,500 water and wastewater workers, many of whom have successfully made the transition from the military to a new career.

Marine Corps Veteran Finds His Next Mission in Poway

City of Poway Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes says the wide variety of roles offer the opportunity to explore different jobs and find the best fit for your skills. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority San Diego veterans

City of Poway Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes says the wide variety of roles offer the opportunity to explore different jobs and find the best fit for your skills. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

City of Poway Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes served his country for 14 years in the United States Marine Corps and Reserves. After completing his degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management Information Systems at Cal State San Marcos, Cortes entered the water industry workforce at the City of Oceanside in 2022. He was hired by the City of Poway in his current role in early 2025.

Cortes describes the similarities between the mission and workforce culture of the military and the water and wastewater industries.

“In the military, oftentimes you’re very mission-focused. It’s a type of collaborative environment. You’ve got to be able to work well with your team. You’ve got to be able to stay focused on the mission and stay resilient. Those things all transfer to the water sector.

Carlos Cortes served 14 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, seen here at a promotion ceremony. Photo: Courtesy Carlos Cortes San Diego Veteran

Carlos Cortes served 14 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, seen here at a promotion ceremony. Photo: Courtesy Carlos Cortes

“A lot of people join the military so they can give back to the country. In that same way, when you work for a water agency, you’re providing a critical service to the public. So there’s that alignment,” explained Cortes.

Cortes added there is also a shared sense of camaraderie. “In my mind, it’s an easy transition from whatever your role is in the military to continuing to do something similar on the civilian side.”

Cortes said the wide variety of roles offer something for every interest and ambition, with the opportunity to explore different jobs and find the best fit for your skills.

“There’s a great opportunity for career development within the water sector, because there’s always some position where you can start and get your foot in the door, and then develop your expertise within the industry.

“You want to turn your tap on and have water, but you don’t often think about the fact that behind it were dozens or hundreds of people and pipelines and projects and decades-long water agreements that brought that water to your tap.

“Oftentimes people don’t realize that those jobs are there, and that we are looking for highly capable and ambitious staff to fill them,” said Cortes.

Making A Smooth Career Transition

Carlos Cortes discusses water treatment at the City of Poway with Water Treatment Plant Manager Aaron Huff. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority San Diego veterans

Carlos Cortes discusses water treatment at the City of Poway with Water Treatment Plant Manager Aaron Huff. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Cortes says the biggest barrier is often the concern by veterans facing a new role and a new structure. But Cortes says there are more similarities than differences.

“It’s important to understand that a lot of those skills that you gain (in the military) translate. They just require a little bit of like relating it now to a new field,” said Cortes.

“It requires just a small shift of the terminology to transfer those skills and feel a little bit more comfortable,” adding that a thirst for learning new things shared by many veterans will also serve them well in water and wastewater careers.

Army Prepares Veteran To Serve The Public In Oceanside

Roman Gomez, who works as a Meter Service Worker II for the City of Oceanside, served on active duty for six years in the United States Army and was pursuing his college degree while working full-time as a fast food restaurant employee when he learned about job openings for meter readers from a family contact.

After eight years, he’s happy with his decision to pursue the job and prizes the stability it offers, along with the sense of purpose it provides.

Gomez says learning how to remain cool under pressure allows him to easily handle emergency calls. “Especially when you know it’s a main break, and you’re trying to get that water back on as quickly and safely as possible. For me at least, it’s definitely satisfying.”

Translating Military Skills Into Water Industry Success

Military veterans can continue their service to the public in the water industry by taking advantage of programs for veterans such as Skillbridge. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority San Diego veterans

Military veterans can continue their service to the public in the water industry by taking advantage of programs for veterans such as Skillbridge. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Cortes recommended the San Diego County Water Authority’s Skillbridge program, which connects veterans with internships leading to jobs in the water industry during the last six months of their military service.

As the home to both Navy and Marine Corps families, San Diego has more than 110,000 active-duty personnel, with military families constituting nearly eight percent of the county’s population. Of the more than 30,000 service members departing from the military each year in California, over half reside in the San Diego region.

The Water Authority’s successful participation in SkillBridge highlights the agency’s commitment to military personnel and families.

Veterans can find career degree programs at one of the many San Diego community colleges including Cuyamaca and Palomar College, as well as CSU San Marcos, and National University. Options range from certificate programs to public administration and engineering degrees.

 

 

The 2025 Landscape Makeover Contest winner for the City of Oceanside prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing style. Photo: City of Oceanside

Bold Color Wins 2025 Oceanside Landscape Makeover Contest

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The 2025 winner of the City of Oceanside’s annual Landscape Makeover Contest proves that a beautiful garden does not need to sacrifice a lush look with plenty of color to be water-efficient.

Oceanside resident Helmut Igel entered the contest on behalf of his wife, Julie Igel. She didn’t know he had entered the competition on her behalf. He intended it as a surprise and hoped to surprise her on her birthday if she was named the winner. Mission accomplished!

The Igel home before its landscaping transformation by Julie Igel. Photo: City of Oceanside

The Igel home before its landscaping transformation by Julie Igel. Photo: City of Oceanside

Emyle Rogers, City of Oceanside Management Analyst in the Water Efficiency program, said the Igels were excited to learn Julie was the winner. “Julie is very dedicated to her garden and wants to give back and provide habitat for wildlife,” said Rogers. Helmut presented Julie with her winner’s certificate as part of her birthday celebration.

The goal for the landscape makeover was to create a vibrant, sustainable landscape that reflects both beauty and responsibility.

Sustainability and Conservation Without Sacrificing Color

The new landscaping is full of colorful, water wise plants with flowers that attract pollinators. Photo: City of Oceanside

The new landscaping is full of colorful, water wise plants with flowers that attract pollinators. Photo: City of Oceanside

Because the Igels’ garden covers a large area, they made water conservation a top priority. Instead of a traditional lawn, the Igels selected low-water plants well-suited to thrive in the San Diego regional climate while still delivering bold color, texture, and year-round interest.

Plants selected for the landscape include California Poppy, Pride of Madera, Purple Sage, Calendula, and Sweet Alyssum. Choices are favorites of pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

For help choosing beautiful low-water use plants for your landscaping project, refer to the Water Authority's "Happy 100" plant list for help. Photo: City of Oceanside

For help choosing beautiful low-water use plants for your landscaping project, refer to the Water Authority’s “Happy 100” plant list for help. Photo: City of Oceanside

The winning result is a water-efficient garden that’s anything but boring. It proves that a lush, colorful landscape doesn’t have to come at the cost of excess water use.

Homeowners undertaking a similar landscape makeover can take advantage of free tools to help them get started.  Online or in-person landscape classes cover topics including native landscapes, turf transformation, and irrigation systems.  Learn more on the regional website.

They can also review the San Diego County Water Authority’s “Happy 100” plant list to choose annuals, perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees that provide color and thrive in our climate and soils with a minimal amount of irrigation. Find the list on the Water Authority website.

California poppies are stars in the landscape. Photo: City of Oceanside

California poppies are stars in the landscape. Photo: City of Oceanside

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese and historian Kristie Hawthorne perform the ribbon cutting at the new location of the Weese Oceanside History Center with members of the Oceanside Historical Society. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Oceanside History Center’s New Home Named After Water Pioneer

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The Oceanside Historical Society opened the Weese Oceanside History Center at its new permanent home with a ribbon-cutting on August 29. It is now located at 510 Civic Center Drive next to The Star Theatre.

The Weese Oceanside History Center is named in honor of Robert and Bessie Weese. Robert Weese dedicated more than 40 years of service to the City of Oceanside Water Department and to the San Diego region as a San Diego County Water Authority board member. He was known as “Mr. Water” for his expertise.

Weese Honored For 40 Years of Water Industry Service

Robert A. Weese worked for the City of Oceanside water department for 40 years. Photo: City of Oceanside

Robert A. Weese worked for the City of Oceanside water department for 40 years. Photo: City of Oceanside

Weese, a native of Ontario, Canada, came to the U.S. and became a naturalized citizen after serving in the Canadian Army as a teenager. He drove an ambulance in England during World War I.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1924 and was stationed on the USS Arizona based in San Diego. After meeting and marrying his wife Bessie, he was discharged from the Navy and went to work for the Oceanside Water Department as a meter reader, beginning a life of service in the water industry.

Weese gained a firsthand knowledge of the water system by reading and repairing every water meter in Oceanside, and through weekly checks of the city’s wells and the water table. In 1935, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a new pumping station and reservoir at Buddy Todd Park, where Weese would chlorinate the water.

In 1938, Weese was appointed Oceanside’s Water Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1968.

Weese had the foresight to divert sewer effluent away from the Pacific Ocean into Whelan Lake. He also proposed an underground barrier at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River as a means of holding back the ocean during periods when the water table was pumped below sea level.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, in front of an exhibit honoring his parents at the Reese Oceanside History Center. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, in front of an exhibit honoring his parents at the Weese Oceanside History Center. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Weese wrote a history of the water department, which was published in the Oceanside Blade Tribune newspaper. He oversaw the building of the Fire Mountain Reservoir in 1955.

In addition to serving as chairman of the Water Authority’s Engineering and Operations Committee, Weese was a member of the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Feather River Project Association, the American Water Works Association, and other water-related organizations. Weese also served as a director of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.

Oceanside’s water treatment plant, built in 1983, was named the Robert A. Weese Filtration Plant.

New Exhibit Space Includes Weese Papers

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, speaks at the August 29 ribbon cutting event for the relocated Reese Oceanside History Center as historian Kristi Hawthorne looks on. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, speaks at the August 29 ribbon-cutting event for the relocated Weese Oceanside History Center as historian Kristi Hawthorne looks on. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.

The new location of the Weese Oceanside History Center has more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits spanning a century from the 1880s to the 1980s. Among the exhibits is a collection of Weese’s personal and professional papers, donated by his son Thomas Weese in 2022.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the history center is free.

 

 

Regional Agriculture Program Expands to San Diego and Riverside Counties

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In a move set to transform regional agriculture, the Regional CropSWAP program, originally initiated by the Rancho California Water District, announced its expansion into neighboring counties with the partnership of Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, city of Oceanside, Valley Center Municipal Water District and city of Escondido.

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Rainbow Water Appoints New Board Member to Division 3

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The Rainbow Municipal Water District Board of Directors announced the appointment of Cari Dale to the Division 3 vacancy. Dale, a resident of Fallbrook since 2001 with 30 years of management experience in water and wastewater utilities, was sworn into office at the Tuesday, Feb. 27, board meeting.

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Water, Sewer, Trash Rates Heading Up in Oceanside

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Phil Diehl Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Oceanside residents will see a trifecta of utility rate hikes in 2024 under water, sewer and trash fee increases approved unanimously Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council.

Water rates will go up 6 percent on Jan. 1, 2024, and another 6 percent in January 2025. The hike reflects higher rates passed along by the Metropolitan Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority, who import the supply to Oceanside, and higher costs for labor, materials, supplies and utilities.

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City of Oceanside Awarded $201,000 for Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Project

/in , /by /North County Daily Star by NC Daily Star Staff

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded the City of Oceanside $201,000 for the City’s Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Project. The City received the award after applying for WaterSMART funding to investigate expanding water reuse and increasing water recharge.

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