Tag Archive for: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors

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, recycled water program 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.

 

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, People's Choice Category, 2024 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Board Honors Winners of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

Four photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors for their winning images in its 17th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest.

The winning photos feature the natural beauty of the 784-acre reserve near Escondido.

“We are grateful for the stunning contest photos received this year. Countless individuals will see the views offered by our 11 miles of trails,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio.

OMWD received over 200 entries submitted in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). The contest was open to photographers of all ages.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook followers selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite of 19 entries posted online.

This year’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest winners

“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley - Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley – Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley - Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley – Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Quack” by Keith Kelley - Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Quack” by Keith Kelley – Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores - Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores – Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago - Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago – Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, People's Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, People’s Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

San Diego Zoo, California Wolf Center, and EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary donated tickets as prizes. Prizes also included a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Beginning in July 2024, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.

The Interpretive Center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation can be obtained by calling 760-632-4212.

"Pond" is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Images from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting.

The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.

The 784-acre reserve was developed by the water district (OMWD) in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Water Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. Opened in 1992, it is owned by the Water Authority and managed by OMWD. The reserve offers hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, wildlife and scenic viewing, and picnic areas.

Reserve’s natural beauty

“Our board is proud of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, and this contest helps promote the recreational opportunities it offers and showcases the importance of protecting open space,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio. “Close to a hundred entries captured the natural beauty preserved and protected at the reserve.”

Winners were chosen in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (under 15 years of age). The reserve’s Facebook followers also selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite among 11 entries posted online.

Winning photographers

“Dewdrops” by Francis Bova – Best in Show

Francis Bova won Best in Show for her photo "Dewdrops." Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Francis Bova won Best in Show for her photo “Dewdrops.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer

"Me-xal Overlook" by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the "Scenic View" category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the “Scenic View” category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Reflection?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman

The winner in the "Water" category is "Reflections?" by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The winner in the “Water Scenery” category is “Reflections?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes

The winner in the "Plants" category is "Color Bloom" by Jaena Reyes. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

The winner in the “Plants” category is “Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Night Heron” by Kay Wood

Winner in the "Animal" category is "Night Heron” by Kay Wood. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

The winner in the “Animal” category is “Night Heron” by Kay Wood. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Pond” by Lauren Berg

"Pond" is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographer honored

“Pond” is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Itsy Bitsy Momma” by Francis Bova – People’s Choice

"Itsy Bitsy Momma' is the "People's Choice" award, selected through a vote on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook page. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

“Itsy Bitsy Momma’ is the “People’s Choice” award, selected through a vote on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook page. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Prizes included tickets donated by San Diego Zoo, a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a $100 cash prize donated by Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Reserve visitors can view winning photographs through the end of the year at the Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability. Contact OMWD park rangers at 760-632-4212 for a current schedule. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is at 8833 Harmony Grove Road near Escondido. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset. Admission and parking are free. More information is available at www.olivenhain.com/efrr.

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

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Recognized for Budgeting Excellence and Exemplary Bond Rating

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its April 19 meeting the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers’ Operating Budget Excellence Award for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Achieves Highest Honor for Financial Reporting

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its September 14 meeting the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

The award recognizes OMWD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Providing an overview of OMWD’s fiscal management, the report contains details about budgetary controls, debt administration, and investment policies.

Mike and Cathy Godfrey’s water-efficient landscape design features a diverse array of drought-tolerant plants. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District landscape diversity

Landscape Diversity Showcased By 2022 Olivenhain Municipal Water District Contest Winner

Mike and Cathy Godfrey’s water-efficient landscape design is the winner of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The Godfreys were recognized at the June OMWD Board of Directors meeting.

Before and after view of Mike and Cathy Godfrey's award-winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Before and after view of Mike and Cathy Godfrey’s award-winning landscape design at their Encinitas home. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Maximizing water efficiency outdoors is especially important as drought conditions remain in effect across the state,” said OMWD Board Director Neal Meyers. “Showcasing the diversity and beauty of California-friendly landscaping can encourage others to swap their grass for climate-appropriate designs and bring awareness to the benefits of sustainable landscaping.”

Design reduces maintenance and watering needs

The Godfreys installed a drip irrigation system that provides a low volume of water that is healthy for plants and trees while resulting in little to no evaporation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

A dry creek bed captures and directs rainfall, minimizing water runoff into the streets that can carry pollutants down the storm drain and into the ocean. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Godfreys’ water-efficient landscape design at their Encinitas home displays a variety of drought-tolerant plants and succulents selected to reduce yard maintenance and watering needs. They installed a drip irrigation system that provides a low volume of water that is healthy for plants and trees while resulting in little to no evaporation.

A dry creek bed captures and directs rainfall, minimizing water runoff into the streets that can carry pollutants down the storm drain and into the ocean.

The Godfreys installed a drip irrigation system that provides a low volume of water that is healthy for plants and trees while resulting in little to no evaporation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Godfreys installed a drip irrigation system that provides a low volume of water that is healthy for plants and trees while resulting in little to no evaporation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County to highlight attractive landscapes that use less water than conventional turf-heavy landscapes. Winning entries exhibit excellence in curb appeal, design, appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.

Find tips and resources on how to create a WaterSmart home and garden at www.watersmartsd.org/.

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

Fourth-Grade Artists Win OMWD Water Awareness Poster Contest

Three fourth-grade student artists were recognized for their award-winning artwork by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors at its May 18 meeting as the top three entries in the 2022 “Love Water, Save Water” Poster Contest.

For 29 years, the district has invited fourth-grade students living or attending school within the Olivenhain Municipal Water District service area to enter the contest and create posters depicting the theme “Love Water, Save Water.”

Larry A. Watt, OMWD Board President (center) with contest winners (left to right) Ariana Lemle, Emalyn Negrea, and Indira Jayanti. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water Districtv

Larry A. Watt, OMWD Board President (center) with contest winners (left to right) Ariana Lemle, Emalyn Negrea, and Indira Jayanti. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Given the drought conditions experienced throughout California, educational opportunities like this encourage students to learn more about water and their environment,” said OMWD Board Vice President Kristie Bruce-Lane. “The contest allows elementary school children to showcase their creative talents by conveying the importance of water use efficiency through art.”

 The 2022 OMWD Water Awareness Poster Contest winners are:

Indira Jayanti, Stone Ranch Elementary School: Indira’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of rainwater harvesting. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Indira Jayanti, Stone Ranch Elementary School: Indira’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of rainwater harvesting. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Indira Jayanti, Stone Ranch Elementary School: Indira’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of rainwater harvesting. Indira says she was inspired to participate in the contest “because I believe in saving water and I care about Planet Earth.” She saves water at home by sticking to a five-minute shower and turning off sprinklers when it’s going to rain. She like science and math, sports like tennis, basketball, and swimming, and loves to sing and dance.

Ariana Lemle, Flora Vista Elementary School: Ariana’s poster featured a large drop of water illustrating four different natural landscapes dependent on water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District OMWD Water Awareness Poster

Ariana Lemle, Flora Vista Elementary School: Ariana’s poster featured a large drop of water illustrating four different natural landscapes dependent on water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Ariana Lemle, Flora Vista Elementary School: Ariana’s poster featured a large drop of water illustrating four different natural landscapes dependent on water. Ariana repurposes materials around the home like old cereal boxes, food labels, egg cartons, and clothing fabric for her drawing and designing projects. On weekends, you can find Ariana swimming, spending time with friends, crafting, drawing, or camping with her dad. She is happiest when she is out exploring and trying new things.

Emalyn Negrea’s artwork shows two mermaids happily swimming in water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Emalyn Negrea’s artwork shows two mermaids happily swimming in water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Emalyn Negrea, Flora Vista Elementary School: Emalyn’s artwork shows two mermaids happily swimming in water. She says her artwork was inspired by her love of the ocean and helping our planet “so that we are able to continue to enjoy its beauty for many years to come.” She enjoys art, surfing, snowboarding, and soccer. On weekends, you can find her enjoying time with family and friends.

The contest teaches students the value of water as a limited resource and the importance of using it wisely, while providing OMWD with locally produced artwork to reinforce this message to its customers.

The recognized posters will be featured in a 2023 Water Awareness Calendar available to the public later this year.

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

To minimize the impact on the surrounding community, construction on the Manchester Avenue pipeline replacement project took place mainly at night. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Manchester Avenue Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project Completed

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District recently completed the Manchester Avenue Potable Water Pipeline Project. In total, 3,700 linear feet of aged potable water pipeline was replaced along Manchester Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Encinitas Boulevard.

The pipelines previously serving water in this area were installed in 1961 and were approaching the end of their lifespan. OMWD takes a proactive approach in repairing and replacing aging water infrastructure to avoid leaks and ensure the continuation of uninterrupted water service to its customers. In the third year of drought in California, projects like this pipeline replacement, help save potable water and reduces costs to ratepayers.

“Emergency leaks are very costly, can waste millions of gallons of water, and can be disruptive to surrounding communities,” said Bob Topolovac, OMWD board director. “The investments we made to prevent these emergencies will benefit our ratepayers well into the future.”

Crews complete the final backfilling and repaving of the excavation area on Manchester Avenue required to facilitate the new pipeline installation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Crews complete the final backfilling and repaving of the excavation area on Manchester Avenue required to facilitate the new pipeline installation. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Pipelines replaced included:

  • Approximately 1,900 linear feet of 12-inch pipeline in Manchester Avenue from Colony Terrace north to Encinitas Boulevard
  • Approximately 450 linear feet of 12-inch pipeline in Encinitas Boulevard west of Rancho Santa Fe Road
  • Approximately 500 linear feet of 12-inch pipeline in Rancho Santa Fe Road north of Encinitas Boulevard
  • Approximately 850 linear feet of eight-inch pipeline in South Rancho Santa Fe Road

The project completion map shows streets now fully opened to traffic and restored. Graphic: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

To minimize the impact on the surrounding community, construction took place mainly at night. The project was completed on time and with no major disruptions or water outages to the impacted community. OMWD coordinated with the City of Encinitas on a traffic management plan to mitigate construction traffic, and there were no significant traffic impacts.

 

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

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Honors 2021 “Pure Excellence” Award Winners

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized at its November 17 board meeting seven individuals and businesses making a significant, positive impact over the last year in the community, the San Diego region, and at local recreation facilities.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Encinitas Landscape Transformation Project Wins Local Contest

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors honored at its July 14 meeting Ken and Susan Terzes as the winner of OMWD’s 2021 WaterSmart Landscape Contest.