Posts

Proposed Changes to County Landscape Ordinance Would Reduce Water Use by 40%

The County’s Planning & Development Services is preparing to release draft documents for public review this week related to the project called Water Efficiency Updates to the Landscape Ordinance.

This project will update the County’s Landscape Ordinance to codify requirements set forth by the County’s Climate Action Plan Measures W-1.2 and A-2.1. PDS began implementing these requirements upon approval of the CAP in 2018 through the CAP Development Checklist and existing landscape review process within PDS.

 One result of the ordinance will be to reduce outdoor water use in new and existing residential and non-residential landscaping 40% from 2014 levels.

Proposed Ordinance Would Promote and Protect Agriculture

A proposed county ordinance that would implement California’s AB 551 is seen as benefiting local agriculture by recognizing its benefits, according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau.

VCMWD Reservoir Project Receives National Recognition From EPA

Valley Center Municipal Water District has been advised by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) that its Cool Valley Reservoir Cover Replacement Project was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s new AQUARIUS Program as an “Exceptional Project,” among only 10 identified as such nationwide.

Each year, EPA’s Aquarius Program recognizes one Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) project from each of its 10 Regions nationwide for “exceptional focus on sustainability, protection of public health” while demonstrating a high level of innovation. 

Farm Bureau Says Goodbye To Longtime Executive Director

The San Diego County Farm Bureau’s longtime executive director Eric Larson retired recently after leading the Bureau for 23 years. He told the newspaper two weeks ago, “I decided 70 was a good age to exit. I will be working through the end of September. My replacement will begin July 22 giving us a good transition.” His replacement is Hannah Gbeh (pronounced bay). Gbeh is an environmental impact report preparer, organic farmer, environmental science teacher and researcher who has served for several years on the board of the San Diego County Farm Bureau.  She is also a commissioner on the County’s Fish and Wildfire Advisory Commission and serves on the Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group.

County Water Authority Treatment Plant Malfunction Leads to Massive Notification of Water Customers

300,000 residents in San Diego County, including those in the Valley Center MWD service area, have or will receive written notices this week about a malfunction at the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant which occurred on April 21 and 22, 2019. While water quality was never actually impaired, federal regulations and state water officials have required that the notifications be sent.

County Water Authority Treatment Plant Malfunction Leads to Massive Notification of Water Customers

300,000 residents in San Diego County, including those in the Valley Center MWD service area, have or will receive written notices this week about a malfunction at the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant which occurred on April 21 and 22, 2019. While water quality was never actually impaired, federal regulations and state water officials have required that the notifications be sent.

First Days Of Water Shutdown Going Well

After the first few days of the aqueduct shut-down, things are going very well in the parts of the Valley Center Municipal Water District affected by the aqueduct shutdown that began February 23 and will continue until March 5. VCMWD Gen. Mgr. Gary Arant told The Roadrunner, “Consumption has been minimal, reflecting only inside domestic use. With the ideal weather condition for having the majority on you imported water supply shut-off. Finally, this is a case where our large water storage volume really pays off.”

Water Use Restrictions Will Be In Place— Aqueduct Shut-Down February 23 – March 5

Valley Center Municipal Water District (District) has been advised by its wholesale supplier, that from 8 a.m. February 23, through 8 p.m. March 5, the treated water aqueduct that delivers water to the majority of the District will be shut down to accommodate inspections, maintenance and repairs by the San Diego County Water Authority. As a result, water flow to the District will be severely restricted and the water remaining in storage will be the only water available only for domestic use and fire protection during the shut-down.

Water District Employee Honored

Lee Hicks, Senior Water Systems Technician, was Valley Center Municipal Water District’s 2018 recipient of the Manager’s Award recognizing excellence among the District’s staff members. A 19-year employee, Hicks was nominated from among his co-workers for the award.  The nomination cited his commitment and willingness to go the “extra mile,” in doing his job.  The nomination also It also mentioned his willingness to fill-in for others on short notice.  

 

OPINION: End Of An Era At Valley Center Municipal Water District

Something profound happened at 3:22 p.m. on Monday afternoon, November 19, 2018, at the Valley Center Municipal Water District. After serving as a Director for Election Division 3, Board President, and San Diego County Water Authority Representative, Gary A. Broomell walked out of the board room for the last time as a water board director. As the general manager of the district for close to 30 years, i have seen a few board members come and go.  What was profound about Mr. Broomell’s final exit was that it came after 48 years of continuous public service to the citizens, ratepayers and landowners of the Valley Center Municipal Water District.