Facilities and Maintenance Archives

City of Oceanside Mechanical Technologist Erick Adriance demonstrates equipment used to help maintain the city's water and wastewater systems. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

National Public Works Week Expo in Oceanside Highlights Public Works in Daily Life

June 1, 2026/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Across the United States and Canada, including in San Diego County, 30,000 members of the American Public Works Association represent the critical importance of public works in daily life. Public works professionals use their training and experience to plan, build, manage, and operate vital systems at the heart of local communities to improve the everyday quality of life for their citizens.

National Public Works Week has taken place annually in May since 1960. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation describing public works as vitally important to our national health and welfare and praising the dedicated efforts of public works professionals.

“It is in the public interest for the citizens and civic leaders of this country to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest in the public works needs and programs of their respective communities,” the proclamation reads.

In recognition of National Public Works Week, the San Diego County Water Authority joined the City of Oceanside’s Public Works Day Expo. The Expo invited Oceanside residents to learn more about the public works in their community through hands-on learning, utility truck, and equipment displays. Employees engaged in conversations about the people and infrastructure behind reliable water service.

Elisa Marrone, City of Oceanside Water Efficiency Program Manager, was on hand at the Expo to welcome visitors.

Demonstrations and Career Talks Highlight Public Works Expo Activities

On hand at the Expo talking to visitors was Mechanical Technologist Erick Adriance with the City of Oceanside’s maintenance team. At his department’s display, Adriance demonstrated some of the tools used to keep the city’s water and wastewater systems running. Adriance demonstrated how pumps and valves control the flow of water and wastewater.

Adriance says he and his co-workers also perform fabrication, including welding, custom metalwork, and bearing fabrication.

Seeing large trucks, cranes, and getting to honk a few horns made a big impression on kids visiting the City of Oceanside’s National Public Works Week Expo. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Adriance encourages people to consider careers in public works, especially in the water and wastewater sector. “A career in water is a great choice. It’s giving back to your community. You’re part of the infrastructure to keep things running. You’re really part of the community. You’re part of the background, keeping the lights on and the water running.”

This year’s National Public Works Week theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. The dedication to public service, as exemplified by Erick Adriance, fuels the public works innovations, helping communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility.

Work such as building roads and bridges is highly visible, while other public works contributions, like maintaining water and sewer systems, are often hidden from view. Every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.

Vallecitos Water District maintenance team workers effect repairs on a pipeline in San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District water shutdowns

Water Shutdowns Allow Preventive Water System Maintenance

May 29, 2026/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Whether planned or unexpected, a water shutdown can interrupt daily life. Residents and businesses can stay safe and comfortable until service is restored with a little advance preparation and coordination.

In May, the Vallecitos Water District needed to conduct a water shutdown in order to repair a leak in a 10-inch water main located in San Marcos on Discovery Street, south of West San Marcos Boulevard.

The water main is located next to Valley Christian School, a private K-12 prep school, and services both businesses and homes in the immediate area.

Vallecitos Water District maintenance teams supplied the school during the day-long shutdown on May 19 for repairs by providing a water line to the school from a nearby fire hydrant.

See the repair operation in this video.

Crew leader Mitchell Toth, Valve Maintenance Technician with the Vallecitos Water District, said, “We know water systems shutdowns are a huge inconvenience for customers and VWD, but our construction crew will work as safely and efficiently as possible to restore water to customers as soon as possible.”

Repairs were successfully completed, and water service was restored to all customers by the end of the day.

What Prompts A Water Shutdown?

Water shutdowns may happen during planned maintenance, emergencies, or water main repairs. Teams work to restore safe, reliable service as quickly and carefully as possible. Every shutdown helps protect the system that delivers safe, reliable water when you need it most, and helps avoid emergency repairs and the loss of water supplies due to unanticipated breaks.

Multiple departments work together throughout the process. Customer service and meter crews notify residents and prepare the system by shutting off affected meters. Construction crews repair damaged pipes, and water operations crews flush and test the water before service is safely restored.

Mitchell Toth, Valve Maintenance Technician with the Vallecitos Water District, oversees preventive maintenance repairs in San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

How To Prepare Ahead For A Water Shutdown

Customers can reduce the inconvenience of a water shutdown by taking several steps in advance.

Before the shutdown, store drinking water. Plan a minimum of one gallon per person per day, if possible. Don’t forget water for your pets.

Fill containers with additional tap water for washing hands, cleaning, and flushing toilets.

During the outage, conserve stored water and avoid using dishwashers, washing machines, or ice makers. To flush a toilet, pour a bucket of water directly into the bowl. Keep easy-to-prepare meals, paper plates, sanitizer, and wipes available to reduce water use during the outage.

When service returns, water may appear cloudy or sputter briefly as air clears from the pipes. Run cold water from the highest faucet in your home until it clears.

By planning ahead, you can protect your home and reduce stress during any water shutdown. If you have questions before, during, or after an outage, contact your community’s water district.

The Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project replaced 1,600 feet of pipeline after it reached the end of its useful life while minimizing traffic impacts and ensuring community safety during the project’s construction. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Receives APWA Project of the Year Award

May 27, 2026/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Unit A Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project was recognized as a 2026 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter. APWA announced the honor at its awards event in Kearny Mesa,

OMWD examines its pipelines using a video surveillance tool called a ‘See Snake.’ This technology helped OMWD determine that the Unit A pipeline had reached the end of its useful life.

The project replaced approximately 1,600 feet of the 12-inch pipeline under Rancho Santa Fe Road, at the border between Encinitas and Carlsbad.

OMWD worked with the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas to minimize traffic impacts and ensure community safety during the project’s construction. OMWD completed the project on time and within the approved budget.

OMWD Project Ensures Water Reliability

Olivenhain Municipal Water District water professionals at the APWA San Diego and Imperial Counties awards event. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“This project was in a highly trafficked corridor that connects two cities and includes two schools, and staff worked diligently to minimize traffic and community impacts,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “We are proud to have APWA recognize the incredible effort involved in completing this vital project that increases drinking water reliability for our customers.”

APWA is a professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals. APWA raises awareness of the benefits of public works through education and the sharing of knowledge.

APWA’s local chapter awards spotlight public works projects that improve a community’s quality of life.

Vallecitos Water District Asset Management Supervisor and Alison Fisher, Capital Facility Assistant Engineer. confer at the Montiel Lift Station project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District water industry careers

Building A Career in the Water Industry

February 20, 2026/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Gayle Falkenthal

A chance conversation with a family friend resulted in a water industry career for Vallecitos Water District Asset Management Supervisor Lydon Miniter. Nearly two decades later, he has spent almost half his life working in different roles, earning a recent promotion to his current role last November.

Miniter now encourages others to follow him into the water and wastewater industry to take advantage of its job opportunities by sharing his career path story.

Versatility and Curiosity Keys to Career Advancement

Lydon Miniter worked in several roles with the Vallecitos Water District as he gained career experience. (L to R) Marissa Padilla, Capital Facilities Engineer; Lydon Miniter; and Matt Wiese, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Miniter took a temporary role with the Valley Center Municipal Water District while he was pursuing his original goal of becoming a firefighter. But he made the career pivot, and it was a great fit for someone who wanted to contribute to his community.

Miniter applied himself to hands-on fieldwork and had the opportunity to apply his skills in responding to emergencies. With two years of experience, he was hired as a mechanical maintenance technician at the Vallecitos Water District. Miniter worked on everything from repairing fences to pumps and motors, “anything mechanical,” he recalls. Miniter says versatility is the key asset that helped him succeed and still does.

“I’m that utility guy. I have a lot of knowledge about the district and how things all work and how they all integrate together,” said Miniter.

“I like challenges, but I also like troubleshooting. I like trying to figure things out and making sure they work and how they can work together, and how we can improve them. I firmly believe that if you think you know it all, and you think you’re the most efficient you can be, you’re not looking in the right areas,” explained Miniter.

Miniter said a willingness to learn is a key skill for aspiring water and wastewater professionals, especially due to rapid changes in technology. “Are you willing to learn, or are you just willing to do what you know you’re comfortable with and not actually try something new?”

Miniter said he’s never been afraid to ask questions. “A lot of people don’t want to ask questions because they think they’re going to be looked at as unintelligent. It is important to ask those questions and to having that troubleshooting mind really helps in our industry.”

Job Growth Through Taking On Challenges for Miniter

Vallecitos Water District Asset Management Supervisor and Capital Facilities Engineer Marissa Padilla confer at the Montiel Lift Station project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District water industry careers

Vallecitos Water District Asset Management Supervisor and Capital Facilities Engineer Marissa Padilla work on site at the Montiel Lift Station project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Miniter requested a job shadowing assignment with the district’s inspection department to explore opportunities with hopes of advancing into a leadership role, broadening his skills with new challenges. It turned out to be the right fit. He learned how to read plans and conduct surveys, follow the specs, and work through projects. It led to his new role with the Inspection Department team in 2019.

After spending six years learning all aspects of the role and working as the knowledge bridge between operations and engineering, he was recently promoted to his supervisory role in Asset Management.

Rewards of Public Service In Water Industry Careers

Lydon Miniter says he never forgets that he is a public servant in his role with the Vallecitos Water District. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Miniter says he is always aware that he is a public servant.

“It’s not just a job. It’s very rewarding. You’re kind of the unsung hero,” said Miniter. He recalls working around the clock during wildfires and power outages threatening San Marcos and its surrounding areas.

“People always asked, ‘why did you have to work during the fire?’ and I would respond, ‘how are you going to fight a fire without water?’

“We were running generators, moving water, turning valves. It didn’t matter what position you were in. If you had any knowledge of the District and what was needed, you were working. That’s part of the public servant role and putting other people’s needs above your own at that time,” explained Miniter, who called it a rewarding experience.

Miniter said people may not realize the diverse career opportunities in this industry and encouraged job candidates to explore different areas of interest. “You’re going to figure out whether you like it.”

Exploring Water Careers Through Community Colleges and Internships

For those considering a career path in the water and wastewater industry, Miniter emphasized the value of hands-on experience through vocational training. He recommends taking classes at local community college programs, including Palomar College and Cuyamaca College, and participating in internship programs offered by many public utilities.

“We don’t always know what problems are out there. As they come up, and as times change, we have to think outside the box. This is where our brains and critical thinking will come in handy for all of those things,” said Miniter.

Miniter said above all, he enjoys the personal satisfaction of knowing his work contributes to the community and working with a great group of people providing a life-sustaining service.

Vallecitos Water District is nearing completion of the Tres Amigos waterline replacement project in the northern part of its district. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Waterline Replacement Project Enhances Water Supply Reliability

October 22, 2025/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vallecitos Water District is nearing completion of a major waterline replacement project, improving water system reliability for generations to come.

The Tres Amigos project serves customers in the northern part of the Vallecitos Water District, northeast of Gopher Canyon Road, along Ormsby Drive and Fairview Drive, with a small extension onto Carrio Drive. The six and eight-inch thin-wall steel pipelines were originally installed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Due to aging and system impact over time, the pipeline had become prone to water main breaks as often as once a month, with considerable disruption for customers.

Long Lasting Relief for Vallecitos WD Customers

Aging thin-wall steel pipelines were responsible for as many as one break per month. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Board of Directors approved the replacement of 9,500 feet of pipeline most at risk. In addition, a key objective was to relocate the existing pipeline out of private residential backyards and into the roadways. This included relocating existing residential water meters for improved maintenance accessibility and safety.

Marissa Padilla, Vallecitos WD Capital Facilities Engineer, explained, “By upgrading the existing thin-walled steel pipeline to meet VWD’s current standards, we hope to provide long-lasting relief to our customers who have experienced recurring water main breaks and service interruptions in recent years.

“These improvements will also help reduce the strain on District resources by minimizing the need for ongoing emergency repairs.”

See video of the waterline repair project underway.

The aging steel pipelines are being replaced with new PVC pipes. The estimated lifespan of the new pipelines is 70 years.

The year-long project required extensive communication by the Vallecitos Water District and its contractor with affected residents whose water service would be temporarily disrupted to allow replacement of the pipeline, and coordination with property owners, allowing access by construction crews to remove and move the existing pipelines.

Resident Diane McDaniel said the water leaks had become a significant issue in their rural neighborhood. McDaniel said she was happy to learn about the project, despite the challenge presented by temporary water service disruptions and construction access.

“Vallecitos was always very good about notifying us through the phone system that we would be out of water until in the evening … They always got everything done ahead of time,” said McDaniel.

“I think it went really, really well. It went smoothly with all the input and help from the contractor, the Vallecitos Water District staff that was on the job.”

Construction crews were able to leave customer Diane McDaniel’s backyard burial ground for her pets undisturbed. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Crews were even able to work with McDaniel to avoid disturbing an area of her property dedicated to a small pet graveyard near the existing water line that would be removed. “Holly and Goliath and Little Bit and Tutu, they’re all buried over there. And I thought, ‘Oh, my God, they’re going to be digging up dog bones and cat bones. They were able to avoid all that. That’s great!”

Resident Stuart McClure said the short-term inconvenience is an investment in the region’s future. He praised the district’s prompt response and efficient handling of issues, even at odd hours.

“Those breaks affect your life in a daily way. It’s surprising how important water is for our survival,” observed McClure. “It’s a major thing to have proper infrastructure.

“They might infringe upon your life for a few minutes, here and there. You’re going to get some valuable infrastructure that will serve you later on in life, especially if there’s a big fire.”

Project Prevents Future Breaks and Repairs

The replacement pipes made of PVC have a lifespan of 70 years and will prevent flooding like this long into the future. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The installation of thicker, more durable PVC C900 DR 14 pipe is a significant improvement that will help prevent future breaks and repairs. Relocating the pipeline to more accessible areas will facilitate future maintenance and lessen the impact on local residents, securing a more reliable water system while also helping protect private properties.

Delivering safe, reliable water service while minimizing impacts to residents and the environment by investing in this infrastructure today will conserve a precious resource and ensure reliable service for generations to come.

Residents can learn more about the project on the Vallecitos Water District website.

OMWD Proactively Completes Replacement of Drinking Water Pipeline on Rancho Santa Fe Road

February 19, 2025/in Agency News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Encinitas, Calif. —Olivenhain Municipal Water District has completed the construction of a drinking water pipeline on Rancho Santa Fe Road on the border of Encinitas and Carlsbad. The project replaced an existing pipeline that was originally installed in 1961 and was reaching the end of its lifespan.

OMWD continuously assesses the condition of its infrastructure, and replaces it proactively before failure to avoid major leaks and damage to roadways.

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Hungry goats are used to help clear brush and maintain wildfire safety at the Miramar Reservoir. Photo: City of San Diego

Goats Help Maintain Miramar Reservoir, Reduce Fire Risk

October 31, 2024/in Facilities & Operations, News, Science/Environment /by Gayle Falkenthal

Visitors enjoy seeing the variety of wildlife when visiting the City of San Diego’s Miramar Reservoir in the Scripps Ranch community.

Recent visitors might have been surprised by an unusual group of animals:  hundreds of goats grazing near the dam.

The City’s Public Utilities Department contracted with a local company to have more than 250 goats clear dry brush to allow for inspection of the dam and help reduce fire risk.

Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego

Goat Herds Provide Energy-Efficient Reservoir Maintenance

Public Utilities operates and maintains dams for nine reservoirs that support the water supply for the City of San Diego. Routine maintenance and daily inspections help ensure the safety of this vital infrastructure.

Goats can play a vital role in this maintenance because they provide an energy-efficient and low-carbon alternative to mechanized equipment to remove dry brush and ensure proper visibility of the face of the dam.

Since 2005, the City of San Diego has allowed the use of goats to remove brush, which helps reduce the risk of wildfires. Goats are voracious eaters and are not picky about what they consume.

Twenty to thirty goats can clear an acre of brush in a few days. The goats eat plants down to the soil’s surface but leave root systems that help keep soil from washing away and causing hillside erosion.

Goats May Become A Regular Sight

Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego’s nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego

After evaluating the goats’ work at Miramar Reservoir, the City will assess the feasibility of using their services in other locations.

Private property owners with large amounts of land needing brush clearance within the City of San Diego can also use goats to remove brush on their property. They must first receive a permit from the Fire-Rescue Department. There is no charge for the permit application.

Combustible vegetation, especially dry brush, should be cleared to reduce fire risk. Any material left in its natural state will readily ignite, burn, and cause fire to move to any structure or other vegetation. This includes dry grass, brush, weeds, litter, and waste.

For more information about brush management and guidelines, visit sandiego.gov/fire/services/brush.

The Helix Water District's Tunnel Hill storage tank rehabilitation project took approximately two years to complete. Photo: Helix Water District

Tunnel Hill Water Tanks Rehabbed and Upgraded by Helix Water District

March 1, 2023/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Helix Water District recently completed an extensive rehabilitation of its Tunnel Hill water storage tanks. The two tanks are above Interstate 8 near the Los Coches freeway exit. The tanks play an important role in the water infrastructure system by storing and providing water to thousands of Helix Water District customers in Lakeside and El Cajon.

The project took two years to complete in several phases. The first phase of the project involved stripping the exterior of the smaller and newer, reinforced concrete tank. The new, natural concrete finish does not require paint and will reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The larger steel Tunnel Hill water tank received a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. Photo: Helix Water District

Next, the larger steel tank received new paint and a corrosion-resistant aluminum dome roof. The height of the tank was extended by five feet to improve the tank’s performance and safety in an earthquake, especially to protect nearby neighborhoods. The exterior of the steel tank was recoated.

Both tanks received new interior coatings to prevent corrosion and were replumbed with flexible fittings to prevent breaks and keep the tanks connected during an earthquake.

Asset Management

Both tanks received new interior coatings to prevent corrosion and were replumbed with flexible fittings to prevent breaks and keep the tanks connected during an earthquake. Photo: Helix Water District

“The Tunnel Hill Tank improvements are a great example of successful asset management,” said Helix Water District Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. “It would have cost over $10 million dollars if we had to replace the tanks. However, rehabilitating cost $3.5 million dollars. Our District is over 100 years old, and it is important to stay on top of our aging water system. We continuously monitor and manage our infrastructure because it’s the best long-term solution for our customers.”

The completed improvements will extend the life of the Tunnel Hill tanks for another 50 to 75 years.

Watch video of the Tunnel Hill Tank rehabilitation project in progress

Vital Roles In Water Infrastructure

Tanks are the most visible parts of water infrastructure and play a vital role in supplying water for the daily needs of residents and businesses, as well as for emergencies. The Helix Water District operates and maintains 25 tanks across its 50-square-mile service area. Proactive rehabilitations are less expensive than the construction of a new tank.

The height of the larger tank was extended by five feet to improve the tank’s performance and safety in an earthquake, especially to protect nearby neighborhoods. Photo: Helix Water District

Eight additional water storage tanks were inspected and repaired in 2022. In addition, as part of its proactive maintenance, crews replaced 11,560 feet of cast-iron pipeline and surveyed 14,728 feet of pipeline route for design.

The district pulled electromagnetic detectors through 12,000 feet of the 36-inch diameter pipeline that delivers water from the Colorado River and Northern California to the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant in Lakeside. The detectors measure the pipe wall and identify weak points, facilitating faster, more precise and less expensive repairs. Based on the data, the Helix Water District replaced 805 feet of pipe and installed 34 steel plates and 10 new access manways.

(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

OMWD Recognized for Construction Projects to Ensure Water Reliability

May 19, 2022/in Agency News, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Indian Head Canyon Pipeline Restoration Project and El Camino Real Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project were both recognized today as 2022 Projects of the Year by American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter at its awards event in Mission Valley.

“OMWD takes great pride in providing uninterrupted water service to our customers,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt. “Replacing and repairing infrastructure before it fails helps to avoid emergency repairs, which is a more cost-effective and less impactful approach.”

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Repair Work on Hodges Dam to Begin

April 27, 2022/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

As part of continuing efforts to maintain and invest in City of San Diego infrastructure, repair work starts within the next two weeks on Hodges Dam, at the Hodges Reservoir north of Rancho Bernardo.

“It’s been over a century since Hodges Dam was constructed, and we are making significant investments to maintain this vital asset,” said Alia Khouri, Deputy Chief Operating Officer. “Projects like this one are crucial for the City’s aging infrastructure system in order to maintain the safe and efficient delivery of City services.”

During a recent inspection, staff identified areas in the dam wall that require repair and need to be sealed. To access these areas, the water level of the reservoir needs to be lowered by approximately 18 feet from its current level to an elevation of 275 feet. The reservoir may need to be lowered below 275 feet if additional areas needing repair are identified during the project. The repair project is expected to continue for an estimated five months.

Water transfers to maximize savings

The Hodges Dam, shown here in 1929, was built in 1918. Photo: UCSD

The Hodges Dam, shown here in 1929, was built in 1918. Photo: UC San Diego

The primary function of Hodges Reservoir is to store water for potable use. The City is working with its regional water agency partners on a plan to draw down the reservoir level to maximize water savings. Most, if not all, of the water will be transferred to other reservoirs, while some water may be released into the San Dieguito River.

“The City of San Diego is committed to maintaining Hodges Dam to ensure the protection of our water resources and public enjoyment of the reservoir,” said Juan Guerreiro, Interim Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “We appreciate the public’s patience while we complete the project.”

To access areas of the Hodges Dam for repairs, the water level of the reservoir needs to be lowered by approximately 18 feet from its current level to an elevation of 275 feet. As a result of the lower water level, the Hodges Reservoir will be closed for recreation while the repair project is underway. Boating and fishing will still be available at other City of San Diego reservoirs. The San Dieguito River Park trails and facilities around Hodges Reservoir will not be impacted during the drawdown or dam construction work.

Operated and maintained by the San Diego Public Utilities Department, the reservoir currently serves the San Diego County Water Authority, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District, and the City of San Diego. San Diego operates nine reservoirs, including Hodges.

(Editor’s note: The City of San Diego, San Dieguito Water District, and the Santa Fe Irrigation District are three of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

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