The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) recognized the winners of its 2025 Pure Excellence Awards at its November board meeting. The winners were honored for their positive impact on OMWD and local communities.
OMWD Board President Matthew Hahn said, “We are grateful for the efforts of our award winners for their partnership in delivering excellent service to OMWD customers and our communities.”
2025 Pure Excellence Awards winners: Front row (L to R): Olivenhain Fire Safe Council board members Jennifer Bishop, Jeff Dasch, and Sara Lifton; Beverly Weber, and Cass Arrieta President Wes Wise. Back row (L to R): OFSC board member Hector Paredes, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Fire Chief McQueade, OMWD President Matthew Hahn, and RSFFPD President James Ashcraft. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
2025 Pure Excellence Awards Winners
Businesses of the Year: B Weber Consulting and Cass Arrieta. For providing exceptional customer service and responsiveness during urgent situations.
Nonprofit of the Year: Olivenhain Fire Safe Council. OFSC has shared wildfire prevention and preparedness information through its “Neighborhood Ambassador” program and at community events, such as OMWD’s open house and emergency preparedness event.
Representatives of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District speak with community members about fire safety at OMWD’s emergency preparedness open house in September.
Community Outreach of the Year: Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. OMWD and RSFFPD collaborated on many media events, press releases, state legislation, and joint water- and fire-wise landscape workshops and emergency preparedness community meetings in 2025.
Volunteer of the Year: Mike Dzurko. Dzurko welcomes visitors at the interpretive center at OMWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, familiarizing the public with the Reserve and its natural habitat. He has volunteered for 84 shifts over the past 24 months.
The WateReuse Association of California named the 2024 Water Career Day hosted by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District as its 2025 Outreach and Education Program of the Year award winner.
The mission of Water Career Day is to educate students and veterans about careers in water, wastewater, and recycled water.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District Assistant General Manager Joey Randall speaks with Water Career Day students. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
The event, hosted at the San Elijo Water Campus, welcomed high school and community college students, and military veterans exploring post-service careers. Each agency engaged with attendees at interactive stations, performed demonstrations on real-world infrastructure, and provided insight into the industry’s diverse range of career pathways.
Watch a video with 2024 Water Career Day highlights,
“We are honored to receive this award recognizing Water Career Day,” said Leucadia Wastewater District board president Rolando Saldana. “By engaging high school and college students, we hope to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the water and wastewater industry, vital services that protect public health, the environment, and our community’s future.”
“SEJPA is proud to have hosted Water Career Day at the San Elijo Water Campus. This event reflects our commitment to investing in our community and preparing the next generation of water professionals.
“By inspiring students and veterans to explore careers in water, we advance our mission to provide safe and reliable recycled water and wastewater services that protect public health and the environment,” added Kristi Becker, San Elijo JPA Board Chair, and Solana Beach city councilmember.
“With firsthand experience across various areas in the water industry, these students are more equipped to choose their future career paths,” said OMWD Board President Matthew R. Hahn.
“Water Career Day fostered a stronger appreciation for careers in the water sector among the next generation.“
Water Industry Offers Wide Range of Career Opportunities
Olivenhain Municipal Water District Field Services Technician Morgan Ferguson demonstrates the type of tasks he performs as a water industry professional. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
With hundreds of highly skilled employees retiring from the region’s water and wastewater industry each year, the industry provides vast opportunities for exciting careers that directly support the well-being of communities across San Diego County.
The water industry offers a career path with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Many operational positions require technical skills that may be obtained through on-the-job training and industry-specific certifications, with education available at the region’s community colleges, including Palomar College and Cuyamaca College.
In addition to operational jobs, there are several other career opportunities that play critical roles in engineering, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.
Partners in Advancing Sustainable Water Sources
Water Career Day took place at the San Elijo Water Campus, a publicly owned wastewater treatment and water recycling facility responsible for collecting, treating and safely disposing of, or recycling wastewater and its residuals for residents and businesses in the Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Olivenhain and Cardiff communities. The plant is located in the Cardiff area, off Manchester Avenue. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
Formed in 1990, WaterReuse Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, research, and membership. WateReuse California is a state section of WateReuse Association.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District is a public agency providing water, wastewater services, recycled water, hydroelectricity, and operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Organized in 1959, OMWD currently serves approximately 87,000 customers over 48 square miles in northern San Diego County.
The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority is a local leader in environmental stewardship, providing award-winning wastewater treatment and recycled water services for the communities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.
Leucadia Wastewater District was formed in 1959 to collect, transport, and treat wastewater and provide recycled water for irrigation. LWD provides service to about 60,000 customers in a 16-square-mile area that includes La Costa, Leucadia, and the Village Park area of Encinitas. LWD manages about four million gallons of treated wastewater daily.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/omwd-education-award.jpg7841080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-09-24 10:49:232025-09-24 10:49:23San Diego Water Agencies Win Outreach and Education Program Award
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) invites residents to attend an informative Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event in collaboration with the Encinitas Fire Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, San Diego Gas & Electric, and other local agencies on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
The event will take place at the district’s headquarters, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.
The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will lead a wildfire prevention workshop and display a fire engine (events permitting). Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Safeguard Your Home: Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop
As part of the open house, OMWD offers a free Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
As peak wildfire season approaches, this free workshop offers waterwise landscaping tips, wildfire emergency preparedness resources, and expert advice in a fun, family-friendly setting.
“We’re giving our neighbors the tools to protect their homes and their families, while also sharing more about the critical services that Olivenhain Municipal Water District provides every day,” said OMWD Board Director Ebin Lanfried. “As wildfires and other emergencies become an even greater challenge in our region, it’s essential that we prepare together.”
Presentations will be provided by California Landscape Technologies, Encinitas Fire Department, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Learn tips on water-efficient landscaping, firescaping techniques, and how to protect your property against wildfires.
The OMWD Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event offers a variety of displays and informational booths. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The OMWD Open House event will feature informational booths showcasing OMWD departments and customer programs, as well as local fire department emergency preparedness efforts.
OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles.
The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department plan to exhibit a fire truck and engine at the event (if not responding to area emergencies).
Paramedics from American Medical Response ambulance service will demonstrate CPR techniques and display a specialized response vehicle.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Open House offers family-friendly activities along with informational emergency preparedness workshops and exhibits. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Booths from area organizations include:
OMWD departments will provide information, answer questions, and discuss free programs.
San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County Water Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District will present their programs and services.
Booths representing Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department will provide wildfire and emergency preparedness advice and materials.
Local elementary students will showcase their environmentally focused projects.
The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Attendees can tour OMWD’s California-friendly demonstration garden, which exhibits water-efficient plants, and emphasizes key principles of sustainable landscaping.
Participants can take part in family-oriented activities, enjoy refreshments, and receive a complimentary emergency preparedness and water-efficiency kit, while supplies last.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/olivenhain-open-house-vehicle-1080x720.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-09-02 07:40:172025-09-02 07:40:17OMWD & First Responders Host Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event on Sept. 6
Encinitas, Calif. – Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District was honored with the McMurchie Excellence in Safety Award at the California Special Districts Association Annual Conference in Monterey. The award was presented by Special District Risk Management Authority for OMWD’s safety practices.
Each year, SDRMA selects two public agencies from its over 650 members for this award. To determine the award re
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-08-27 14:46:452025-08-27 14:46:45OMWD Honored for Commitment to Safety
Last week, The Coast News Group announced its 2025 Best of North County contest winners, which included Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR). EFRR took first place in the “Best Place to Volunteer” category after an online vote that included 18 other candidates.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“This accolade is a testament to the wonderful people who make up EFRR’s volunteer community, OMWD rangers, and our strong partnership with the Escondido Creek Conservancy,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried.
Volunteers with EFRR’s Trail Patrol, improve trails and engage with visitors. Volunteers also interact with the public at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty and take part in outdoor education programs.
Volunteers are encouraged to develop their own programs, such as nature walks, guided hikes, or concerts. EFRR volunteers also engage in social events, environmental presentations, and educational field trips. Currently, EFRR has a team of 68 volunteers, some of whom have been serving since the program began in 2009.
The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation for all ages. Photo: Olivehain Municipal Water District
The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authorityand the US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1992. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/OMWD-2023-Elfin-Forest-jeff.shearer-Scenic-View-Me-xal-Overlook-WINNER-845.jpg634845Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2025-07-23 07:53:122025-07-23 07:53:12Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Voted “Best Place to Volunteer”
Seven amateur photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its June meeting for their award-winning entries in the 18th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR) photo contest.
The contest ran from November 2024 through April 2025. The winning photographs feature plants, animals, and unique scenery that showcase the 784-acre reserve.
“This contest is a great platform to showcase the natural wonder of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried. “We’re very grateful for all the participants who help bring attention to the importance of protecting open spaces so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that nature has it offer.”
2025 Elfin Forest Photo Contest Winners
Photographs were submitted among five different categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). In addition, EFRR’s Facebook followers selected a favorite photo posted online to represent this year’s Peoples’ Choice award winner.
The portrait “Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Best in Show–”Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz
“Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Scenic View—”Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert
The “Water Scenery” category winner is “Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Water Scenery— “Escondido Creek” by Sky Strehlow
“Veins” by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Plants—”Veins” by Finn Behle
This photo of a juvenile skunk titled “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Animals— “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey-Steinitz
The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy’s photo titled “Clover.” Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Youth—”Clover” by Ian Kennedy
It’s two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo “Duck Squad” is the Peoples’ Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Peoples’ Choice— “Duck Squad” by Sienna Schwarz
Winning photographers received prizes donated by local businesses, such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, and California Wolf Center; a canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging; outdoor equipment from REI; and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.
Beginning in July 2025, EFRR visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation are available by calling 760-632-4212.
Construction is complete on new recycled water pipelines by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) in Carlsbad and Encinitas, resulting in significant annual drinking water savings.
The installation of over 5,600 feet of new pipelines will allow several HOA communities in the project area to convert their irrigation systems to recycled water, resulting in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually.
“Converting our irrigation system to recycled water was the right decision,” said Paul Heller, Summerhill HOA board president. “We’ll be less impacted by future droughts that could limit watering schedules, and recycled water is more affordable than drinking water, which will reduce costs for our residents.”
Grant Funding Makes Pipeline Project Cost-Effective For Ratepayers
OMWD secured more than $900,000 in grant funding to make the project cost-effective for ratepayers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
OMWD secured more than $900,000 in grant funding to make the project cost-effective for ratepayers. Grants from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and the California Department of Water Resources’ Integrated Regional Water Management Program contributed funds to offset project costs.
“Converting our commercial customers to recycled water for irrigation will help ease our dependence on imported water,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “And by using grant funds to help with the costs involved, we’re minimizing the impacts to ratepayers.”
The project was completed on time and with no interruptions to customers’ water supplies.
Recycled water is locally produced, disinfected wastewater that is used for irrigation purposes. OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water and continues to identify additional ways to make recycled water available to eligible customers.
Ensuring Reliable Water Supplies
The completion of the project will result in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
One hundred percent of OMWD’s drinking water supply is imported into the region. These sources are threatened by droughts and overuse.
Recycled water is locally produced, disinfected wastewater that is used for irrigation. Not only is it a drought-resilient supply, but recycled water also costs less than potable water. In addition, using recycled water reduces the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean and reduces the dependence on imported water from distant sources.
The completion of the pipeline extensions will result in the conversion of 28 water meters from potable to recycled water, allowing large customers in Carlsbad and Encinitas, such as HOAs, to connect to OMWD’s recycled water distribution system.
OMWD Plays Leadership Role in Water Recycling Efforts
For the fifth time, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility received statewide recognition from CWEA. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
OMWD produces up to two million gallons of recycled water every day at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, which began operation in 2003. Additionally, OMWD is the lead agency of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, a group of nine North County agencies that coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries to expand the reach of the recycled water.
As a result, OMWD now serves up to 15 percent of its overall demand from recycled water and continues to identify additional ways to make recycled water available to eligible customers.
Water recycling is the process of capturing and treating wastewater for non-domestic purposes such as irrigation and industrial processes. By 2027, the volume of recycled water produced in the U.S. is projected to increase 37% from 4.8 billion gallons per day to 6.6 billion gallons per day, according to a recent survey by Bluefield Research.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/omwd-pipeline-project-finished-1.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-13 07:28:092025-06-13 07:28:09New OMWD Recycled Water Pipelines Provide Savings
Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner was honored with the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award by Water For People, an international non-profit organization, for her efforts on American Water Works Association’s California-Nevada Section’s Water for People San Diego Committee.
The award recognizes exceptional volunteers who are working to support water and sanitation in developing countries.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Thorner. “Water For People is one of my favorite charities. They support disadvantaged communities across the globe to improve their quality of life with water, sanitation, and hygiene services.”
Thorner performs volunteer work for the Water for People San Diego Committee behind the scenes. In addition, she also appears on stage at its annual fundraising luncheon for water and wastewater professionals, which raised over $24,000 in 2024.
“I attended my first Water For People fundraising luncheon 14 years ago, and I heard a speaker talk about how girls and women would disappear on long walks to water sources to fetch water. It hit me hard, as I realized, with young daughters of my own, how fortunate we were to have clean water from our taps at our fingertips,” said Thorner.
“Since then, I have had the honor and pleasure of working on and emceeing the event 11 times. “In addition to raising crucial funding, the event spotlights successful projects and emphasizes the need for Water For People worldwide. All the employees at OMWD hold this charity close to their hearts.”
Long History Of Support By Thorner and OMWD Employees
Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kim Thorner and Education and Conservation Coordinator Teresa Chase with some of the 255 nut baskets sold, with $5,610 going to Water for People in 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
Thorner and OMWD employees have volunteered and contributed to Water For People events for more than 20 years, raising thousands of dollars by assembling, selling, and purchasing holiday gift baskets. This effort represents 11 percent of the total proceeds from basket sales in San Diego County.
Thorner has also hosted “Walk for Water” fundraising walks at OMWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The length of the walks, six kilometers, represents the average distance that women and girls in developing countries walk each day to fetch water for their families to use for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
“Kim Thorner has been an outstanding volunteer for Water For People in numerous ways over the years,” said Tom Alspaugh, who nominated Thorner for the award. “She has spearheaded support for Water For People’s events and activities, and in exemplifying excellent service, she is well deserving of the Miller award.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thorner-water-for-people-1080x720.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-03 14:07:392025-06-05 07:35:39Water For People Recognizes Kimberly Thorner for Volunteer Leadership
Three talented fourth-grade students were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors at its May 21 meeting as the winners of the 2025 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest, themed “Love Water, Save Water.”
Kaiyan Beam from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School and David W. Brand and Audrey Nam, both from Stone Ranch Elementary School, submitted the winning entries.
“This contest inspires fourth-grade artists to highlight the importance of water through creative posters,” said OMWD Board President Matthew Hahn. “Congratulations to our 2025 student winners for their exceptional artwork and commitment to promoting sustainable water use.”
Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its May 21 meeting the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award recognizes OMWD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
The annual report provides an overview of a government agency’s fiscal management, investment policies, and budget planning. The award represents a significant accomplishment by an agency, as GFOA states that it is the highest recognition that can be achieved in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-21 18:29:352025-05-21 18:29:35OMWD Receives Highest Achievement for Financial Reporting for 30th Consecutive Year
