Helix Water District Archives

(L to R) SDG&E EV Customer Solutions Manager Lianna Lienau, Helix Division 2 Director Andrea Beth Damsky, Helix Board Vice President Joel A. Scalzitti, Helix Board President Dan McMillan, Helix Division 3 Director Mark Gracyk, Helix Division 4 Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, and San Diego County Air Pollution Control District Chief of Emissions Reductions Kathleen Keehan at the groundbreaking for the Helix electrification project at its El Cajon operations center. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Working Toward Zero-Emission Future

April 4, 2025/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

As part of its initiative to transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet, Helix Water District leaders broke ground in late March on a retrofitting project at the district’s operations center in El Cajon.

The $11 million project, which is almost entirely grant-funded, will increase electrical capacity and charging infrastructure needed for the transition at its operations center in El Cajon. The facility will also support other East County public agencies as they work towards electrifying their own vehicle fleets.

Helix Preparing to Meet New California Requirements

Helix Water District purchased its first EV truck in 2022. Photo: Helix Water District

While all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California will be zero-emission by 2035, the state wants government agencies with vehicle fleets to get to zero emissions more quickly. By 2027, all new medium and heavy-duty truck purchases must be zero-emission vehicles.

The district’s fleet of vehicles is used by employees responsible for maintaining 742 miles of pipeline, valves, hydrants, and meters. While the Helix Water District first began purchasing electric vehicles in 2022 as part of its overall sustainability efforts, its current infrastructure requires upgrades to support an electric-only vehicle fleet.

“The Helix board of directors voted 5-0 to approve this project because this is the next step on the path we’ve chosen for our agency,” said board member Mark Gracyk.

“We have already reduced our energy use by 15% and our carbon footprint by 40%. This project will be a model for other agencies working to electrify their fleets and help the cities we serve meet their climate action plan goals.”

In addition to the major change in operations, the Helix Water District must maintain 24/7 readiness for emergency responses, with a vehicle fleet that requires time to recharge.

Partner Collaboration Makes Helix Project Possible

Helix Water District will work with SDG&E and the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to complete its project. Photo: Helix Water District

Retrofitting the district’s operations center to increase electrical capacity and installing the new infrastructure presented challenges. The Helix project team moved quickly to secure outside expertise and funding to get ahead of other public agencies in California competing for resources.

Through funding and technical support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District and San Diego Gas & Electric, Helix is ready to begin construction. The organizations guided the district through idea gathering, planning, designing, and equipment selection. The collaboration will continue through construction.

“This charging infrastructure project is particularly impactful for air quality in the area because the communities serviced by the Helix Water District have some of the highest levels of air pollution in San Diego County. SDAPCD looks forward to the full implementation of this project,” said Paula Forbis, Air Pollution Control Officer, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.

“Our collaboration with Helix Water District and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving our progress to meeting California’s climate goals,” added Miguel Romero, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, SDG&E.

Helix Effort Meets Climate Action Plan Goals

The district’s fleet of vehicles is used by employees responsible for maintaining 742 miles of pipeline, valves, hydrants, and meters. Photo: Helix Water District

Vehicle emissions are one of the highest sources of pollution in San Diego County. For this reason, SDAPCD considers the shift from diesel to electric vehicles one of the most impactful ways to improve air quality.

According to SDG&E, Helix Water District’s plan to transition 86 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and install nearly six megawatts of charging infrastructure aligns with SDG&E’s mission to support public agencies and fleet operators in meeting California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation and local climate action plan goals.

Helix received a $5.2 million grant from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, a $2.2 million grant from San Diego Gas & Electric’s Power Your Drive for Fleets Program and an additional $1.5 million through the Disadvantaged Community Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program. The district will fund the remaining $2 million.

“We understood early on the impact that the state’s advanced clean fleet regulation would have on the district. The cost associated with projects of this size are significant and we did not want this to impact the communities we serve, many of which are low-income communities,” said Dan McMillan, board president of the Helix Water District.

“I want to thank, on behalf of the district, San Diego Gas & Electric and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District for their financial support. Collaboration is the only way we can move projects like this forward.”

The electrification project will take approximately one year to complete.

L to R (back row): Burbank Conservation Program Specialist Amy Tremmel, Metropolitan board Vice Chair Michael Camacho, Chair Ortega, Director Stephen Faessel, Director Desi Alvarez, Cucamonga Valley Water District President Randall James Reed and Metropolitan mascot Admiral Splash, with attending student artists. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Student poster winners

San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2025 Calendar

January 6, 2025/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Four San Diego County student artists from four member water agencies are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2025 Metropolitan Water District’s 36^th annual “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.

The creative artwork of 37 kindergarten through 12th-grade students, including the students from San Diego County, was recognized for being selected at the district’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in December.

The 2025 calendar features art from 37 students in Southern California, including four from San Diego County. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

During the first in-person calendar celebration in five years following virtual recognition ceremonies, the artists, their families, and local educators heard from Metropolitan Chair Adan Ortega, board director Brenda Dennstedt, and other student artists featured in the calendar.

Students also met five water mascots and took photos with them.

MWD board chairman Adán Ortega, Jr. thanked the students, their family and friends, and the many educators who support the annual contest.

San Diego student art featured in July and August 2025

Charlotte Chatham’s winning artwork is featured on the July 2025 page in the calendar.

Charlotte Chatham, a talented eighth-grade student at La Mesa Arts Academy, represents the Helix Water District in the 2025 calendar for July 2025. Her teacher is Alison Lindsay.

Three additional winners are featured on the August 2025 page.

Kenziee Bowen, Ava Fabunan, and Tristan Ong are featured in August 2025.

Kenziee Bowen, a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Her teacher is Amile Sicat.

Ava Fabunan, a sixth-grader at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista, is the Otay Water District’s winner. Her teacher is Christina Stencil-Dare.

Ava’s creative piece highlights ways to use water wisely at home. She explains, “I thought that by making a character talking about how to conserve water, it would really inspire kids of all ages.”

Ava Fabunan’s original artwork is on display with the other winners at the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. Photo: Otay Water District

Calendars are available to Otay customers at its offices at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley.

Tristan Ong, a fourth-grade student at Allen Elementary School in Bonita, represents the Sweetwater Authority. His teacher is Ellen Sinong.

Conservation message delivered through creative talent

Winners were recognized at a celebration in December. Photo: Otay Water District

The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was created 36 years ago. It selects student art submitted from grades K through 12 to help convey vitally important water conservation messages. Member agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions.

Artwork from the student winners will remain on display at Metropolitan’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in January. The traveling artwork will visit member agencies throughout the year. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.

San Diego County's member water agencies are channeling their holiday spirit into charitable holiday giving to nonprofits once again this season. Photo: Otay Water District holiday giving

Member Agencies Support Communities During Holiday Season

December 19, 2024/in News, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2024 to benefit a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Otay Water District Supports San Diego Food Bank

The Otay Water District’s elves decorated its valve maintenance truck with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista as part of its annual holiday parade. Photo: Otay Water District

This holiday season, the Otay Water District is partnering with the San Diego Food Bank to provide food assistance through a virtual food drive. The District encouraged its more than 238,000 customers, employees, and anyone able to help to join the fight against hunger by donating safely online at their convenience.

Through the Virtual Food Drive, donors select and purchase food items, such as canned meats, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, oatmeal, and cereal. Monetary donations are also accepted. For every $1 donation online, the San Diego Food Bank can provide two meals to families in need.

District staff and board members enjoyed participating in the annual Chula Vista Starlight Parade on December 14. Its valve maintenance truck was covered with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista’s Downtown Third Avenue. This truck is typically used for operating, exercising, and turning valves, a vital task in maintaining Otay’s water infrastructure.

Gratitude Walk and Toys for Tots Drive at Helix Water District

Helix Water District employees and customers have packed its Helix sleigh (service truck) with donations to Toys for Toys. Photo: Helix Water District

At Helix Water District, Toys for Tots boxes are overflowing with donations from customers and employees. “I can’t remember ever receiving this many toys,” said Helix General Manager Brian Olney. “I’m really touched by the generosity of the residents and businesses we serve and our team here at Helix. Thank you. The more smiles we can bring to children’s faces, the better.”

As of this week, over 350 action figures, Lego sets, musical instruments, balls, and more have been collected, and the donations keep coming. Participating in Toys for Tots is part of Helix’s year-round Helix Helps program.

Helix also kicked off its first annual Gobble and Go Gratitude Walk Thanksgiving week at Lake Jennings. Participants were asked to bring food items for the San Diego Food Bank.

Agencies Support Water For People Fundraising

Padre Dam staff with some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Padre Dam staff display some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Employees of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District assembled fundraising gift baskets for the nonprofit the CA/NV AWWA-Water for People nut basket fundraiser. Water for People works across Latin America, Asia, and Africa to equip communities with lasting access to clean water and sanitation.

Padre Dam employees prepared 100 gift baskets for the Water for People San Diego Chapter’s annual fundraiser. The organization relies on volunteers to assemble and sell baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. Once sold, the gift baskets prepared by Padre Dam employees will raise $2,200 for the nonprofit.

Olivenhain employees participate in a long tradition of support for Water For People. Photo: Olivenhain MWD

For 19 years, Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees have enthusiastically supported fundraising for the nonprofit Water for People. Olivenhain employees have volunteered abroad, helping set up water and sewer systems with the full support of the agency.

Olivenhain employees volunteered on weekends to assemble nut baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. OMWD also sold baskets to the public as holiday gifts. A total of 171 baskets were sold, with a total donation of $3,800 going to WFP.

Helping Hand From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees Gloria Achutegui, Records Management Specialist, and Michael Garcia, Assistant Board Secretary, display employee donations for the Authority’s annual holiday giving effort. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for more than two decades. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the items and brings them back unwrapped to the office. The Salvation Army picks up and delivers the donated toys. This year, employees donated enough toys to help make Christmas bright for 20 South County families and kids.

“Sweetwater Authority employees care about the community we serve,” said General Manager Carlos Quintero. “We’re happy to spread some holiday cheer through our participation in the Angel Tree Program.”

Generous Escondido Employees Make Holidays Brighter

City of Escondido donation drive leaders Gio Cortes and Emma Potratz gather donations to drop off to recipients at the Park Avenue Community Center. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido employees participated in their annual Holiday Donation Drive effort. Employees put together holiday stockings filled with personal care items, emergency supplies, and fun items for seniors at the Park Avenue Community Center. City staff donated enough items to fill 125 bags for recipients.

Donations from Escondido city employees gathered for distribution. Photo: City of Escondido

Olivenhain MWD Triples the Giving

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees back multiple traditions for deserving recipients.

Kicking off the giving season in October, donations were collected and dropped off to the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need during the holiday season.

For its November effort, employees created care packages for senior Meals on Wheels clients. Employees wrapped up the year with participation in Toys for Tots and Water for People.

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

November 12, 2024/in Facilities & Operations, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

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

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.

An overhead view of construction progress on the East County Advanced Water Purification program Education Center. Photo: East County AWP Padre Dam

East County Advanced Water Program Summer Progress Report

August 13, 2024/in Supply & Demand /by Gayle Falkenthal

Significant work has been completed on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP) since construction began more than two years ago in June 2022. Multiple milestones have been achieved through the first half of 2024, with construction continuing at multiple East County locations through 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.

Construction reached a significant milestone in July, completing 58% of the purified water pipeline installation. This 10-mile pipeline will transport purified water from north of Santee Lakes to Lake Jennings.

Elements currently under construction in parts of Santee and Lakeside include:

Installing a 10-mile purified water pipeline
Constructing wastewater/residual pipelines and pump station upgrades
Building water treatment facilities, operations center, laboratory, and public education center

Work underway at Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is expected to be restored to full capacity later this summer. Photo: East County AWP

Crews are working to connect the purified water pipeline to Lake Jennings on the north end of the lake in Half Moon Cove. In April 2024, Helix Water District temporarily lowered Lake Jennings by approximately 23 feet to make this work possible. Helix completed its work on the reservoir’s outlet tower and is refilling the lake.

The lake is expected to be restored to full capacity later this summer. Click here for additional lake updates. Minor work nearby will require occasional, short-term closures of the Flume Trail.

Purified water is expected to start flowing into Lake Jennings in 2026. The water will mix with local and imported water, followed by treatment at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant and then distributed to the community.

Treatment facilities taking shape

Roads have reopened at Lakes 3 and 4 at the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve. Photo: East County AWP

Construction of the treatment facilities north of Santee Lakes is progressing, with roughly 80% of the concrete (42,000 cubic yards) poured. Once complete, 52,400 cubic yards of concrete will be used—enough to fill 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The advanced water purification, water recycling and solids handling facilities are being built, as well as an operations center to house the operation controls, laboratory, and education center. The public will be invited to visit the interactive lobby and to tour the facilities once the program goes online.

Wastewater and residual pipelines currently under construction run parallel to each other and are each 3.5 miles long. They will connect the water recycling facility north of Santee Lakes to the pump station near the westbound onramp to Route 52.

An example of a trenchless construction method called horizontal directional drilling. Photo: East County AWP

The residuals pipeline has been successfully installed under the Carlton Oaks Golf Course and San Diego River using a trenchless construction method called horizontal directional drilling. This method is used instead of digging a conventional open trench, minimizing environmental impacts.

More than 100,000 pounds of pulling force was required for this operation. The installation of the wastewater pipeline running parallel, using the same method, is anticipated by early 2025.

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

Traffic affected in Santee and Lakeside construction zones

Construction has affected traffic in several areas.

In Santee, wastewater pipeline construction is underway on Fanita Parkway near Lake Canyon Road. When traveling in the area, expect one-way traffic control with delays of up to five minutes. Flaggers are assisting drivers in navigating around the construction zone.

Elsewhere, purified water pipeline construction continues from Park Center Drive, heading west toward Fanita Parkway in Santee. Road paving is complete between Magnolia Avenue and Park Center Drive, and between Cambury Drive and Halberns Boulevard. All of this work has resulted in traffic control with lane closures.

Drivers should plan additional traveling time on Mapleview and Ashwood Streets. Work will continue in this area over the next few weeks. Photo: East County AWP East County Advanced Water

Drivers should plan additional traveling time on Mapleview and Ashwood Streets in Lakeside. Work will continue in this area over the next few weeks. Photo: East County AWP

In Lakeside, temporary traffic control with reduced lanes is also in place next to El Capitan High School. Drivers should plan additional traveling time on Mapleview and Ashwood Streets. Work will continue in this area over the next few weeks. On Riverside Drive, construction recently got underway near Rio Camino and is expected to last for the next couple of months.

Purified water pipeline installation along the Channel Road Bridge is complete. Crews will soon shift work locations to State Route 67 and on the west side of the freeway on Mapleview. Pipeline installation under State Route 67 will be achieved using another trenchless construction method called ‘jack and bore.’

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

Helix Water District Recognizes Top Photographers in Annual Photo Contest

July 23, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Beautiful scenery, wildlife, and native plants are featured in this year’s winning photos in the annual Lake Jennings 2024 Photo Contest.

The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District. The District Board of Directors recognized the top photographers at its July meeting.

Adult Category winners Scott Lagace and Loraine Moreno with the Helix Water District Board. (R to L):
Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, Board President Dan McMillan, Scott Lagace, Loraine Moreno, Director Mark Gracyk, Director Andrea Beth Damsky, and Vice President Joel Scalzitti. Photo: Helix Water District

The District runs the contest each year as a fun way to connect with its customers and recognize their achievements.

Now in its 13th year, the contest drew entries from throughout San Diego County. This year’s entries depict the beauty of Lake Jennings, considered among the region’s most scenic parks. The contest was open for photos taken between April 1 and April 30, 2024.

Youth Category Winners

“Tranquil Family of Ducks,” Aaron D’ Souza

First Place: Aaron D’ Souza, San Diego – “Tranquil Family of Ducks”

“Overcast,” Lillian Heilpern

Second Place: Lillian Heilpern, El Cajon – “Overcast”

Adult Category Winners

“A Spring Day at Lake Jennings,” Scott Lagace

First Place: Scott Lagace, Santee– “A Spring Day at Lake Jennings”

“Entre La Lluvia,” Loraine Moreno

Second Place: Loraine Moreno, La Mesa – “Entre La Lluvia”

“Mountain Reflections at Sunset,” Cindy Luna

Third Place: Cindy Luna, Maricopa, Arizona – “Mountain Reflections at Sunset”

In the Youth Category, Aaron D’Souza won $50 for his first-place photo and Lillian Heilpern won a $25 Amazon Gift Card for her photo.

In the Adult Category, Scott Lagace received $100 for his first-place finish, Loraine Moreno received a $50 Amazon Gift Card and Cindy Luna received a Lake Jennings sweatshirt and hat. All top finishers also received a Lake Jennings day-use pass good for one year.

Lake Jennings is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California, offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.

See the 2023 Photo Contest winners here.

Catherine and Bryan Binotti replaced the outdated and drab landscape of their charming and recently-historically-designated 1950 house in the Brier Patch neighborhood of La Mesa. Photo: Helix Water District landscape contest

Grossmont Home Wins Helix Water District 2024 Landscape Contest

June 23, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Catherine and Bryan Binotti’s transformation of the front yard of their historic La Mesa home to a lush, water-efficient landscape was selected as the winner of the Helix Water District 2024 Water-Smart Landscape Contest.

The annual competition recognizes residents for their outstanding water-efficient landscapes based on overall attractiveness, design, efficient irrigation, appropriate plant selection and maintenance.

After years of work, the Binottis have created a lush waterwise landscape and a vibrant ecosystem. Photo: Helix Water District

The Binottis replaced the outdated and drab landscape of their charming and recently historically designated 1950 house in the Brier Patch neighborhood of La Mesa. The new front yard is a colorful paradise boasting beauty and curb appeal. “What better way to meet the neighbors, than gardening in the front yard! What started as a conservation effort – of time, water, and financial resources – has turned into such a joy,” said Catherine.

Plant Mix Compliments Home Design

The plant mix compliments the home design and color scheme. Photo: Helix Water District

The garden is set back behind hedges and fruit trees with a lush mix of flowering plants and greens that complement the colors of their home and the taller surrounding plants. Catherine is employed as a hospital laboratory scientist. Gardening is her creative outlet to balance her analytical side.

The Binottis entered their previous home in the 2020 landscape contest. The same year, they moved nearby into their current home and wanted more from their landscape.

The design includes drifts and groupings of color. Photo: Helix Water District

Catherine designed the garden herself. It incorporates drifts, harmonious groupings of the same plants, to create cohesive sections of color. By layering these drifts, she adds depth and creates a relaxed feel. She strategically placed specimen plants to create focal points and used taller plants to screen out less appealing views.

Catherine drew inspiration from landscapes she saw on Pinterest, walking in her neighborhood, and exploring nurseries. “In spring when everything is flowering, I’ll walk through all the neighborhoods to figure out what plants grow well and try to mimic what I like about other yards and try to mix it into what I want in my yard.”

Bright Colors Inspire Plant Choices

Bursts of floral color highlight the landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

Her preferred plant choices feature yellow, pink, purple, and orange flowers. “Initially, I’d walk around nurseries and take lots of photos,” explained Catherine. “I’d often get asked for help a lot because I’d just be wandering and taking lots of pictures. Then come back home and look at them all.”

Plants featured in the landscape include Rockrose, Foxtail Agave, Purple Leaf Plum Tree, Peruvian Lily, Mexican Feather Grass, Gold Coin Daisy, Santa Barbara Daisy, Gold Strike Protea, Pink Muhly Grass, Grevillea Coastal Gem, Pride of Madeira, and Yarrow.

Efficient Irrigation Updates

The Binottis say the waterwise landscape was a logical choice for them and ‘a wonderful source of joy.’ Photo: Helix Water District

The Binottis removed the outdated irrigation system. They retrofitted fruit trees with pressure-compensating drip irrigation and installed new drip lines for everything else. Additionally, downspouts direct rainwater into the front planter. The couple has plans for more rainwater collection.

After years of work, the couple has created a lush waterwise landscape and a vibrant ecosystem. “The yard is always alive with bees, butterflies, lizards, birds, and an occasional coyote,” said Catherine. “A waterwise landscape is the logical choice for us and a wonderful source of joy for us and others. We love the color and contrasts spring brings to the charm of our recently designated historic 1950s La Mesa home.”

The landscape contest runs from January through mid-May each year. Visit Helix’s website at hwd.com, Facebook.com/HelixWater or X at @HelixWater for more information.

The R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant operated by the Helix Water District. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District Releases Water Quality Report

June 17, 2024/in Supply & Demand /by Gayle Falkenthal

Helix Water District’s newly released 2023 Water Quality Report shows that throughout 2023, the district continued to deliver top-quality drinking water that meets all federal and state drinking water regulations.

What water supplies contain depends on where they come from. As water travels through rock, soils, and rivers, it takes with it the characteristics of those environments. In 2023, 54% of Helix water came from Lake Cuyamaca and local creeks, after winter storms dropped 58 inches of rain and snow on the mountains east of San Diego.

The Colorado River provided 26% of the district’s water supply. The remaining 20% came from rivers in Northern California through the State Water Project. Helix manages the characteristics of each water source through its multistep treatment process.

“Our system operators carefully blend the water from each of our sources to improve water quality, and our on-site chemist and biologist work hand in glove with our water treatment plant operators,” said Helix Water District General Manager Brian Olney. “It takes a highly trained and very committed team to maintain our level of water quality year after year.”

The 2023 Water Quality Report explains the water quality standards mandated through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state of California regulations. It presents Helix Water District’s water quality data for each standard. As in years past, the district’s tap water met all standards.

To view the report in English

Go to hwd.fyi/wqr2023-english

To view the report in Spanish

Go to hwd.fyi/wqr2023-espanol

To request a printed report

Please email or call 619-466-0585

For questions about water quality

Go to hwd.fyi/water-quality-faqs, email or call 619-667-6248

L to R: Helix WD director Mark Gracyk, director and scholarship committee chairperson Andrea Beth Damsky, scholarship winners Layth Polus and Paige Newlon, vice president Joel A. Scalzitti, board president Dan McMillan, and director Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Photo: Helix Water District

Exceptional Students Win College Scholarships from Helix Water District

June 6, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Helix Water District selected two East County students as recipients of $1,000 college scholarships for 2024. The students were recognized at the May Board of Directors meeting.

Paige Newlon Receives Friedgen Scholarship

Paige Newlon of El Cajon is the 2024 recipient of Helix Water District’s Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship. Newlon poses with Director and Scholarship Committee Chair Andrea Beth Damsky and Board President Dan McMillan. Photo: Helix Water District

Paige Newlon received the Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship. It was established upon Friedgen’s retirement in 1998, after serving as Helix’s general manager for 19 years. Friedgen provided the seed money, and the board and others contributed additional funding.

Newlon graduated from The Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Newlon will attend Loyola Marymount University next fall and plans to major in chemistry and political science to effectively navigate and lead in both science and policymaking.

Newlon played volleyball on the Academy’s varsity and beach volleyball teams, and with a club team. Her team won the San Diego Section, Division 2 champions in 2023, a first for The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and Newlon was named to the San Diego City Conference All-Academic Team.

Newlon was co-president of the Academy’s academic league, organizing student teams to compete with
other schools, and was also on the speech and debate team. Newlon wrote for the Pilot Post school
newspaper, performed in the Academy’s Spring Sing musicals, and is an ambassador to prospective
students and their families.

Layth Polus Receives Childs Scholarship

Layth Polus of Spring Valley is the 2024 recipient of Helix Water District’s Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship. Polus poses with Director and Scholarship Committee Chair Andrea Beth Damsky and Board President Dan McMillan. Photo: Helix Water District

Layth Polus received the Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship. The Helix board established it in 1999 to honor Childs upon her retirement from the board and recognize the 20 years of service and leadership she had given to the district.

Polus graduated from Valhalla High School. Polus will attend UC San Diego next fall and plans to major in human biology. He plans to attend dental school and become an orthodontist.

Polus founded and served as president of the Medical Pathway Club at Valhalla High School for students interested in medical careers. He also organized Healthcare Town, an event that brought 60 club members to Vista Grande Elementary School to teach third-grade students about personal health.

Polus volunteered over 400 hours at Sharp Grossmont Hospital as a nurse’s aide and in other roles and
over 200 hours at the Red Cross, helping with blood drives, food drives, and the nonprofit’s Volunteer
Connect software application. He participated in Valhalla’s academic league as a Junior Ambassador
to help other students engage with their community on Norse Crew, which welcomes and assists
Valhalla’s newest students, and in Toastmasters.

Both Newlon and Polus also have part-time jobs.

Helix Annual College Scholarship Supports District Students

The Helix Water District contacts high school counselors in the fall to inform students about the annual scholarship contest. Applicants must live in the district’s service area, have excellent academic standing, and excel in community service and extracurricular activities. Applicants submit an essay about the East County Advanced Water Purification Project and provide a personal goals statement with two letters of recommendation.

California Electric Vehicle Requirements Raise Questions on Funding

May 22, 2024/in Media Coverage, San Diego County /by Chelsea Campos /CBS 8by Regina Yurrita, Emily Isaacman

A California regulation that requires government agencies to transition diesel fuel work cars to electric vehicles is prompting questions on how to access funding for the new vehicles. Helix Water District in East San Diego County is one government agency that has had to figure out how to pay for all electric cars to comply with the new state requirements.

Full Story

Tag Archive for: Helix Water District