Tag Archive for: OMWD

The September 6 Open House event will feature OMWD departments and customer programs, and OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD & First Responders Host Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event on Sept. 6

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The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) invites residents to attend an informative Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event in collaboration with the Encinitas Fire Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, San Diego Gas & Electric, and other local agencies on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The event will take place at the district’s headquarters, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will lead a wildfire prevention workshop and display a fire engine (events permitting). Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District emergency preparedness

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will lead a wildfire prevention workshop and display a fire engine (events permitting). Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Safeguard Your Home: Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop

As part of the open house, OMWD offers a free Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

As peak wildfire season approaches, this free workshop offers waterwise landscaping tips, wildfire emergency preparedness resources, and expert advice in a fun, family-friendly setting.

“We’re giving our neighbors the tools to protect their homes and their families, while also sharing more about the critical services that Olivenhain Municipal Water District provides every day,” said OMWD Board Director Ebin Lanfried. “As wildfires and other emergencies become an even greater challenge in our region, it’s essential that we prepare together.”

Presentations will be provided by California Landscape Technologies, Encinitas Fire Department, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Learn tips on water-efficient landscaping, firescaping techniques, and how to protect your property against wildfires.

The workshop is free, but registration is required at www.olivenhain.com/events.

Open House Highlights OMWD Customer Programs

The OMWD Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event offers a variety of displays and informational booths. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The OMWD Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event offers a variety of displays and informational booths. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The OMWD Open House event will feature informational booths showcasing OMWD departments and customer programs, as well as local fire department emergency preparedness efforts.

OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department plan to exhibit a fire truck and engine at the event (if not responding to area emergencies).

Paramedics from American Medical Response ambulance service will demonstrate CPR techniques and display a specialized response vehicle.

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Open House offers family-friendly activities along with informational emergency preparedness workshops and exhibits. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Open House offers family-friendly activities along with informational emergency preparedness workshops and exhibits. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Booths from area organizations include:

  • OMWD departments will provide information, answer questions, and discuss free programs.
  • San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County Water Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District will present their programs and services.
  • Booths representing Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department will provide wildfire and emergency preparedness advice and materials.
  • Local elementary students will showcase their environmentally focused projects.
The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s (OMWD) headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money.

The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Attendees can tour OMWD’s California-friendly demonstration garden, which exhibits water-efficient plants, and emphasizes key principles of sustainable landscaping.

Participants can take part in family-oriented activities, enjoy refreshments, and receive a complimentary emergency preparedness and water-efficiency kit, while supplies last.

 

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OMWD Honored for Commitment to Safety

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Encinitas, Calif. – Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District was honored with the McMurchie Excellence in Safety Award at the California Special Districts Association Annual Conference in Monterey. The award was presented by Special District Risk Management Authority for OMWD’s safety practices.

Each year, SDRMA selects two public agencies from its over 650 members for this award. To determine the award re

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OMWD Board to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Water Charges

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribune Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Olivenhain Municipal Water District will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct.16 to receive comments on proposed water charges. The proposed charges would increase a residential customer’s bill with average usage by less than five percent, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, according to a news release.

OMWD buys all of its drinking water supply from its wholesaler, San Diego County Water Authority. Buying wholesale water makes up approximately 60 percent of OMWD’s operating costs. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, SDCWA will increase the price OMWD pays for water by 14 percent.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District is beginning construction on new recycled water pipelines in Encinitas. The expansion of OMWD’s recycled water distribution system will result in the savings of more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water each year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Recycled Water Pipeline Projects Ensure Reliable Water Supplies for Olivenhain Municipal Water District

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District is beginning construction on new recycled water pipelines in Encinitas. The pipelines are part of a larger expansion of OMWD’s recycled water distribution system that will result in the savings of more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water each year.

This phase of the project involves installing pipelines on Summerhill Drive and Village Center Drive in Encinitas. Work is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, restricted work hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, will be in effect for any work directly impacting Diegueño Middle School.

Other project phases involved the construction of recycled water pipelines around Park Dale Lane and Gatepost Road in Encinitas, which are now complete, and along Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad, on which work continues. This project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025. No impacts to customers’ drinking water supplies are anticipated.

Minimizing Traffic Disruptions for Customers

OMWD is coordinating with the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas on a traffic management plan to minimize traffic disruptions for residents and businesses during construction. Learn more in the video presentation below.

OMWD successfully secured approximately $900,000 in grant funding to make this project cost-effective for ratepayers. Specifically, both the US Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources are contributing grant funds to offset project costs.

Ensuring Safe, Reliable Water Supplies

By expanding the recycled water distribution system, OMWD will cut costs by replacing important drinking water with recycled water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District pipeline projects

By expanding the recycled water distribution system, OMWD will cut costs by replacing important drinking water with recycled water. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD receives 100 percent of its drinking water supply from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Colorado River. These sources have become unreliable due to droughts and overuse.

Recycled water is locally produced, disinfected wastewater used for irrigation. It is a drought-resilient supply and costs less than potable water. In addition, using recycled water reduces the amount of treated wastewater discharged to the ocean and reduces our dependence on imported water from faraway sources.

OMWD has identified opportunities in Encinitas and Carlsbad to connect more customers to its recycled water distribution system. The completion of the pipeline extensions 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 every year.

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 pipeline project

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

OMWD produces up to two million gallons of recycled water daily at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. 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.

Get the latest updates on OMWD’s dedicated projects page on its website: www.olivenhain.com/projects

 

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OMWD Converts Another Encinitas Property to Recycled Water

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District began serving recycled water today to the new commercial building at 777 North El Camino Real in Encinitas. Irrigating the property with recycled instead of potable water will save more than 7,500 gallons of imported drinking water each year.
“Converting our commercial customers to recycled water for irrigation is of the utmost importance,” said OMWD Board Secretary Larry Watt. “Our region is dependent on the Colorado River for drinking water and available supplies on the river have been slowly declining for decades. Every customer we convert to recycled water makes us more drought resilient.”
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Pipeline Construction to Begin on Rancho Santa Fe Road

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is beginning construction to replace aging water infrastructure on Rancho Santa Fe Road on the border of Carlsbad and Encinitas.

An existing pipeline originally installed in 1961 on Rancho Santa Fe Road between Las Olas Court and Avenida La Posta is approaching the end of its lifespan. This project will replace 1,500 feet of the 12-inch drinking water pipeline.

“Replacing old water mains ensures the continued reliability of our services,” said OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “Proactive maintenance projects like this are necessary to avoid emergency breaks that can waste millions of gallons of water and be very costly.”

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“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

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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.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Honors 2023 “Pure Excellence” Award Winners

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Encinitas, Calif. —At its November 15 board meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized several community members with “Pure Excellence” awards for making a positive impact in the community in 2023. The winners—Congressman Scott Peters, MiraCosta College, California Landscape Technologies, BCK Programs, and Rich Reimer—were acknowledged for advancing water use efficiency and protecting the natural environment.

“Tonight, we celebrate the extraordinary efforts of local leaders,” said OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “The efforts of our honorees will have lasting impacts on our community by helping to develop new water supplies, more efficiently using existing supplies, and fostering respect and appreciation for local watersheds.”

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Awarded Highest Honor in Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting

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Encinitas, Calif. — The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Olivenhain Municipal Water District. The award recognizes OMWD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. This is the 28th consecutive year that OMWD has earned this honor.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Marks Milestone Recycled Water Anniversary

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

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.

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