Tag Archive for: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

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

Wildlife and Wild Views Win 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

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

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

“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

    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

“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

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

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 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

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.

The installation of over 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines will result in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved every year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

New OMWD Recycled Water Pipelines Provide Savings

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 recycled water pipelines

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 resulti in more than 12.5 million gallons of drinking water saved annually. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District recycled water pipelines

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

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.

(L to R) General Manager Kimberly A. Thorner and former OMWD board members Bob Topolovac and Larry Watt at a 2017 Water for People fundraising event. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Water For People Recognizes Kimberly Thorner for Volunteer Leadership

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. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

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.”

Three winning posters created by fourth grade students were chosen as the 2025 Olivenhain Municipal Water District Poster Contest winners. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Announces 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest Winners

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.”

Student Posters Contest Winners Illustrate Contest Theme

The winning poster by Kaiyan Beam from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The winning poster by Kaiyan Beam from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Kaiyan Beam’s winning poster features a water spigot saving a water drop from falling, with the caption “Don’t waste water, love water.”

The winning poster by David Brand from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District student poster contest

The winning poster by David Brand from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

David Brand’s winning poster depicts a mountain range and a river flowing through a forest, with the caption, “Love Save Water.”

The winning poster by Audrey Nam from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District student poster contest

The winning poster by Audrey Nam from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Audrey Nam’s winning entry showcases a colorful machine that recycles water, and the caption is “Water Saver & Recycler.”

The annual Water Awareness Poster Contest is now in its 32nd year. The posters will be featured in next year’s 2026 Water Awareness Calendar.

 

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Receives Highest Achievement for Financial Reporting for 30th Consecutive Year

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.

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

4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Named 2024 Plant of the Year

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (4S WRF) was named the statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (small division) by the California Water Environment Association at its recent annual conference in San Diego. The award recognizes the facility’s innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operation.

In addition to being named California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level in February from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

The 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is a repeat winner, winning this statewide recognition as Plant of the Year five times since 2019.

“There are over a thousand wastewater treatment plants in California, and our district is honored to have 4S WRF named as CWEA’s Plant of the Year at the state level for the second time in three years,” said Matthew R. Hahn, OMWD board president.

CWEA president Gilbert Barela (far right) presents the award to Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees John Onkka, recycled water program supervisor, and Jason Emerick, water reclamation operator. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility

CWEA president Gilbert Barela (far right) presents the award to Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees John Onkka, recycled water program supervisor, and Jason Emerick, water reclamation operator. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“The successful operation of the 4S WRF is a direct result of the support and collaboration across all areas of the District, including the Board of Directors, senior management, the 4S WRF operators, and all OMWD departments,” said John Onkka, Water Reclamation Facilities Supervisor at the 4S Water Reclamation Facility.

Innovation Drives High Quality, Saves Treatment Costs for Ratepayers

Innovative practices at 4S WRF over the past several years include the installation of monitoring equipment that makes immediate adjustments in the treatment process, which stood out to the CWEA judges. The equipment not only keeps the facility in regulatory compliance but also reduces treatment costs for ratepayers. In addition, to obtain higher water quality and reduce energy costs, OMWD installed a more efficient ultraviolet disinfection system.

OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water. 4S WRF can transform up to two million gallons of wastewater to recycled water each day. This alternative water supply reduces the use of drinking water for the irrigation of golf courses, parks, schools, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas.

OMWD Expands Access to Recycled Water in 2025

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Currently, OMWD is expanding access to its recycled water by identifying opportunities to connect more customers to its recycled water distribution system.

Construction is nearly complete at three sites in the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad to install 5,600 feet of new recycled water pipelines. The completion of the pipeline extensions later this year will result in the conversion of 28 water meters from potable to recycled water, saving more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water annually.

Founded in 1928, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus wastewater industry professionals. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes safe and effective work practices.

 

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Recognized as California’s 2024 Plant of the Year

Encinitas, Calif. — Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was awarded California Water Environment Association’s statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (Small) award at CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego. The award acknowledges the facility’s innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operation.

In addition to being named California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level in February from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

“There are over a thousand wastewater treatment plants in California, and our district is honored to have 4S WRF named as CWEA’s Plant of the Year at the state level for the second time in three years,” said OMWD President Matthew R. Hahn.

 

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Complimentary Waterwise Firescaping and Wildfire Preparedness Workshop

Encinitas, Calif. —Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites the public to attend a free workshop about waterwise firescaping techniques and wildfire preparedness.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the OMWD boardroom, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas. Registration is required at www.olivenhain.com/events.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Maintains AAA Bond Rating

Encinitas, Calif. — Fitch Ratings reviewed Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s revenue bonds on March 13 and determined that OMWD will maintain its AAA rating. Since 2016, OMWD’s revenue bonds have held the AAA rating, which is the highest grade awarded by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that offers independent credit opinions.

Water Agencies in North County Further Partnership to Minimize Costs to Ratepayers

Encinitas, Calif. — At their March 19 board meetings, both Olivenhain Municipal Water District and Vallecitos Water District approved entering into a partnership agreement allowing VWD to install communication equipment at OMWD’s Denk Reservoir site in Carlsbad.

OMWD’s Denk Reservoir overlooks the southern portion of VWD’s service area and provides a clear line of sight between VWD’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation and San Elijo Hills Pump Station facilities. By partnering with OMWD to use the Denk Reservoir site to host the ethernet radio equipment, VWD will connect their two facilities with a reduced amount of equipment. The improved communications will ensure that system operators can monitor flow and pressure levels to make operational changes throughout the distribution system.