The California Green Business Network and the City of La Mesa presented the Helix Water District with its Green Business certification at the June board of directors meeting. Achieving this certification recognizes the district’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.

To achieve certification, businesses and government entities must meet an extensive set of core and elective measures covering seven categories: energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater, water, and community.

“Our district’s focus on sustainability also has financial benefits,” said Dan McMillan, Helix Water District board president. “We can make decisions that are good for the environment as well as the ratepayer’s wallet.”

The Helix Water District serves 278,000 people in San Diego’s east county suburbs.

Investments In Clean Energy Benefit Consumers

Helix has made significant investments in clean energy, securing a renewable energy supply through its power purchase agreement and further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by installing solar panels at its Nat L. Eggert Operations Center. The agreement has delivered double-digit cost savings, reaching as high as 18% on electric commodity costs, over the last several years.

Helix has secured the renewable energy supply it needs through 2030.

The district currently fuels its fleet with 100% renewable diesel, which has reduced the district’s carbon emissions by an estimated 500 metric tons per year. It is also developing state-of-the-art charging infrastructure at its operations center to support its transition to an electric fleet.

This charging infrastructure is funded almost entirely through grants due to the district’s swift action in developing the project and securing funding.

Energy Efficiency Reduces Power Consumption and Costs

Helix also underwent a lighting retrofit and installed energy-efficient window coverings at its facilities. It also installed lighting controls, features a programmable smart thermostat, and ENERGY STAR appliances to reduce its electricity usage. Through retrofits and the implementation of energy-efficient appliances and measures, the district has reduced its electricity consumption by 15%.

Additionally, a key priority of the district is educating customers on the responsible use of water, promoting the adoption of high-efficiency appliances and irrigation, and encouraging the use of climate-appropriate landscaping. Helix models water efficiency at its facilities through the use of low-water-use toilets, faucets, appliances, and irrigation systems.

These efficiencies allow the district to reduce its water consumption and long-term water costs.

“This certification proves that a government agency can prioritize sustainability while managing public funds responsibly,” said Helix Water District Board Director Mark Gracyk. “The district is proud to be an industry leader in sustainable and fiscally responsible business practices.”

Helix Water District Demonstration Garden Offers Community Resource

In 2020, the Helix Water District installed drip irrigation and a low-water use demonstration garden at its administration office to reduce its outdoor water use and provide a resource to the community. The San Diego Architectural Foundation awarded the district a coveted Orchid Award for the project in 2023.

Visitors can see firsthand what plants thrive in the San Diego climate and what water-wise landscaping can look like.