Tag Archive for: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Seven talented photographers were named as the winners of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest. Photo Collage: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Honors Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Amateur Photo Contest Winners

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The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors congratulated the winners of the 2026 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Amateur Photo Contest at its June meeting. Photographers submitted a variety of photos featuring landscapes and wildlife on EFRR’s 784 acres.

“The quality of the photos that contestants submit each year truly impresses us,” said OMWD board president Matthew Hahn. “This contest brings awareness to and promotes a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship for our area’s natural landscapes.”

This year’s winners reflect a wide range of perspectives.

2026 EFRR Amateur Photo Contest Winners

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Best in Show - “Pollination” by Keith Kelley

Best in Show – “Pollination” by Keith Kelley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Scenic View - “Last Light in Elfin Forest” by Benjamin Woo

Scenic View – “Last Light in Elfin Forest” by Benjamin Woo

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Water Scenery - “Open Flow” by Bowie Moldovan

Water Scenery – “Open Flow” by Bowie Moldovan

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Plants - “Spring Milkmaid” by Keith Kelley

Plants – “Spring Milkmaid” by Keith Kelley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Animals - “Flame Skimmer” by Atticus Williams

Animals – “Flame Skimmer” by Atticus Williams

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: Youth - “Ducks” by Nathan Hainley

Youth – “Ducks” by Nathan Hainley

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 2026 Amateur Photo Contest: People’s Choice - “Solitude in Peace” by Kyan Starr

People’s Choice – “Solitude in Peace” by Kyan Starr

The board presented each winner with prizes 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.

Winning Photos On Display in July at EFRR

EFRR visitors can view the winning photos at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty beginning July 2026. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Visitors can check current hours of operation by calling 760-632-4212.

Located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in the community of Elfin Forest, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation. The 784-acre open space reserve was developed by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the US Bureau of Land Management.

The winning artwork in the Olivenhain Municipal Water District's 2026 Student Poster Art Contest.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Spotlights 2026 Poster Contest Winners

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The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors recognized the winners of the 2026 North County Water Agencies Fourth Grade Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May board meeting.

Now in its 33rd year, students were asked to create artwork depicting the theme “Love Water, Save Water.” All participating students learn about the region’s water supply and the need for water conservation as part of the contest.

“The annual poster contest offers future water stewards the chance to showcase their creativity and share their understanding of why saving water is so important,” said board president Matthew Hahn. “On behalf of the entire board, a heartfelt thank you to every student who participated this year, and a big congratulations to all the winners!”

Winning Entries Reflect Respect for the Environment

Winning entries were submitted by students Austin M. from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Yohan R. from Monterey Ridge Elementary School, and Kira S. from Stone Ranch Elementary School.

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Austin M. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Austin M. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Austin’s poster features an image of the Earth as a crying eye, with oceans forming tears that flow into the word ‘Water.’ His poster highlights the urgency of conserving water and protecting the planet.

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Yohan R. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Yohan R. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Yohan’s entry showcases an hourglass filled with water flowing from a faucet. It symbolizes that time is of the essence and every drop counts. The poster also includes the messages ‘Love Water, Save Water’ and ‘Preserve Every Drop.’

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Kira S. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Kira S. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Kira’s poster depicts a vibrant underwater scene filled with marine life. It includes a whale, fish, turtles, and coral. Her poster emphasizes the potential impacts of water pollution with the phrase “Say No to Plastic” and “To Love Water, Save Water.”

All three winning posters will be featured in the 2027 North County Water Awareness Calendar.

The Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project replaced 1,600 feet of pipeline after it reached the end of its useful life while minimizing traffic impacts and ensuring community safety during the project’s construction. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Receives APWA Project of the Year Award

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Unit A Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project was recognized as a 2026 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter. APWA announced the honor at its awards event in Kearny Mesa,

OMWD examines its pipelines using a video surveillance tool called a ‘See Snake.’ This technology helped OMWD determine that the Unit A pipeline had reached the end of its useful life.

The project replaced approximately 1,600 feet of the 12-inch pipeline under Rancho Santa Fe Road, at the border between Encinitas and Carlsbad.

OMWD worked with the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas to minimize traffic impacts and ensure community safety during the project’s construction. OMWD completed the project on time and within the approved budget.

OMWD Project Ensures Water Reliability

Olivenhain Municipal Water District water professionals at the APWA San Diego and Imperial Counties awards event. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District water professionals at the APWA San Diego and Imperial Counties awards event. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“This project was in a highly trafficked corridor that connects two cities and includes two schools, and staff worked diligently to minimize traffic and community impacts,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “We are proud to have APWA recognize the incredible effort involved in completing this vital project that increases drinking water reliability for our customers.”

APWA is a professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals. APWA raises awareness of the benefits of public works through education and the sharing of knowledge.

APWA’s local chapter awards spotlight public works projects that improve a community’s quality of life.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Earns “Platinum” Award for Leadership and Transparency

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Encinitas, Calif. — Today, OMWD’s Board of Directors was honored by Special District Leadership Foundation for reaccreditation as a “District of Distinction–Platinum Level,” SDLF’s highest accreditation. This designation recognizes OMWD’s commitment to responsible financial management, ethical leadership, and transparency in all areas of its operations.

Special districts are local governments that deliver specialized services such as water, fire protection, and sanitation. There are 2,000 independent special districts in California, and only 14 have achieved District of Distinction at the platinum level. OMWD was the first water district in San Diego County to achieve the District of Distinction accreditation in 2008.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Maintains AAA Bond Rating for 10th Consecutive Year

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Encinitas, CA — Fitch Ratings reviewed OMWD’s financial position and confirmed that OMWD will maintain its AAA bond rating. OMWD’s revenue bonds have held the AAA rating since 2016, which validates OMWD’s creditworthiness and financial stability.

A bond rating is an evaluation of an institution’s credit quality and financial strength. A AAA rating is the highest grade awarded by Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that provides independent credit opinions. The AAA rating helps demonstrate that OMWD continues to provide a high level of service to its ratepayers while budgeting appropriately and managing its finances responsibly.

 

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Free Workshop on Native Plants and Waterwise Landscaping

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District and partners invite the public to attend a free Native Plants and Waterwise Landscaping Workshop. The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in OMWD’s boardroom, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.

Steve Sherman from California Landscape Technologies will explain how to choose attractive, waterwise, low-maintenance, and non-invasive plants. Native plants naturally thrive in San Diego’s soils and climate. They also support pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Wins Collection System of the Year Honors

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District accepted California Water Environment Association San Diego
Section’s 2025 Collection System of the Year Award for its 4S Ranch and Rancho Cielo collection system at CWEA’s
awards event on January 31, 2026. The award acknowledges excellence in sewer system management.

This recognition is awarded to agencies that demonstrate high performance in system reliability, regulatory compliance,
and environmental stewardship. CWEA judging criteria include administrative and operating procedures, safety and
training programs, and emergency response.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Converts La Cresta at Colinas de Oro Community to Recycled Water for Irrigation

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Encinitas, CA — Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District began supplying recycled water to the HOA community of La Cresta at Colinas de Oro in Carlsbad. Using recycled water for the HOA’s irrigation needs will save over 2.25 million gallons of drinking water each year.

“Converting irrigation to recycled water exemplifies responsible stewardship,” said OMWD Board Director Lanfried. “It’s about making sensible choices whenever possible. This drought-resilient alternative for irrigation saves drinking water for future needs.”

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Water Agencies Offer Free Rain Collection Workshop

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Encinitas, CA — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District invite you to attend a free workshop on the benefits of collecting rainwater. The class is being held on January 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at OMWD headquarters located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.

The workshop will cover the benefits of harvesting rainwater and what type of collection systems work best for different types of homes. The workshop will also review how to maintain a rain collection system and how to apply for applicable rebates.

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(L to R) Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Park Supervisor Jeff Anderson, volunteer Keith Kelly, rangers Jonathan Zeller and Shawnn Schaub, volunteers Walter Haslop and Pure Excellence winner Mike Dzurko, Escondido Creek Conservancy Land Manager Donna Leon, and volunteers Rich Riemer, Debbie Matsumoto, and Marvin Valverde at Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Announces 2025 Pure Excellence Awards

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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: 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.

Teresa Chase10:54 AM (3 minutes ago) to me 😊 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.

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.

NOTE: The Coast News Group named the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve its “Best Place to Volunteer” in its 2025 Best of North County Awards after an online vote that included 18 other candidates.