Water recycling reduces the need to import or develop additional drinking water supplies. It is a vital water management strategy to ensure a safe, reliable, and locally controlled water supply to support healthy environments, robust economies, and high quality of life.
Water and wastewater agencies in San Diego County are developing or expanding their water recycling infrastructure. Among those at the forefront is the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. OMWD marks a significant milestone in August: the 20th anniversary of its award-winning 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, which began serving high-quality recycled water for irrigation in August 2003.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OMWD-4S-Ranch-Water-Reclamation-Facility-Honored-PRIMARY-768x409-1.jpg409768Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-09-06 10:41:472023-09-07 13:05:28Olivenhain Municipal Water District Marks Milestone Recycled Water Anniversary
Water recycling reduces the need to import or develop additional drinking water supplies. It is a vital water management strategy to ensure a safe, reliable, and locally controlled water supply to support healthy environments, robust economies, and high quality of life.
Water and wastewater agencies in San Diego County are developing or expanding their water recycling infrastructure. Among those at the forefront is the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. OMWD marks a significant milestone in August: the 20th anniversary of its award-winning 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, which began serving high-quality recycled water for irrigation in August 2003.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s award-winning 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility celebrates its 20th anniversary in August 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
OMWD annexed the 4S Ranch and Rancho Cielo Sanitation Districts from the County of San Diego in 1998. OMWD also took ownership of a small wastewater treatment facility in 4S Ranch. This facility had the capability to treat 0.25 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater from the surrounding commercial center and condominium complex. Treated wastewater was disposed of by spraying it on nearby unimproved pastures.
Recognizing the significant development plans for the 4S Ranch area, OMWD expanded the capacity of the facility to 2.0 MGD. As part of this expansion, OMWD also incorporated additional treatment phases of filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, improving water quality. OMWD required area developers to install the entire recycled water infrastructure for their planned communities.
Today, the facility produces over one million gallons of recycled water per day. It is delivered to irrigation customers in the southeastern portion of OMWD’s service area for use at HOA common areas, schools, parks, streetscapes, and golf courses. Together with recycled water purchased from nearby water and wastewater agencies to serve customers in portions of Encinitas and Carlsbad, OMWD now serves up to 15 percent of its customers’ total water demand with recycled water.
“For 20 years, OMWD has proudly served 4S Ranch and neighboring communities with high-quality recycled water, reducing the use of drinking water for irrigation,” said OMWD Vice President Matthew Hahn. “As California continues to face water supply challenges, the expansion of our recycled water system strengthens our water supply reliability and promotes sustainable water management.
How water recycling helps build water reliability
OMWD serves up to 15% of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its award-winning 4S Ranch facility. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Water recycling is the process of capturing and treating wastewater, for non-domestic purposes such as irrigation and industrial processes.
Water and wastewater agencies across San Diego County are developing or expanding their recycled water systems to reduce the need to import or develop other supplies.
Since 2003, OMWD has significantly increased its recycled water purchases through connections with neighboring agencies, including the City of San Diego, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, Rancho Santa Fe Community Services District, and Vallecitos Water District. OMWD now serves over two and a half million gallons of recycled water every day. Each year, OMWD installs additional recycled water pipelines and converts more customers from potable water to recycled water.
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.
OMWD leadership in developing water recycling
In 2021, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District completed several replacement and upgrade projects at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
As a founding member of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, OMWD works with nine northern San Diego County water and wastewater agencies across jurisdictional boundaries to reduce the impact of water supply shortages on San Diego County’s $268 billion economy. This regional approach has proven successful in developing local projects as well as obtaining $9 million in funding, significantly reducing the costs of water recycling projects for North San Diego County water ratepayers.
In addition, the Coalition has also secured federal funding of $23.8 million to help cover costs for water reclamation projects through 2025.
Expanding capacity for the future
Water and wastewater agencies across San Diego County including OMWD are developing or expanding water recycling projects, because every gallon of recycled water reduces the need to import or develop other supplies. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
As it looks forward to the next 20 years, OMWD continues to expand its recycled water capacity. It began construction this summer on three recycled water pipelines near Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad and in Village Park in Encinitas. Once complete, OMWD can convert up to 27 meters to recycled water, offsetting 12.7 million gallons of potable water used annually for irrigation.
OMWD has long pursued alternative water supplies like recycled water, a reliable, drought-proof approach for complementing existing water sources.
The San Diego County Water Authority has supported the development of recycling projects for decades, through membership in groups such as the WateReuse Association and collaborative efforts to promote local reuse efforts. Approximately 35,000 acre-feet of recycled water is beneficially reused within the Water Authority’s service area annually, and the volume is expected to continue growing as new and expanded plants come online.
(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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/OMWD-4S-Ranch-Water-Reclamation-Facility-Honored-PRIMARY.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-08-30 17:18:422023-09-26 11:07:54Olivenhain Municipal Water District Marks Milestone Recycled Water Anniversary
Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, City of Encinitas, and San Diego County Water Authority are offering a free WaterSmart landscape makeover workshop to assist residents in selecting climate-appropriate plants for their landscapes. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive in Encinitas.
This complimentary workshop will illustrate how a low-water-use landscape can be an upgrade, not a compromise to a garden’s aesthetic appeal. A landscape expert will teach participants about plants and why some are more water-efficient than others. In addition, participants will learn about WaterSmart plant palettes and how to research and choose plants that fit individual design themes.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-07-17 14:14:352023-07-17 14:14:35WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Workshop to be Held August 1
By taking a watershed approach to his landscape redesign, homeowner Brad Lefkowits won the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest. The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County.
By taking a watershed approach to his landscape redesign, homeowner Brad Lefkowits won the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest.
Even the family dog feels right at home in the winning design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits was recognized at the June 21 OMWD Board of Directors meeting. The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County. Entries highlight colorful and lush landscapes that use less water than turf-heavy landscapes. Winning entries exhibit an appealing design, climate-appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.
Landscape Contest Winner Brad Lefkowits receives his award from Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board President Christy Guerin at the June board meeting. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Water is a precious, limited resource in California where the next dry period could be right around the corner,” said OMWD Board Treasurer Neal Meyers. “We encourage our customers to continue to increase outdoor water use efficiency, and replacing large turf areas with drought-tolerant plants could cut a home’s outdoor water use in half.”
Family-friendly and water-efficient
The landscape design features the generous use of swales to capture and hold rainwater to prevent runoff. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits says his goal was to keep as much rainwater on the Encinitas property as possible using a watershed-inspired landscape design. He captures rainwater in a 530-gallon cistern and sends overflow into a series of connected swales. Swales are shallow, broad channels designed to store water runoff. They are easy to incorporate into landscaping at a minimal cost. The swales in the Lefkowits’ yard can hold over an inch of rain without any leaving the property.
Minimizing water runoff to streets reduces the amount of pollutants carried into storm drains and eventually into the ocean.
Both native plants and Mediterranean climate plants are incorporated into the winning design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits included both native plants and attractive and hardy plants from other Mediterranean climates around the world in his landscape. He installed a 300-square-foot lawn for two sons and the family dog, using a mix of California Buffalo Grass and native Carex praegracilis. It only needs to be watered once a week.
While Lefkowits uses high-efficiency rotating sprinkler nozzles for the small lawn, all other areas are irrigated with an in-line drip system.
The result is a yard with multiple uses and surprises around every turn. It has a lush appearance and still accommodates family activities without using grass requiring much water.
The finished project offers something for every member of the Lefkowitz family to enjoy. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
(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.)
Encinitas, Calif. — At its June 21 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors honored Brad Lefkowits as winner of its annual contest designed to inspire attractive landscape transformations that reduce outdoor water use.
Encinitas, Calif. — At its June 21 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized seven photographers for their winning images in the sixteenth annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest.
The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support EFRR efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-06-26 08:46:272023-06-26 08:46:27Seven Local Photographers Honored for Their 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.
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 Authorityand 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
“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
“Reflection?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman
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
“Night Heron” by Kay Wood
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
“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
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.)
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Sustainable landscape demonstration gardens inspire homeowners to create and maintain their own beautiful, water-efficient landscapes. In California, where more than half of urban water usage goes towards landscape irrigation, any reduction in water consumption contributes to successful conservation efforts.
The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies host demonstration gardens that residents can visit and gather ideas for their own landscape makeovers and water-efficient upgrades. With gardens flourishing in late spring, it’s the perfect time for a self-guided garden tour.
San Diego County Water Authority
The four principles of sustainable landscaping are on display at the San Diego County Water Authority Sustainable Landscaping Demonstration Garden outside its Kearny Mesa office in San Diego. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The Water Authority sustainable landscape demonstration garden at its Kearny Mesa headquarters showcases how homeowners can increase water efficiency and boost the environmental benefits of outdoor spaces through sustainable landscaping practices.
The 3,000-square-foot garden incorporates well-known water-efficient techniques such as climate-appropriate plants and high-efficiency irrigation. It also includes features to enhance water efficiency and reduce stormwater runoff.
Helix Water District
Native, water-wise plants thrive in one of the Helix Water District’s demonstration gardens. Photo: Helix Water District
Helix Water District created its first demonstration landscape in July 2020 at the district’s administration office in La Mesa. The project beautifies the neighborhood and serves as an inspiration to install low-water-use landscaping.
Three unique water-wise gardens include a Mediterranean garden on University Avenue, a desert landscape on Lee Avenue, and a California native landscape at the main entrance on Quince Street. Each garden boasts an array of flowers, colors, and textures and is easily visible from the sidewalk. The plants in these gardens are adapted to San Diego’s climate, requiring half to a fifth of the water needed by a traditional lawn. The gardens, at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa, are low maintenance and provide habitat for local wildlife.
The Helix Water District demonstration garden includes interactive elements such as descriptive signs with QR codes that visitors can scan to learn more about specific plants. Photo: Helix Water District
Plant markers display each plant’s name so visitors can write down their favorites and a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to access additional information such as light and water needs. Visitors can access hwd.fyi/get-inspired to download the garden plans, obtain plant lists, and view several resources available to help start their own garden.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters houses a sustainable landscape demonstration garden showcasing water-efficient landscaping techniques. Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower free of charge throughout the year, either in person or online.
The garden highlights four key principles of sustainable landscaping: healthy soils, rainwater as a resource, climate-appropriate plants, and low-water use irrigation. Its location is 1966 Olivenhain Road, Encinitas.
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
More than 175 water-efficient plant and tree species are on display at the Padre Dam Municipal Water District Demonstration Garden. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District
The Padre Dam Municipal Water District encourages East San Diego County residents to explore its water-efficient demonstration landscape to see more than 175 water-efficient plant and tree species. Padre Dam’s Water Conservation Garden is open to the public during business hours and located at its Customer Service Center at 9300 Fanita Parkway in Santee.
City of Poway Kumeyaay Native Plant Demonstration Garden
Monkey Flowers, Chalk Dudleya, wild cucumber, and Penstamon are all blooming at the Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center in Poway. Photo: Courtesy Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center at Poway via Facebook
The City of Poway honors its Native American heritage with its Native Plant Demonstration Garden as part of the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center. It’s open the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for both docent-led and self-guided tours, located at 13104 Carriage Road, Poway.
A thriving community of Native Americans populated Pauwai long before the Spanish arrived. The evidence of their lives and work can be seen today at the Center, founded by a partnership with the City of Poway, Friends of the Kumeyaay, and the San Pasqual Band of Indians.
A video tour showcasing Native American plant uses can be viewed online here.
Vallecitos Water District
In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the Vallecitos Water District garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The Vallecitos Water District developed its demonstration garden in 2010 with design plans from Palomar College Environmental Architecture and Design students. The project received support from local businesses, organizations, and District employees.
The garden showcases sustainable practices and includes a rainwater harvesting system that collects rain from the roof into three storage tanks with a combined 2,500-gallon capacity. This system reduces the reliance on potable water, and the captured rainwater is used for the prominent water features in the garden which run on solar power.
California-friendly plants are supported with plant-nurturing mulch, compost, and biosolid pellets made from recycled wastewater solids produced at a treatment plant partially owned by Vallecitos, the plants are bolstered with moisture and nutrients. This eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
The garden features a weather-based irrigation controller display, durable aluminum shade structures, dry riverbeds, artificial turf, micro-irrigation, and an artistic sculpture highlighting the value of water. A new private patio area has been added, and all pathways are now ADA-accessible.
Vallecitos’ sustainable demonstration garden has achieved recognition as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation in 2013 and has been acknowledged as a “Certified Earth Friendly Garden” by the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. The garden is located at 201 Vallecitos De Oro, San Marcos.
The Water Conservation Garden
The Water Conservation Garden features a Native Habitat Garden, the Compost Exhibit, the Veggie Garden, and the Succulent Garden. Take a free, docent-led tour the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Illustration: The Water Conservation Garden
The Water Conservation Garden is a nearly five-acre display showcasing water conservation through a series of themed exhibits. Displays include a native plant garden and vegetable garden as well as how-to gardening and irrigation exhibits. Admission is free and the garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour or through one of its programs including classes and special events. The Water Conservation Garden is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon.
Using water efficiently is a way of life and responsibility in the San Diego region. Residents have adopted habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and reduce landscape maintenance.
In a 2007 survey published in The Journal of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, half of those surveyed during a visit to San Diego County’s Water Conservation Garden found reported making a change to their landscape due to their visit to the water conservation demonstration garden, illustrating their value to the community.
La Mesa resident Nick Voinov stands in front of his 2022 Helix Water District Landscape Contest winning yard. Photo: Helix Water District
Along with the sustainable landscape demonstration gardens, many of the Water Authority’s member agencies provide opportunities for their customers to enter the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The stories of the winners are regularly published in the Water News Network and can be found in the Features tab on the WNN homepage under the Conservation Corner category. The WaterSmart Living category, also under the Features tab, offers resources and tips on how to convert water-wasting landscapes to beautiful water-wise gardens.
(Editor’s Note: The Helix Water District, City of Poway, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and the Vallecitos Water District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Padre-Dam-Demo-Garden-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-04 13:43:202023-06-04 13:43:20Experience a Sustainable Demonstration Garden Self-Tour
