Tag Archive for: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Water Utility Hero of the Week-Michelle McMahon-Olivenhain MWD

Water Utility Hero of the Week: Michelle McMahon, Olivenhain MWD

Editor’s Note: This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential. Michelle McMahon, Olivenhain Municipal Water District IT Coordinator, is the Water Utility Hero of the Week.

Water Utility Hero of the Week: Michelle McMahon

Job/Agency: Olivenhain Municipal Water District IT Coordinator

How did you become interested in working in the water industry?

I worked long hours in a previous career, feeling unappreciated, and heard that OMWD was a great place to work. Best professional change I ever made! I feel that my work has a positive impact within OMWD. What I do matters to the people I support and the ratepayers we serve. It has been good for my work/life balance.

How has your job changed during the pandemic?

Things got crazier. Then it calmed down as it settled into the new normal. Equipment became difficult to purchase. Deliveries, especially those coming from China (computers and their components), took what felt like a lifetime. Purchasing, programming, deploying equipment, and training end-users were a priority. Everything was (and still is) sanitized repeatedly. Remote support has become prominent, even for users located on-site. End users are more understanding of what it takes to make their computers, cell phones, tablets, and desk phones working properly.

How are you keeping safe?

I have acquired a collection of nearly 100 personal masks and a dozen OMWD masks! I have hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes easily accessible. OMWD has placed these items throughout for everyone’s use. I try to help people remotely from my computer whenever possible. I disinfect my workspace each day and other workstations with every support call.

What are you most looking forward to after the crisis ends?

I look forward to the new normal. I am curious what the “new normal” will be. This really is an unprecedented time. I think it will be a hybrid of “before the pandemic” and “during the pandemic” for some time, perhaps years. I look forward to spending time with friends, sharing their joy of finally returning to work, and being free to get my hair or nails done whenever I would like!

The Water Utility Hero of the Week highlights essential work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic by employees of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies.

San Diego County Water Authority Member Agency Map

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OMWD’s 2021 Fourth-Grade Poster Contest Now Accepting Entries

Encinitas, Calif. — Fourth-grade students living or attending school in Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s service area are invited to enter its 28th annual poster contest. The contest is held in participation with other North County water agencies, and will accept entries until April 5. This year’s theme is “Love Water, Save Water.”

Santa Fe Heights Neighborhood Now Connected to Recycled Water

Olivenhain Municipal Water District recently announced that it has connected the newly developing Santa Fe Heights neighborhood to its recycled water system, supplying the community with locally produced recycled water.

“We are excited to see another neighborhood begin using recycled water for irrigation,” said OMWD Board Secretary Ed Sprague. “Using recycled water is key for long-term sustainability of our water supply.”

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OMWD Begins the New Year by Connecting a Local Neighborhood to Recycled Water

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District has connected the newly developing Santa Fe Heights neighborhood to
its recycled water system, supplying the community with locally produced recycled water.
“We are excited to see another neighborhood begin using recycled water for irrigation,” said OMWD Board Secretary Ed
Sprague. “Using recycled water is key for long-term sustainability of our water supply.”

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Larry Watt Named President of OMWD’s Board of Directors for Third Time

Encinitas, Calif. — Today, board director Larry Watt presided over Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s first meeting of 2021 as president.

OMWD’s board unanimously elected to take new seats and selected Mr. Watt for a third term as president. Initially appointed to the board in 2011, Mr. Watt represents Division 2 of OMWD’s service area, which includes portions of the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas. He previously served as president from 2013 through 2014 and from 2017 through 2018.

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OMWD’s Financial Reporting is Spotless According to Recent Audit

Encinitas, Calif. — At its December 9 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors were presented the 2019 – 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which received a clean bill of health from the independent audit of OMWD financial statements for the previous fiscal year.

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Kristie Bruce‐Lane Sworn in as Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board Director

Encinitas, Calif. — Kristie Bruce‐Lane was sworn in today by General Manager Kimberly Thorner as Olivenhain Municipal
Water District’s newest board director. Voters in OMWD’s Division 4—consisting of the communities of 4S Ranch,
Rancho Cielo, Elfin Forest, and Harmony Grove—selected Mrs. Bruce‐Lane as their representative to the Board of
Directors in the November 3 general election

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Announces the 2020 Pure Excellence Award Winners

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized at its November 18 board meeting nine individuals and businesses making a significant, positive impact over the last year in the community, the San Diego region, or local water systems.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Receives Highest Achievement for Financial Reporting

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted at its November 18 meeting the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This marks the twenty-fifth consecutive year OMWD has received the award.

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Another Homeowner Association Converts to Recycled Water

Encinitas, Calif. — The Vida Pacifica Homeowner Association in Encinitas has begun receiving locally produced recycled water from Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Converting to recycled water will allow the HOA to save approximately 9.6 acre-feet of potable water annually, or over 3.1 million gallons. Each acre-foot contains about enough water to cover a football field, one foot deep.