Tag Archive for: Mission Trails Regional Park

The Education Center will see its staff moving in later this spring. Photo: ECAWP East County AWP Spring 2026

East County AWP Reaches Key Phase of Project in Spring 2026

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As spring temperatures rise, the East County AWP Program enters a key phase of the project. The majority of work at the main Santee construction is nearing completion. This year begins with a wave of important new milestones and updates.

Visit the project’s website for more details.

New Signage on Education Center

A new sign has been installed outside the future Education Center. This building will welcome visitors for educational programs. It will also house the lab and administrative offices, making it a hub for learning, innovation, and daily operations. This building is on track for lab staff to begin moving in and occupying in late spring.

Learn more about recent updates in this video presentation.

Sewer Pipeline Infrastructure Progress Report

Construction to install a new nine-mile residuals pipeline and rehabilitate an eight-mile sewer pipeline is moving forward. Work is currently underway in Mission Trails Regional Park, along Mission Gorge Road, and on Camino Del Rio North.

To date, approximately 32,000 linear feet of pipeline have been installed- representing roughly one-third of the total alignment for this phase of the project. In Mission Trails Regional Park, work is about 25% complete.

(photo caption with yellow structures) Pipeline installation on Mission Gorge Road just east of the Mission Vista Drive intersection. 

Mission Trails East Entrance Closed to Vehicles

The vehicle gate at the east end of Mission Trails Regional Park near Bushy Hill Drive is closed through the end of this month. This temporary closure is in place to safely complete pipeline installation on this end of the park.

Vehicles cannot access the Old Mission Dam parking lot. Pedestrians and bicyclists are still able to pass through the gate

Visitors can still use the dirt parking lot at the corner of Bushy Hill Drive and Father Junipero Serra Trail, as well as nearby street parking.

New Detour to Enter Mission Trails Regional Park’s West Entrance

Be informed about road detours off Mission Gorge Road near the east entrance to Mission Trails Regional Park. Photo: ECAWP

Be informed about road detours off Mission Gorge Road near the west entrance to Mission Trails Regional Park. Photo: ECAWP

Pipeline work near the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center necessitates road closures affecting motorists. Currently, the left-hand turn from Mission Gorge Road onto Father Junipero Serra Trail is closed. Detours in place allow access to the park.

Regular vehicles:

  • Drive to Golfcrest Drive, make a U-turn at the light, and then turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail to reach the Visitor Center.

 Large vehicles (including school buses):

  • Turn right onto Jackson Drive
  • Turn left onto Navajo Road
  • Turn left onto Golfcrest Drive
  • Turn left onto Mission Gorge Road
  • Then turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail to reach the Visitor Center

Final Pipeline Work Underway at Santee Lakes

Crews are preparing to install the final run of wastewater pipeline at Santee Lakes for the East County Advanced Water Project. Photo: ECAWP Spring 2026

Crews are preparing to install the final run of wastewater pipeline at Santee Lakes for the East County Advanced Water Project. Photo: ECAWP

Crews are preparing to install the final run of wastewater pipeline at Santee Lakes, marking a major milestone in this important infrastructure project. This is the last 3,500 feet of pipeline essential to the project.

A portion of the west road is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic. The road remains open to pedestrians, so visitors can still enjoy Santee Lakes on foot.

This 36-inch pipeline will be installed using horizontal directional drilling from the west side of Lake 1 to the East Mission Gorge Pump Station at the corner of State Route 52 and Mission Gorge Road.

Horizontal directional drilling is being used instead of traditional open-cut construction to preserve the environment, including the San Diego River and a nearby golf course that the pipeline crosses.

Revitalizing the Former Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility Site

Changes are coming to the former site of the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility as the East County AWP works toward completion. Photo: East County AWP spring 2026

Changes are coming to the former site of the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility as the East County AWP works toward completion. Photo: East County AWP

After the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility was decommissioned by Padre Dam Municipal Water District last fall, the East County AWP Program is repurposing the original site.

Key structures are being repurposed, including the existing chlorine contact basin (the covered tank visible in the top of the photo), which has been disinfecting water for plant washdowns and recycled water distribution since 1997.

The recycled water pump station is also being upgraded with new plant washdown pumps, a modern electrical service, and an emergency generator. This pump station will continue to serve recycled water to customers.

Excavation is underway for new electrical duct banks, and a new sodium hypochlorite chemical feed station is being installed.

The remaining structures on the site are scheduled for demolition later this summer.

Interactive Map Helps Residents Stay Updated On Program 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. It has now reached 48,500 views.

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

 

 

 

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

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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

Mission Trails Water Project Completed; Park Trails Reopened

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

One of the San Diego County Water Authority’s large-scale capital improvement projects – the Mission Trails Flow Regulatory Structure II and Flow Control Facility (FRS II) – is now completed. The project upgraded the Water Authority’s untreated water supply system by improving the delivery of water to treatment plants serving the central and southern areas of San Diego County.

The FRS II project, which began construction in spring 2020, includes a new 5-million-gallon underground covered reservoir, a flow control facility and pipeline interconnections. The reservoir is covered with soil and vegetation, except for several access hatches and vents that allow for air movement inside the reservoir.

FRS II is the Water Authority’s second underground water tank located in Mission Trails Regional Park – the other one, located just west of the new one, is a treated water tank. The two tanks work to efficiently move water through the region, ultimately to customer’s homes and businesses.

“The Water Authority thanks the community for their patience while crews work to successfully build this important water delivery project,” said Michael Heu, the Water Authority’s construction manager for the project. “With the project completed, we are pleased to reopen the park trails which were previously impacted due to construction activity. The public’s safety was a top priority during this work.”

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Boil Water Order for Tierrasanta, Low Pressure Elsewhere After Pipeline Breaks

/in , /by /Times of San Diegoby Debbie L. Sklar

The city of San Diego Monday issued a boil water order for around 600 residents of the Tierrasanta neighborhood due to low water pressure issues.

All affected customers will receive more detailed information at their homes. The affected area is largely around those streets adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park.

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New Water Tank in Mission Trails Nearly Complete and Will Soon Disappear

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Construction of the new Flow Regulatory Structure II, or FRS II, in Mission Trails Regional Park is nearing completion. The structure is now completely enclosed on all sides and was successfully tested.

Construction crews have started placing soil around the exterior walls to begin burying the structure. In the next three weeks, the roof will be covered so the facility is concealed. Water is expected to begin flowing into FRS II in June 2022.

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underground-tank-mission-trails

New Water Tank in Mission Trails Nearly Complete and Will Soon Disappear

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Construction of the new Flow Regulatory Structure II, or FRS II, in Mission Trails Regional Park is nearing completion. The structure is now completely enclosed on all sides and was successfully tested.

Construction crews have started placing soil around the exterior walls to begin burying the structure. In the next three weeks, the roof will be covered so the facility is concealed. Water is expected to begin flowing into FRS II in June 2022.

Mission Trails Regional Park project

The new structure, located in the northwest portion of Mission Trails Regional Park, is part of a San Diego County Water Authority project to upgrade the untreated water system that delivers water to treatment plants servicing the central and southern areas of the county, helping to balance the flow of untreated water. Once in operation, the FRS II will be capable of holding nearly five million gallons of water – enough water to fill seven Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Area will be restored with natural vegetation

Revegetation efforts will begin after FRS II is work is complete this fall. The topsoil was removed and stored onsite and will be returned help restore native plants and vegetation to pre-construction conditions.

Before the project began, 225 pounds of live seed was gathered from within Mission Trails Regional Park and taken to a dedicated nursery. From these seeds, more than 22,000 native plants are being grown and will be planted over a 17-acre area. Once planted, there will be a 120-day plant establishment period followed by five years of maintenance and monitoring to assure successful implementation.

Construction began in March 2020 just as the coronavirus pandemic began. As an essential infrastructure project, construction on the water project continued during the pandemic.

The Water Authority operates and maintains a regional water delivery system capable of delivering 900 million gallons of water per day.

Watch a recent news story about the project nearing completion.

Update on Water Project in Mission Trails

/in , , /by /Mission Times Courierby Jeff Clemetson Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Construction continues in Mission Trails Regional Park to upgrade the San Diego County Water Authority’s untreated water supply system. The estimated completion of the project has been extended from mid-2022 to late 2022 due mostly to necessary design changes. The project will improve the delivery of a safe and reliable water supply to treatment plants serving the central and southern areas of San Diego County.

FRSII-Mission Trails Regional Park-Trail Closure Map

Trail closures will continue Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and reopen as soon as it is safe. The Water Authority’s work in Mission Trails Work will not affect the delivery of high quality drinking water to homes. Graphic: San Diego County Water Authority

For more information about the project including an interactive map showing the closed trails, visit sdcwa.org/mission-trails-FRS. Call 877-682-9283, ext. 7004, or email  with questions.

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Water Authority Completes Pipeline 3 Relining in Mission Trails Regional Park

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority Operations and Maintenance staff recently completed a complex relining project on a section of Pipeline 3 in central San Diego, within Mission Trails Regional Park. Pipeline 3 traverses the western portion of the region from the Riverside County border in the north to Lower Otay Reservoir in the south. The proactive Pipeline 3 relining project is part of the asset management program to make preventative repairs to large-scale infrastructure.

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Worker relines water pipeline

Water Authority Completes Pipeline 3 Relining in Mission Trails Regional Park

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San Diego County Water Authority Operations and Maintenance staff recently completed a complex relining project on a section of Pipeline 3 in central San Diego, within Mission Trails Regional Park. Pipeline 3 traverses the western portion of the region from the Riverside County border in the north to Lower Otay Reservoir in the south.

Large-diameter pipelines operated by the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies extend approximately 310 miles to convey water throughout the region.

By relining pipes ahead of time or conducting timely repairs, the Water Authority and its member agencies avoid pipeline failures and improve the reliability of future water supplies. The proactive Pipeline 3 relining project is part of the asset management program to make preventative repairs to large-scale infrastructure.

Pipeline 3 Relining

In June 2020, O&M staff performed an inspection of Pipelines 3 and 4 within Mission Trails Park during a routine shutdown. They inspected an area of Pipeline 4 that had previously been repaired, and the repairs were found to have held up successfully. Pipeline 3 has similar characteristics to Pipeline 4 in that area, and during the shutdown, staff inspected and found a 32-foot section of pipeline that had sustained lining damage. Between August and September 2021, staff completed the complex repairs on Pipeline 3.

Operations and Maintenance teams collaborate, overcome challenges

“The project was challenging due to several geographical factors, including the distance of access structures from the damaged section and the steep grade of the hill that the section of pipeline traverses,” said David Hernandez, maintenance technician at the Water Authority. “Our asset management, facility maintenance, and mechanical maintenance teams collaborated closely to plan and execute the complex repairs.”

To begin the relining project, heavy concrete covers at access point structures were first removed to allow staff to access the pipeline. Piping and an air valve at the top and pumping well at the bottom of the hill were then removed to allow for safe access. Staff installed an atmospheric ventilation fan that moved fresh air into the pipeline. Once the piping and valves were removed, they were able to enter the pipeline.

Staff then hiked through the pipeline to perform a visual inspection and locate the damaged area. They located the broken lining section and loaded broken pieces into buckets and manually hauled the buckets to access structures. Then the metal pipeline was prepared for the application of new liner. Preparation of the pipe took several days – it involved carefully cutting out any remaining damaged liner, descaling rust from the metal, and cleaning up and wiping down the metal to prepare for new lining. O&M staff then mixed the new lining material – approximately 4,400 pounds of dry material was mixed and lifted over the course of the project. The new liner was then manually applied to the pipe, starting from the bottom half for traction and then applied up to the crown of the pipe. Finally, every inch of the new lining was carefully inspected.

Careful planning protects crews during critical repairs

The highly specialized work effort was performed in a safe and efficient manner due to careful planning and execution by the Water Authority’s O&M staff. Throughout the process, staff took multiple safety measures, including wearing personal protective equipment, having a confined space rescue team on standby, and tying hand and foot loops into a safety rope. The entire project took approximately one month. It will extend the lifetime of Pipeline 3, a crucial component to the region’s water supply.

Water Project in Mission Trails Park More Than 50% Complete

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority’s Mission Trails FRS II water project is now more than halfway complete.

The project will upgrade the Water Authority’s untreated water system in Mission Trails Regional Park. When finished in 2022, the upgrades will provide more reliable water delivery to treatment plants that serve the central and south sections of San Diego County.

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