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

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

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.

Olivenhain 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.

"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.) 

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OMWD Recognizes Winners of the Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest

Encinitas, Calif. — At its May 17 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized the top three entries in the 2023 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest. Nearly 100 fourth graders who live or attend schools in OMWD’s service area participated in this year’s competition.

The recognized entries were submitted by Lillian Cook from El Camino Creek Elementary School, Leo W. from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, and Talia Elizabeth Abordo from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Lillian’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of a sunset on an ocean horizon. Leo’s poster featured an ocean wave cresting over planet Earth as it floats on the ocean, and Talia’s artwork showcases an otter holding a sign advocating to “save water, save one of us!” next to a smiling planet Earth.

“This contest is a wonderful way to showcase the creativity and talent of students throughout the communities OMWD serves,” said OMWD Board Vice President Matthew Hahn. “By highlighting the importance of water use efficiency,  elementary school children illustrate through their artwork the importance of protecting this finite natural resource.”

This year marks the 30th year of the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. The theme for this year’s contest was “Love Water, Save Water.” 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 2024 Water Awareness Calendar.

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Neal Meyers-Board-Olivenhain-Welcome to the Board

Welcome to the Board: Neal Meyers, Olivenhain Municipal Water District

(Editor’s Note: This feature highlights new members of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 36-member Board of Directors. Each of the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies appoints at least one representative to the Board, which sets policy for the Water Authority.)

Welcome to the Board: Neal Meyers, Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Who: Neal Meyers was seated on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on March 20, 2023, representing the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Meyers serves on the Administrative and Finance and Imported Water committees for the Water Authority.

Background/Education: Meyers, a resident of Carlsbad, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in local government administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he earned Highest Honors and a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. He represents District 5 on the Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors and is also the Board treasurer. In addition to his duties as Treasurer, Meyers serves on OMWD’s Finance, Safety, and Ad Hoc Insurance committees. He holds a certificate from the Special District Leadership Academy, and he was awarded a Certificate in Special District Governance from the California Special Districts Association. Member: The State Bar of California and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Water Industry Affiliations: Director, CalDesal Association, AdHoc Insurance Committee Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA).

Q & A

Q: How did you get interested in water issues?

A: My first interest in water issues was from the severe drought in the mid-1970s while growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area and then from the Proposition 9 peripheral canal vote while I studied local government as an undergraduate. After starting my professional career in San Diego County, I was privileged to represent many water agencies, where I gained a great appreciation of their many challenges, now exacerbated by severe periods of water shortages. I am very appreciative of the opportunity I now have to assist my local community and the region to work on those issues in a policy-making role.

Q: What are your priorities or interests as a Board member?

A: Maintaining a safe and reliable water supply at affordable rates. We must find ways to leverage San Diego County’s forward-thinking investments in water infrastructure into a workable long-term business model that keeps water rates under control. Higher rates are not good for anyone, and we must especially must keep in mind the disproportionate burden higher rates have on low-income ratepayers and the underserved. We should also spend more time looking at developing greater coordination and sharing of resources between our many county public utility agencies.

Q: Besides maintaining safe and reliable water supplies, what do you see as the top three issues facing the San Diego region?

A: Removing barriers to affordable housing, appropriately allocating transportation infrastructure resources, and maintaining high-quality, affordable education at all levels throughout our region.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not working?

A: Family, friends, exercise, and travel. I figure if I can keep that all in balance, I will be around for a while to think about water.

The Water Authority’s Board of Directors typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The Board invites the public to attend its monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board. For meeting times, agendas and documents, go to​ www.sdcwa.org/board-directors

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OMWD Pipeline Named “Project of the Year”

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Manchester Avenue Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project was recognized today as a 2023 Project of the Year by American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter at its awards event in Mission Valley.

“Everything is subject to the effects of aging, even critical water infrastructure,” said OMWD Board Secretary Larry Watt. “To help avoid emergency water outages and provide dependable service to customers, our preventative maintenance program includes replacement of infrastructure before it fails. Through these new pipelines, OMWD can continue to provide its customers with reliable water service for decades to come.”

Demonstration Garden is Inspiration for Olivenhain MWD Customers

Using water efficiently is a way of life and an important responsibility in the San Diego region. Water users have learned how to make the most of every drop and avoid wasteful or careless habits. Homeowners are replacing impractical thirsty lawns with beautiful low-water-use landscaping.

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.

Demonstration Garden is Inspiration for Olivenhain MWD Customers

Using water efficiently is a way of life and an important responsibility in the San Diego region. Water users have learned how to make the most of every drop and avoid wasteful or careless habits. Homeowners are replacing impractical thirsty lawns with beautiful low-water-use landscaping.

Over the past decade, residents have adopted habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and reduce landscape maintenance.

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

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 sustainable landscape demonstration garden at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Techniques include rain harvesting, and the garden features a rain barrel, a larger cistern, and a dry stream bed to capture water for later use.

Sustainable landscape demonstration gardens can help inspire homeowners to create and maintain their own beautiful, low-water-use landscapes at home. Since half of the water used in California’s urban areas goes toward landscape irrigation, any reduction contributes to successful conservation efforts.

New hydroponic gardening system 

A hydroponic growing system called a Tower Garden is the newest addition to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District's demonstration garden. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

A hydroponic growing system called a Tower Garden is the newest addition to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s demonstration garden. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD has added a hydroponic gardening unit to its demonstration garden. It was provided through a donation by Tower Garden. The Tower Garden unit displays a water-efficient form of growing produce in a compact and vertical system. It is of particular interest to people who are looking for more water-wise methods of growing produce than traditional growing practices.

“OMWD encourages ratepayers to continue to make conservation a way of life and explore the many innovative and water-use efficient products that are available on the market,” said OMWD Board Treasurer Neal Meyers. “A great place to start is outdoors. We hope customers take advantage of free resources and rebates to design a water-efficient landscape, and consider other water-saving options like graywater and hydroponic systems.”

Save water, money and go hydroponic

Hydroponic systems grow plants in a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. Hydroponic systems use less water than traditional soil-based growing systems. In commercial agricultural settings and farms, hydroponic systems can produce faster growth and higher yields of crops. The systems can also be used in home gardens.  Some units can use up to 90% less water than traditional produce gardens.

The demo garden hydroponic unit is operational and will be maintained by BCK Programs. Local scout troops in the district will help maintain the unit under supervision. The scouts earn conservation patches for their volunteer work. Crops harvested will be donated to scout volunteers, or donated to a local community food bank. A second system donated by Tower Garden will be used by BCK Programs to provide hydroponic gardening lessons in local schools.

Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. It is also viewable online. The garden highlights four key principles of sustainable landscaping. Visitors can learn about healthy soils, rainwater as a resource, climate-appropriate plants, and low-water-use irrigation.

Demonstration gardens inspire water savings

Demonstration gardens can provide inspiration to homeowners to achieve water savings through landscape makeover projects. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Demonstration gardens can provide inspiration to homeowners to achieve water savings through landscape makeover projects. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

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 the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College, found that making a change to their landscape was due to their visit to the water conservation demonstration garden. The results illustrate the value of demonstration gardens to the community.

The demonstration garden at Olivenhain’s headquarters received financial support from the Hans & Margaret Doe Charitable Trust at San Diego Foundation, Hunter Industries, Grangetto’s Farm & Garden Supply, and Bushman USA.

(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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OMWD Continues to Convert More Customer Meters to Recycled Water

Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District continues to reduce demand for imported drinking water by converting additional customer meters within The Lakes Above Rancho Santa Fe community to recycled water for irrigation.

The Lakes is a community in Rancho Santa Fe that will include 387 homes, large outdoor natural spaces, and several lakes, when fully developed.