Tag Archive for: East County AWP

The East County AWP construction team is working to install a 28-inch bypass pipeline along Mission Gorge Road. It is 20,500 linear feet, or about 3.9 miles long. Photo: East County AWP

Construction Heats Up This Summer On East County AWP

Summer 2025 marks the third year of construction on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program facilities in Santee.

Progress on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP) continues on schedule at multiple East County locations, with significant steps forward reached as the project works its way toward completion.

The last piece of purified water pipeline was installed at Riverside Drive and Valle Vista Road in Lakeside. Photo: East County AWP

The last piece of purified water pipeline was installed at Riverside Drive and Valle Vista Road in Lakeside. Photo: East County AWP

A major project milestone was reached in June. Purified water pipeline construction is officially complete. The final 20-foot piece of the pipeline was installed in Lakeside last month.

Since construction began in 2022, just over 51,000 linear feet of purified water pipeline has been installed. This 10-mile pipeline will transport purified water from the East County AWP Facility in Santee to Lake Jennings. Restoration and roadway paving is wrapping up this portion of the project 

See a brief video update on the East County AWP progress here.

Mission Trails Regional Park Closures

Visitors to Mission Trails Regional Park may have seen the installation of a project bypass pipeline along the Father Junipero Serra Trail. This bypass pipeline serves to protect Mission Trails Regional Park against sewer spills once construction is underway to rehabilitate a sewer pipeline and install a new residuals pipeline.

Temporary closure of trailheads in Mission Trails Regional Park will take place through summer 2028. Photo: East County AWP

Temporary closure of trailheads in Mission Trails Regional Park will take place through summer 2028. Photo: East County AWP

The 28-inch bypass pipeline is being installed along the entire 2.6 mile stretch of the trail with crews working east to west, fusing the pipeline sections together and undergrounding it when they reach intersections and trailheads.

The project requires the temporary closure of trailheads for up to two to three-day periods from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

It has also resulted in a long-term closure of the Father Junipero Serra Trail to all vehicles from the gate near the Visitor Center to the Old Mission Dam parking lot. This closure will last through summer 2028. The trail will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Overnight Work Underway At Santee Lakes

Overnight work is underway at Santee Lakes for the East County AWP. Photo: East County AWP

Overnight work is underway at Santee Lakes for the East County AWP. Photo: East County AWP

Overnight work on the east side of Santee Lakes is now underway. Crews are working at various locations on the east road from the roundabout near the park entrance on Fanita Parkway up to the East County Advanced Water Treatment Facility, just north of the lakes.

A 20-inch sludge line is being installed using a trenchless construction method called sliplining which may result in noise and bright lights for nearby neighbors. This overnight work is expected to be completed by the end of November 2025.

Work will take place during the following days and hours:

Monday night to Thursday morning from 7 pm. to 6 a.m.

Thursday night to Saturday morning from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

West Side of Santee Lakes Reopens For Summer

The west side of Santee Lakes is now reopened for recreation. Photo: East County AWP

The west side of Santee Lakes is now reopened for recreation. Photo: East County AWP

Great news for Santee Lakes visitors. The west road where wastewater and brine pipelines were being installed has been reopened. Pedestrians, bicyclists and cars are able to use the roadway following the completion of this pipeline work, marking another project milestone.

Interactive Map Keeps Residents Updated On Progress

When completed, water from this project will provide potable water to customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, and Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District.

With construction in multiple locations throughout east county, the Program’s interactive map offers a useful tool for residents and businesses to track where work is happening. The map is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 through the EastCountyAWP.com website. Information is also available via social media at @eastcountyawp

Restoration efforts are making headway in Santee and Lakeside. This includes the use of hydroseeding - the spraying of a mulch type mixture with seeds and a binding agent in order to prevent erosion and protect the seeds. Photo: East County AWP

East County AWP Updates Construction Progress for 2025

Progress on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP) continues on schedule at multiple East County locations, with an increasing number of milestones being reached as the project nears completion in 2025.

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program is an important water project for East San Diego County. When complete, it will deliver a clean, reliable, and local water source.

See a time-lapse video of 12 months of construction from January through December 2024.

Over the last 12 months, many milestones have been accomplished, including:

  • Completion of the purified water pipelines in Santee
  • Fanita Parkway has been repaved, curbs and sidewalks restored, and construction equipment removed
  • Completed 95% of concrete pouring required for the site
  • Completed 78% of all water pipeline construction
  • Installed the Lake Jennings inlet to allow purified water to flow into the lake before it is treated at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant
The East County AWP achieved significant milestones in 2024.

The East County AWP achieved significant milestones in 2024, with more ahead in 2025.

Construction is set to begin in spring 2025 on a newly approved phase of the project that will include work within Mission Trails Regional Park. This phase includes the rehabilitation of the existing East Mission Gorge Force Main, which will help add capacity for increased sewer flows during rainy weather to the City of San Diego for treatment.

It also includes the construction of new pipelines in the East County to manage residuals, which are the organic residues removed from wastewater during the treatment process, sending them from the East County AWP Project around the City of San Diego’s Pure Water Program facilities as a regional solution to residuals management.

Tour the latest East County AWP construction progress in this video update.

Purified Water Pipeline Construction and Road Closures

Work on pipelines is ongoing in Lakeside at the following areas:

  • Riverside Drive from Riverford Road to Rio Camino
  • Channel Road from the bridge to Rio Camino
  • Channel Road from the bridge to Mapleview Street

Expect reduced travel lanes at these locations. Crews have completed purified water pipeline installation along Mast Boulevard, which is being followed by final roadway paving.

Final paving entails grinding and overlaying the existing roadway to be replaced with new asphalt. Crews use a remote-controlled trench roller to compact the top layer of material when paving the roadway.

Jack and bore excavation work is underway near State Route 67 and Mapleview Street in Lakeside ahead of purified water pipeline installation. Photo: East County AWP

Jack and bore excavation work is underway near State Route 67 and Mapleview Street in Lakeside ahead of purified water pipeline installation. Photo: East County AWP

Restoration Efforts Underway in Santee and Lakeside

As part of restoration efforts, residents may see hydroseeding, the spraying of a mulch-type mixture with seeds, and a binding agent to prevent erosion and protect the seeds.

Newly hydroseeded areas along Fanita Parkway in Santee where pipeline construction is complete. Photo: East County AWP

Newly hydro-seeded areas along Fanita Parkway in Santee, where pipeline construction is complete. Photo: East County AWP

Hydroseeding work is nearly complete along Fanita Parkway in Santee, with final work to be completed this spring. In addition to newly installed plants, El Monte Road in Lakeside was also recently hydro-seeded.

Avoid walking, dog walking, biking, jogging, and driving in hydro-seeded areas. These activities prolong the revegetation efforts and the length of time these areas are closed to the public.

Protecting Bird Species During Construction

Compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and general protection of wildlife within the project vicinity allows birds like this Bald Eagle to safely nest in the construction area during breeding season. Photo: East County AWP

Compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and general wildlife protection within the project vicinity allows birds like this Bald Eagle to safely nest in the construction area during breeding season. Photo: East County AWP

The East County AWP project is committed to complying with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and protecting wildlife within the project areas.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects common, game, and special-status bird species across the United States. This protection includes nests, eggs, and young. With the spring bird breeding season now underway, larger birds such as hawks, owls, and crows build their nests early in the season. Smaller songbirds start nesting in early spring.

If additional vegetation clearing is required, biologists supervise clearance once the absence of nesting is confirmed.

Stay Updated On Program Progress With Interactive Map

When completed, water from this project will be provided to customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, and Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District.

With construction in multiple locations throughout East County, the Program’s interactive map continues to be a valuable tool for residents and businesses to track where work is happening. The map is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 through the EastCountyAWP.com website. Information is also available via social media at @eastcountyawp

Progress is on schedule for completion of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program in 2025. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

East County Advanced Water Project Fall Progress Report

Progress on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP) continues on schedule at multiple East County locations with significant milestones in recent months. Project construction is scheduled through 2025.

The main project site at the purification treatment facility is busy, with roughly 280 workers working on completion. Nearly 90% of the concrete is poured, and facility components are arriving from as far away as Japan and Canada.

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program is an important water project for East San Diego County. When complete, the Program will deliver a clean, reliable, and local water source.

See a video update on the progress of the East County Advanced Water Project here.

Roof Rising on the East County AWP Purification Treatment Facility

The building housing the advanced water purification treatment facility is taking shape as the roof is being added.

Raising the roof at the main treatment facility. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

Raising the roof at the main treatment facility. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

Construction on the 23,000-square-foot Visitor’s Center will be complete at the end of 2025. It will house administrative offices, the operation control center, a testing laboratory, and a community room. Steel beam installation, including 66 columns and 100 beams, will use 350,000 pounds of U.S. steel. The roof has also been installed.

There are four water purification steps, including membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, advanced oxidation using ultraviolet light, and free chlorine disinfection. The advanced water purification facility will treat up to 11.5 million gallons daily for 50,000 households.

Water from this project will be provided to customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, and Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District.

Overnight Construction Underway Into November

Work underway on Fanita Drive in Santee. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

Work is underway on Fanita Drive in Santee. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification Program

More than 70% of the purified water and wastewater pipelines are installed throughout Santee and Lakeside. In addition, an 18-inch diameter wastewater pipeline was pulled under the San Diego River and a nearby golf course. At 3,500 feet long, it is one of the longest horizontal directional drill operations ever in San Diego County.

Overnight work began in late October near and at the intersection of Mast Boulevard and Cuyamaca Street in Santee. Work hours are from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. This night work will allow crews to install a purified water pipeline when the roads are less busy, minimizing impacts to the public.

For residents who live in the immediate area, information was mailed to affected households describing the work and providing contact information. Construction in this area is expected to last through the second week of November.

Interactive Map Helps Residents Stay Updated On Progress

With construction in multiple locations throughout East County, the Program’s interactive map continues to be a valuable tool for residents and businesses to track where work is happening. The map is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 through the EastCountyAWP.com website. Information is also available via social media at @eastcountyawp on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Helix Water District crews lower the five-ton replacement valve into place for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Replaces Aging Key Water Valve

One of the largest water valves key to Helix Water District operations was recently replaced. The massive five-ton, five-foot diameter valve is one of the largest in the district’s operation.

This valve isolates a section of pipe allowing water from Lake Jennings to flow into the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant. This replacement addresses two needs: First, it replaces an aging valve, and second, it allows Helix Water District to make cost-effective improvements on a 62-year-old supply line feeding the water treatment plant.

Helix Water District crews prepare the five-ton replacement valve for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District crews prepare the five-ton replacement valve for installation. Photo: Helix Water District

Infrastructure Updates Preparing for East County Advanced Water Purification Program

The valve replacement is among the major improvements underway that will help move, treat, and deliver new water from the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The program will come online for East County in 2026.

The East County AWP program creates a new, local, and drought-proof water supply using state-of-the-art technology. It will purify recycled water, producing up to 30% of East County’s drinking water.

All work on installing the replacement valve in its new location took place in one day. Photo: Helix Water District

All work on installing the replacement valve in its new location took place in one day. Photo: Helix Water District

The large valve isolates a section of the Lake Jennings pipeline, which moves water out of Lake Jennings and to the inlet of the Levy treatment plant. Since the new East County AWP water will flow through this pipeline 24 hours a day every day for the next 30 years, it is vital for the Helix Water District to inspect and make any necessary repairs to ensure the pipeline is in excellent condition before the new water source comes online. The old valve had exceeded its useful life.

Replacing the large valve also allowed the Helix WD to relocate the new valve, improving access for inspections and maintenance. The previous valve was located over 400 feet from where the water enters our treatment plant and upstream of our other supply pipeline, leaving this section of the pipeline filled with water.

The new water valve has an expected operation life of 50 years. Photo: Helix Water District

The new water valve has an expected operation life of 50 years. Photo: Helix Water District

Before relocating the new valve, Helix maintenance teams could only access this section of pipe during a treatment plant shutdown. While working on the old valve, the district needed to purchase more expensive imported water to serve its customers while the plant was shut down and unable to produce its regular supply.

With the new valve in place, fewer shutdowns will occur and prevent the need for purchasing supplemental imported water while performing maintenance and repairs. Relocating this valve and keeping the plant running was the best option for long-term operations and cost savings.

Water Valve Installation Complete In One Day

Maintenance professionals secure the new valve into place. Photo: Helix Water District

Maintenance professionals secure the new valve into place. Photo: Helix Water District

Construction started early in the morning by cutting out an existing pipe section near the treatment plant’s headworks. The new valve was lowered into position, aligned, welded together, and up and running within 14 hours. The valve is so large it takes more than 400 rotations to close it. The new value is expected to have a useful life of 50 years.

Current work to accommodate the East County AWP project is still in progress. It involves creating new access ways, removing the old valve, constructing a new vault, and preparing the Lake Jennings pipeline for inspection.

Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations. Photo: Helix Water District

Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations. Photo: Helix Water District

Once completed, the district will have longer-lasting infrastructure that can meet the demands of our region and future water supplies. Proactive projects like the valve replacement reduce risk, give staff flexibility and redundancy, and prepare the Helix Water District for more efficient operations.

To learn more about East County AWP, please visit https://eastcountyawp.com/

 

As soon as 2026, the East County Advanced Water Program will deliver water to the faucets of customers. Photo: East County AWP milestone

East County Advanced Water Program Hits Multiple Milestones  

Work on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program facilities and pipelines reached multiple milestones at the start of 2024, and construction continues on schedule at multiple East County locations through 2025. As soon as 2026, the AWP will deliver water to the faucets of customers in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District service area.

At the main construction site north of Santee Lakes, more than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the water recycling, solids handling, and advanced water purification facilities. Nearly 60% of the 2.3 total miles of open-cut construction on wastewater pipelines that make up the AWP Program are complete.

More than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the East County Advanced Water Program water recycling, solids handling and advanced water purification facilities. Photo: East County AWP

More than 60% of the concrete has been poured for the East County Advanced Water Program water recycling, solids handling and advanced water purification facilities. Photo: East County AWP

Construction also continues on Fanita Parkway, north of Ganley Road in Santee, and within Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve. Pipeline water testing is now underway on that installed pipeline.

Work on the pipelines for the East County Advanced Water Program is affecting access to the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, which remains open. Photo: East County AWP

Work on the pipelines for the East County Advanced Water Program is affecting access to the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, which remains open. Photo: East County AWP

In addition, pipeline work at Santee Lakes is occurring between Lakes 3 and 4. There is a road closure and no parking in some areas. The Kiwanis Playground at Lake 4 remains open and parking has been preserved for playground visitors.

“Roughly a year and a half ago, we started with a blank slate and since then, the Joint Powers Authority and its project partners have made significant achievements at each of the construction sites,” said Mark Niemiec, director of the East County AWP. “It’s during these ongoing activities within the community including at Santee Lakes that we really appreciate our neighbors’ patience and understanding.”

Pipeline undergrounding scheduled this spring

These new pipelines servicing the East County Advanced Water Program will soon be moved underground. Photo: East County AWP

These new pipelines servicing the East County Advanced Water Program will soon be moved underground. Photo: East County AWP

The wastewater pipelines that will run from the East Mission Gorge Pump Station near State Route 52 to the first lake at Santee Lakes will soon be pulled underground. This trenchless construction method called “Horizontal Directional Drilling” minimizes the impacts to nearby waterways, including the San Diego River. The process takes an estimated 24 to 36 straight hours.

Elsewhere, Fanita Parkway will be temporarily closed for up to one week in March between Ganley Road and Lake Canyon Road to allow for paving on both sides of the street. Residents will see detour signs prior to the closure. The road closure will occur during the day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Purified water pipeline construction is continuing west on Mast Boulevard in Santee, as well as west on Mapleview Street in Lakeside and from Laurel Canyon Road to El Monte Road. Lane closures can be expected.

Residents and commuters in Santee and Lakeside can monitor road closures on the East County AWP website. Photo: East County AWP

Residents and commuters in Santee and Lakeside can monitor road closures on the East County AWP website. Photo: East County AWP

Construction on the 23,000-square-foot Visitors Center is in progress and will be completed by the end of 2025. It will house administrative offices, the operation control center, a testing laboratory, and a community room. The steel beam installation, including 66 columns and 100 beams, will use 350,000 pounds of U.S. steel.

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure for purified pipeline construction. The trail will close again during the summer for a couple of months to allow for additional pipeline construction near the shoreline.

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure. It will close again for additional construction later this summer. Photo: East County AWP

The Flume Trail at Lake Jennings is officially back open following a 10-month closure. It will close again for additional construction later this summer. Photo: East County AWP

When complete, the East County AWP Program will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day, which is enough to serve an estimated 400,000 people, or roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply.

The East County AWP Program includes construction of the following:

When operational, the East County AWP will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day which is enough to serve roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply. Photo: East County AWP

When operational, the East County AWP will be able to create up to 11.5 million gallons of purified water per day which is enough to serve roughly 30% of East San Diego County’s water supply. Photo: East County AWP

  • Water recycling facility treating 16 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater.
  • Advanced water purification facility treating and purifying 11.5 MGD.
  • Purified water pipeline transporting purified water 10 miles to Lake Jennings.
  • Wastewater and residual pipelines. Each segment is three miles long.
  • East Mission Gorge Pump Station (retrofitted) and City of San Diego partnership of regional brine and wastewater pipelines traveling from the pump station in Santee to the City of San Diego’s sewer line in Mission Valley.
  • Energy recovery system creating three megawatts of renewable energy.

To stay up-to-date with project schedules, community impacts and work descriptions, check the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s interactive map on  www.eastcountyawp.com or visit @eastcountyawp on social media

East County Advanced Water Purification Program Awarded $2M Grant from San Diego River Conservancy

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program has been awarded a $2 million grant from the San Diego River Conservancy.

The California State Budget (FY 2022-23) appropriated the $2 million grant to the San Diego River Conservancy for the benefit of the East County AWP Joint Powers Authority.

The East County Advanced Water Purification project is making significant progress on construction toward its 2026 opening. Photo: East County AWP

East County Advanced Water Purification Project Progressing

The East County Advanced Water Purification project is progressing, with construction underway at multiple East San Diego County locations. The project will create a new, local, sustainable, and drought-proof water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify East San Diego County’s recycled water.

Construction for the East County AWP is expected to be completed in 2025, and water production will begin in 2026. When completed, the project is expected to provide approximately 30% of current drinking water demands for East San Diego County residents and businesses.

The East County Advanced Water Purification project is making significant progress on construction toward its 2026 opening. Photo: East County AWP

East County Advanced Water Purification Project Progressing

The East County Advanced Water Purification project is progressing, with construction underway at multiple East San Diego County locations.

The project will create a new, local, sustainable, and drought-proof water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify East San Diego County’s recycled water. Construction for the East County AWP is expected to be completed in 2025, and water production will begin in 2026. When completed, the project is expected to provide approximately 30% of current drinking water demands for East San Diego County residents and businesses.

When completed, the water recycling facility will be able to treat 16 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The advanced water purification facility will be able to process 11.5 MGD. Photo: East County AWP

When completed, the water recycling facility can treat 16 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The advanced water purification facility will be able to process 11.5 MGD. Photo: East County AWP

Water treatment facilities are under construction north of Santee Lakes. Concrete work is underway on the water recycling and solids handling facilities. About 24,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured, marking nearly 50% of the total concrete used at this site. Once complete, there will be enough concrete to fill 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Crews at the East County AWP construction site in Santee found this friendly tarantula. More tarantulas are emerging from hiding as mating season is in full swing across San Diego County. Photo East County Advanced Water Puritifcation

Crews at the East County AWP construction site in Santee found this friendly tarantula. More tarantulas emerge from hiding as mating season is in full swing across San Diego County. Photo East County AWP

The advanced water purification facility and visitors center are also taking shape with the installation of underground piping and conduits.

When completed, the water recycling facility can treat 16 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The advanced water purification facility will be able to process 11.5 MGD.

Time lapse video of the project

Pipeline construction in Santee

Pipeline construction continues on Fanita Parkway north of Ganley in Santee. Biking and hiking access to the trails north of Ganley are temporarily located at the end of Strathmore to provide a safe space for construction.

Pipeline construction along Fanita Parkway north of Santee Lakes. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification

Pipeline construction along Fanita Parkway north of Santee Lakes. Photo: East County AWP

The purified water pipeline will travel east through Santee and Lakeside, ending at Lake Jennings. Two additional pipelines will be constructed south of the new facilities past Carlton Oaks Drive to a pump station just south of the Carlton Oaks Golf Course.

Most pipeline work will be trenched, placed, and covered, while the remainder will be installed using trenchless technologies and methods. There may be some impacts from construction, including road travel delays. Construction hours vary depending on the project elements being completed.

The purified water pipeline running from the advanced water purification facility north of Santee Lakes to Lake Jennings is 10.2 miles long.

Interactive construction map

An interactive construction map tracks project construction sites and work progress. Photo: East County Advanced Water Purification

An interactive construction map tracks project construction sites and work progress. Photo: East County AWP

An interactive map allows viewers to zoom in and click on project areas to find active construction zones, schedules, work hours, and other information. Communication will include mailers, email updates, road signs, interactive maps, webpage updates, and presentations to community groups throughout the project area.

Groundbreaking ceremony in 2022

East County AWP-water recycling-water supply-sustainability

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program broke ground on June 1, 2022, marking an important milestone for the recycled water project in San Diego County. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The June 2022 groundbreaking followed the approval of project construction on May 19, 2022, by the East County AWP Joint Powers Authority that owns and operates the Program. The Joint Powers Authority is a collaborative partnership between four agencies: Padre Dam, the City of El Cajon, the County of San Diego and Helix Water District. The project is estimated to create 2,500 jobs in the region.

East County Advanced Water Purification Program

East County AWP-water recycling-sustainability-water supply-recycling

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program will create a new, local, sustainable and drought-proof drinking water supply by using state-of-the-art technology to purify East San Diego County’s recycled water to produce up to 30% of East County’s drinking water supply. Graphic: East County AWP

(Editor’s note: The Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the Helix Water District are two of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

Helix Water District Awarded $10.3 Million Grant

California’s Department of Water Resources has awarded Helix Water District $10.3 million in grant funds for the district’s drought resilience and drinking water supply reliability project. Helix was one of 26 California agencies, and the only San Diego County agency, to receive a portion of the $217 million in grants awarded in this round of funding.

The project encompasses four infrastructure upgrades needed for the East County Advanced Water Purification project, which will purify recycled water to provide a drought-proof water supply for up to 30% of East County’s needs.

Helix Water District Logo Square officers for 2021

Helix Water District Awarded $10.3 Million Grant

June 8, 2023 – California’s Department of Water Resources announced that it has awarded Helix Water District $10.3 million in grant funds for the district’s drought resilience and drinking water supply reliability project. Helix was one of 26 California agencies, and the only San Diego County agency, to receive a portion of the $217 million in grants awarded in this round of funding.