Tag Archive for: Drought

The installation of over 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines will result in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved every year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

New OMWD Recycled Water Pipelines Provide Savings

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Construction is complete on new recycled water pipelines by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) in Carlsbad and Encinitas, resulting in significant annual drinking water savings.

The installation of over 5,600 feet of new pipelines will allow several HOA communities in the project area to convert their irrigation systems to recycled water, resulting in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually.

“Converting our irrigation system to recycled water was the right decision,” said Paul Heller, Summerhill HOA board president. “We’ll be less impacted by future droughts that could limit watering schedules, and recycled water is more affordable than drinking water, which will reduce costs for our residents.”

Grant Funding Makes Pipeline Project Cost-Effective For Ratepayers

OMWD secured more than $900,000 in grant funding to make the project cost-effective for ratepayers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District recycled water pipelines

OMWD secured more than $900,000 in grant funding to make the project cost-effective for ratepayers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD secured more than $900,000 in grant funding to make the project cost-effective for ratepayers. Grants from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and the California Department of Water Resources’ Integrated Regional Water Management Program contributed funds to offset project costs.

“Converting our commercial customers to recycled water for irrigation will help ease our dependence on imported water,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “And by using grant funds to help with the costs involved, we’re minimizing the impacts to ratepayers.”

The project was completed on time and with no interruptions to customers’ water supplies.

Recycled water is locally produced, disinfected wastewater that is used for irrigation purposes. OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water and continues to identify additional ways to make recycled water available to eligible customers.

Ensuring Reliable Water Supplies

The completion of the project will resulti in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District recycled water pipelines

The completion of the project will result in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

One hundred percent of OMWD’s drinking water supply is imported into the region. These sources are threatened by droughts and overuse.

Recycled water is locally produced, disinfected wastewater that is used for irrigation. Not only is it a drought-resilient supply, but recycled water also costs less than potable water. In addition, using recycled water reduces the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean and reduces the dependence on imported water from distant sources.

The completion of the pipeline extensions will result in the conversion of 28 water meters from potable to recycled water, allowing large customers in Carlsbad and Encinitas, such as HOAs, to connect to OMWD’s recycled water distribution system.

OMWD Plays Leadership Role in Water Recycling Efforts

For the fifth time, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District's 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility received statewide recognition from CWEA. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

For the fifth time, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility received statewide recognition from CWEA. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD produces up to two million gallons of recycled water every day at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, which began operation in 2003. Additionally, OMWD is the lead agency of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, a group of nine North County agencies that coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries to expand the reach of the recycled water.

As a result, OMWD now serves up to 15 percent of its overall demand from recycled water and continues to identify additional ways to make recycled water available to eligible customers.

Water recycling is the process of capturing and treating wastewater for non-domestic purposes such as irrigation and industrial processes. By 2027, the volume of recycled water produced in the U.S. is projected to increase 37% from 4.8 billion gallons per day to 6.6 billion gallons per day, according to a recent survey by Bluefield Research.

California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising conducts the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

Sierra Snowpack Near Average In First 2025 Survey

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the first snow survey of the 2025 season on January 2 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, with positive news about the state’s water supply.

The survey recorded 24 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of nine inches. This is 91 percent of the average at this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 108 percent of average to date, compared to 28 percent for the January 2024 survey.

California Department of Water Resources staff members (from right) Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, Manon von Kaenel, Water Resources Engineer, Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer, and Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist, conduct the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

California Department of Water Resources staff members (from right) Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, Manon von Kaenel, Water Resources Engineer, Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer, and Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist, conduct the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

In recent years, California has been marked by extremely hot and dry conditions broken up by periods of intense rain and snow, including late 2024 and early 2025. A record-breaking hot and dry summer continued well into the fall, but a powerful atmospheric river in November broke several rainfall records in Northern California. December storms provided another boost.

“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April, when our water supply picture will be more complete,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Extreme shifts between dry and wet conditions are continuing this winter, and if the past several years are any indication, anything could happen between now and April, and we need to be prepared.”

Too Early To Predict 2025 Weather Patterns

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

This weather pattern is not unusual for California. In 2013 and 2022, early storm activity was followed by dry conditions, erasing early-season snow totals and continuing existing drought conditions across the state. It is too early to know whether this condition will occur in 2025.

“We are fortunate to have had several solid snow-producing atmospheric river systems so far this season,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising. “The fall was extremely dry, so our healthy snow totals are thanks to a handful of big storm systems in November and late December. But to finish the year where we need to be, we will still need additional snow building at a regular pace throughout the winter.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

San Diego Leadership In Water Supply Management

San Diego County residents can continue to use water wisely including in their low water use landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

San Diego County residents can continue to use water wisely including in their low water use landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

For the past decade, San Diego County has been insulated from drought-induced cutbacks due to the long-term investments in secure water supplies, a strategy that emerged in the early 1990s following an economically devastating drought. Since 1990, the region has dramatically cut water demands, reducing per capita water use by more than 50 percent. Water conservation has become a “way of life” for the region’s residents and businesses.

Water Authority Water Resources Specialist Efren Lopez says San Diego County has a reliable supply from the Colorado River and other parts of the state, supplemented by its long-term supply diversification.

“Feel free to irrigate your landscapes, to water your trees and to use water as you need,” said Lopez. “We don’t have any restrictions on water use, and we have very reliable water supplies.”

Lack of Local Precipitation Affects Fire Risk

Winter rains have helped vegetation grow in recent years, providing more fuel for fires. The US Drought Monitor puts all of San Diego County at a moderate drought level. Parts of Imperial County are in severe and extreme drought.

Major reservoirs statewide are currently 121 percent of average thanks to two years of above-average snowpack conditions. DWR prepares for annual extremes by investing in climate resilience to ensure California is able to capture and use as much water during flood conditions as possible.

DWR conducts four media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for early February.

Intensifying Climate ‘Whiplash’ Set the Stage for Devastating California Fires

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Ian James

The devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California erupted following a stark shift from wet weather to extremely dry weather — a phenomenon scientists describe as “hydroclimate whiplash.”

New research shows these abrupt wet-to-dry and dry-to-wet swings, which can worsen wildfires, flooding and other hazards, are growing more frequent and intense because of human-caused climate change.

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As La Niña Strengthens, Forecasters Warn of a Potential Return to Drought

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Hayley Smith and Grace Toohey

As La Niña gathers strength in the tropical Pacific, forecasters are warning that the climate pattern could plunge California back into drought conditions in the months ahead.

La Niña is the drier component of the El Niño Southern Oscillation system, or ENSO, which is a main driver of climate and weather patterns across the globe. Its warm, moist counterpart, El Niño, was last in place from July 2023 until this spring, and was linked to record-warm global temperatures and California’s extraordinarily wet winter.

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The American West’s Last Quarter-Century Ranks as the Driest in 1,200 Years, Research Shows

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Ian James

Three years ago, climate researchers shocked drought-weary Californians when they revealed that the American West was experiencing its driest 22-year period in 1,200 years, and that this severe megadrought was being intensified by global warming.

Now, a UCLA climate scientist has reexamined the data and found that, even after two wet winters, the last 25 years are still likely the driest quarter-century since the year 800.

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Californians’ Water Usage is Down 9% and Other Takeaways From the Times’ Updated Water Tracker

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Sean Greene

California residents are using about 8 fewer gallons of water per day than they did during the last drought emergency, according to newly released state data. Between April 2023 and last April, urban water users consumed an average of 77 gallons per person per day. That comes out to a 9% decrease since the drought emergency ended in March 2023.

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Over $100 Million is Going Toward Projects to Combat Drought and Climate Change — here’s What’s Being Done

/in , /by /The Cool Downby Sarah Winfrey

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $179 million will be invested in water reuse projects across the American West. According to CleanTechnica, these projects will be centered in California and Utah, areas that often struggle with drought.

Projects receiving funding include water recycling in Los Angeles and Ventura, California, groundwater replenishment in Los Angeles, and water reuse initiatives in Washington County, Utah. These projects will help the areas have more options when it comes to their water supply and make that supply more resistant to drought.

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Water Recycling Gets a Boost in Southern California With New Federal Funding

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Ian James

The Biden administration has announced that Southern California’s plan to build the largest wastewater recycling plant in the nation will be supported by $99.2 million in federal funds, an investment that officials said represents a down payment toward making the region more resilient to the effects of climate change.

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‘Mexico Does Not Deserve Money’ Until Water Debt to Us is Paid, Lawmaker Says

/in , /by /Fox 5 San Diegoby Sandra Sanchez

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, gave a fiery speech on the House floor Wednesday urging her fellow lawmakers to withhold funds to Mexico until it sends the water it owes to South Texas and the United States.

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‘Water Bank’ Sought to Maintain Flow to South Texas Cities in Drought

/in , , /by /Fox 5 San Diegoby Sandra Sanchez

The head of a South Texas planning group is proposing that a “water bank” be formed so smaller cities can get water from larger cities with surplus supplies and keep it flowing in South Texas.

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