Tag Archive for: Water Supply

First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District student poster contest

Winning Student Artwork Spotlights the Value of Water in Otay Student Poster Contest

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Five student artists were named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork.

Students learn about the importance of a clean, reliable water supply in the classroom through the Otay Water District’s educational program, which promotes water-use efficiency through art, and turn what they’ve learned into the award-winning posters.

Students Inspire Others To Protect Vital Resource

“We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”

This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.

“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”

Winners Advance to Regional Southern California Competition

Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.

The 2025 Student Poster Contest winners include:

K-Third Grade Category: 

Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District student poster contest

Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District

  • First Place: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary 

First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District student poster contest

First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District

  • Second Place: Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary

Fourth – Sixth Grade Category:

Mila Vega's winning artwork won first place in the sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Mila Vega’s winning artwork won first place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

  • First Place: Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary

Sophie Coghill's poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Sophie Coghill’s poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

  • Second Place: Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary

High School Category:

Zhaoyu Zhai's creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District student poster contest

Zhaoyu Zhai’s creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District

  • First Place: Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School

The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.

Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan calendar the past three years, including Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.

Winning posters are online at otaywater.gov/poster-contest-winners-2025.

(L to R): California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist; Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer; and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third California snowpack survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

California Snowpack Helped By Storms, But Averages Continue To Drop

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its third snow survey of the 2025 season on February 28 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The survey recorded 34 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 13.5 inches, which is 58 percent of the average for this location. Statewide, the snowpack is 85 percent of the average for this date.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Weather Extremes Mark 2025 Season

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Winter 2025 has been subjected to weather extremes. Powerful storms have interrupted dry and warm conditions, temporarily boosting the snowpack to near normal.

In February, multiple rounds of atmospheric rivers earlier in the month raised the statewide snowpack to 97 percent of average. But dry weather conditions returned, and the snowpack has fallen to 85 percent. Averages will continue to drop without additional snow.

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water sits at 74 percent of the critical April 1 average. This is when the California snowpack usually peaks.

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

While forecasts show storm activity may pick up in March, it may not be enough for the snowpack to catch up to average by April 1. The southern Sierra Nevada has significantly fallen behind this season, with the region’s snowpack just 70 percent of average.

Regional Differences In Watershed Averages

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

“In addition to the large swings in snowpack conditions we’ve seen this year, a big regional disparity remains between the Northern, Central, and Southern Sierra Nevada,” said Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit.

“With so many of this season’s storms missing the southern half of the state, our statewide snowpack average can mask just how below average some regions are,” explained Reising. “Water managers will need to consider not just the extreme swings through the winter and spring months, but also the big differences from watershed to watershed.”

Thanks to efforts to capture as much water as possible, reservoirs across California are currently 118 percent of average.

Snowpack Monitoring Vital Planning Tool

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources / California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

Measuring the California snowpack provides vital information to guide how California’s water supplies are managed. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts, which help water managers, including those in the San Diego region, anticipate how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer.

This information is also key in calculating State Water Project allocation monthly updates.

On average, the California snowpack supplies about 30 percent of the state’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

Data from DWR snow surveys and forecasts helps determine how DWR and other agencies manage the state’s water resources.

DWR conducts snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April, and, if necessary, May. The following survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.

For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov.

 

Members of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Survey team conduct measurements during the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Snowpack Dips Well Below Average in Second Snow Survey of Season

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Dry weather in January led to a reduced snowpack in the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) second snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. The snow survey takes place approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Statewide, the snowpack is 65 percent of the average for this date.

Extremely Dry Conditions in January Put Dent in Early Season Start

(L to R): Anthony Burdock, Water Resources Engineer, Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, and Chan Modini, Water Resources Engineer, conducted the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on  January 31, 2025. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

(L to R): Anthony Burdock, Water Resources Engineer, Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, and Chan Modini, Water Resources Engineer, conducted the second media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on  January 31, 2025. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

On January 1, the statewide snowpack was 108 percent of average after a series of large storms in November and December boosted snow totals. An excessively dry January has pushed the Northern Sierra back to near average, the Central Sierra to 58 percent of average, and has led the Southern Sierra Nevada to fall to under 50 percent of average.

“Despite a good start to the snowpack in the Northern Sierra in November and December, we can look back as recently as 2013 and 2021 to show how quickly conditions can change for the drier,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “California missed out on critical snow-building storms in January which has pushed the state down below average for this time of year.

“While we are excited to see some storm activity in the coming days, sustained periods of no precipitation can dry the state out very quickly. For each day it’s not snowing or raining, we are not keeping up with what we need.”

Although forecasts show storm activity may pick up this month, large early-season snow totals do not guarantee the state will reach average or above-average water supply totals.

Effective Water Management Keeps Statewide Reservoirs Near or Above Average

A drone view of Loafer Point Stage 2 Boat Ramp and Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville in Butte County, California in late December. The water storage was 2,008,215 acre-feet (AF), 59 percent of the total capacity. Photo: Ken James, California Department of Water Resources snow survey

A drone view of Loafer Point Stage 2 Boat Ramp and Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville in Butte County, California in late December. The water storage was 2,008,215 acre-feet (AF), 59 percent of the total capacity. Photo: Ken James, California Department of Water Resources

California has effectively managed its reservoirs to keep storage above average for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is currently at 126 percent of average for this time of year. San Luis Reservoir, which is jointly operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is at 101 percent of average for this time of year.

Reservoirs in Southern California are also near or above their historical averages.

Measuring California’s snowpack is a key component of managing its water supplies. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts which help water managers plan for how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer.

This information is also key in calculating State Water Project allocation forecasts each month.

Despite some recent rain, Southern California, including San Diego County, has still experienced well below-average precipitation in the current water year.

On average, California’s snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why California’s snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

The next survey is tentatively scheduled for February 28. For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov

 

 

The Coronado Tank was rehabilitated by the Vallecitos Water District, giving it many more years of service. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

Vallecitos Coronado Water Tank Gets Upgrade To Prepare For Wildfire Season

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Although no system can guarantee 100% effectiveness against a large wildfire, maintaining water tanks and rehabilitating them when needed is vital to ensure they are ready in an emergency.

There are few direct water sources in the San Diego region. Other than rainfall and saltwater desalination, water must be imported. Regional water districts store water for daily use and irrigation for their customers. They also store water in reservoirs and tanks to aid in emergency outages and fire protection.

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District wildfire

The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Water District (District) recently completed the rehabilitation of its Coronado Hills Tank in San Marcos. Originally constructed in 1984, the 40-year-old tank showed signs of age and wear.

Time and Weather Affect Tank Aging Process

Mike Preston, a construction inspector for the district, explained why the tank needed the upgrade. “Like everything else, they get old. The interior steel structure and coating start to deteriorate over time, as well as the exterior coatings from the weather,” explained Preston.

The first step in assessing the tank's condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The first step in assessing the tank’s condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Before any tank is taken out of service to be upgraded, a diver enters the tank with an underwater camera to conduct a visual inspection and assess the interior steel structure. Exterior visual inspections complete the assessment.

A specialized contractor undertakes the rehabilitation process, sandblasting both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tank to bare steel. This allows a thorough structural inspection of the steel tank. Structural integrity improvements were made to rafters, beams, and stands.

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The District also upgrades technology and updates safety standards. The Coronado Tank’s access portals were made larger to allow safer access for annual cleaning, and a new climbing system provides access for water quality testing.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the project in this video.

 

Coronado Hills Tank Gets a New Look

When repairs were completed, the tank received a new interior coating specially approved for drinking water and new exterior surface epoxy coatings to safely extend its lifespan. Traditionally, water tanks have been painted dark green to blend in with their natural surroundings.

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

However, the dark color creates warmer water temperatures inside the tank, which makes it more difficult to maintain water quality standards.

As part of the rehabilitation project, the tank’s color was changed to beige to improve its light-reflectance value (LRV) from 11% when painted dark green to 67%. This means the tank surface now reflects 67% of the light hitting it rather than absorbing it.

Preston says the district is looking into changing the color of its other tanks, pending further monitoring to determine the long-term benefits.

“I already have had confirmation from one of our operators that when they were out sampling tanks. Already they’ve noticed a temperature change at this particular tank, which is a good sign. But only time is going to tell, over time, the main effect and how it’s really going to help us,” said Preston.

Water Tanks Play Vital Role in Fire Protection

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Water tanks are placed on hills at elevation above populated areas to reduce pumping costs and ensure adequate water pressure for firefighters in the event of wildfire.

“Our Vallecitos Water District rehabilitations are necessary to provide constant, safe, potable drinking water for our customers, as well as a reliable source of fire protection by keeping these tanks in service for a very long time to come,” said Preston.

Preston says he’s thankful the Vallecitos Water District makes time to listen to employee input with suggestions on ways to improve district operations, “not only for just our customers, but also our employees as well.”

Water System Operation II Marselino Sanchez is in charge of maintaining water distribution systems and analyzing water quality. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Career Outreach by Vista Irrigation District Builds Workforce

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The Vista Irrigation District (VID) is partnering with the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s “Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) Program to encourage job seekers and students to learn about water industry careers.

As part of the program, two VID employees were featured in informational videos describing their jobs, including their typical duties and the skills needed to succeed. Both employees also discuss the education required and local resources for career training.

Marselino Sanchez: Positive Impact on the Community

Marselino Sanchez says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Marselino Sanchez says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Water System Operation II Marselino Sanchez is in charge of maintaining water distribution systems and analyzing water quality. In his interview, Sanchez called his job “dynamic” and said he likes making a positive impact on his community.

“The biggest challenge with this position is trying to manage the distribution system, (and) also trying to handle any emergency that arises,” said Sanchez. “Not every day is the same. It can change within a minute, within seconds, so we’ve got to be able to adapt very quickly. But that’s the part that makes the job very fun and exciting.”

Sanchez said he took courses at Palomar College, which helped prepare him to take require State of California certification exams required for his job. He says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality.

Dean Farris: Flexibility Key To Success

Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the VID water system, including water system levels and water quality, water flow, adjustments in water pressures, and maintenance, all while staying ready for any possibility.

Like Sanchez, Farris says successful job candidates must be flexible. “Almost certainly, there’s going to be something that comes up that needs immediate attention, and so you’ve got to be ready for those curve balls that are thrown at you.”

Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the Vista Irrigation District water system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the Vista Irrigation District water system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Farris encourages aspiring water industry professionals to take courses at the community college level, such as Palomar College, to learn about water distribution and water and wastewater treatment. Getting certifications shows an employer that you’re a serious job candidate.

In addition, Farris says successful water and wastewater professionals have strong analytical skills, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate.

“The first thing I do when I walk in here in the morning, before anyone gets here, is analyze that big screen behind me with the historical trends and then make decisions based on that throughout the day,” said Farris.

Both videos are now available on the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s SOCAL webpage and on the SOCAL Workforce YouTube channel.

About Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning

Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) drives economic empowerment by elevating student awareness of career and educational opportunities across multiple industries and provides a forum for students to take meaningful steps towards participation in the workforce of tomorrow.

Dean Farris and Marselino Sanchez discuss daily operations. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

Dean Farris and Marselino Sanchez discuss daily operations. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture

SOCAL is a collaborative program between education and industry created by Tri-City Medical Center, the San Diego North Economic Development Council and Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, and Encinitas Chambers of Commerce. The vision is to give middle school, high school, and post-secondary students and transitioning adults an opportunity to gain insights into career pathways while allowing businesses and local organizations to participate in these students’ career exploration.

California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising conducts the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

Sierra Snowpack Near Average In First 2025 Survey

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the first snow survey of the 2025 season on January 2 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, with positive news about the state’s water supply.

The survey recorded 24 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of nine inches. This is 91 percent of the average at this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 108 percent of average to date, compared to 28 percent for the January 2024 survey.

California Department of Water Resources staff members (from right) Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, Manon von Kaenel, Water Resources Engineer, Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer, and Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist, conduct the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

California Department of Water Resources staff members (from right) Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, Manon von Kaenel, Water Resources Engineer, Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer, and Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist, conduct the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

In recent years, California has been marked by extremely hot and dry conditions broken up by periods of intense rain and snow, including late 2024 and early 2025. A record-breaking hot and dry summer continued well into the fall, but a powerful atmospheric river in November broke several rainfall records in Northern California. December storms provided another boost.

“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April, when our water supply picture will be more complete,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Extreme shifts between dry and wet conditions are continuing this winter, and if the past several years are any indication, anything could happen between now and April, and we need to be prepared.”

Too Early To Predict 2025 Weather Patterns

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

This weather pattern is not unusual for California. In 2013 and 2022, early storm activity was followed by dry conditions, erasing early-season snow totals and continuing existing drought conditions across the state. It is too early to know whether this condition will occur in 2025.

“We are fortunate to have had several solid snow-producing atmospheric river systems so far this season,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising. “The fall was extremely dry, so our healthy snow totals are thanks to a handful of big storm systems in November and late December. But to finish the year where we need to be, we will still need additional snow building at a regular pace throughout the winter.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s statewide water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

San Diego Leadership In Water Supply Management

San Diego County residents can continue to use water wisely including in their low water use landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

San Diego County residents can continue to use water wisely including in their low water use landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

For the past decade, San Diego County has been insulated from drought-induced cutbacks due to the long-term investments in secure water supplies, a strategy that emerged in the early 1990s following an economically devastating drought. Since 1990, the region has dramatically cut water demands, reducing per capita water use by more than 50 percent. Water conservation has become a “way of life” for the region’s residents and businesses.

Water Authority Water Resources Specialist Efren Lopez says San Diego County has a reliable supply from the Colorado River and other parts of the state, supplemented by its long-term supply diversification.

“Feel free to irrigate your landscapes, to water your trees and to use water as you need,” said Lopez. “We don’t have any restrictions on water use, and we have very reliable water supplies.”

Lack of Local Precipitation Affects Fire Risk

Winter rains have helped vegetation grow in recent years, providing more fuel for fires. The US Drought Monitor puts all of San Diego County at a moderate drought level. Parts of Imperial County are in severe and extreme drought.

Major reservoirs statewide are currently 121 percent of average thanks to two years of above-average snowpack conditions. DWR prepares for annual extremes by investing in climate resilience to ensure California is able to capture and use as much water during flood conditions as possible.

DWR conducts four media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for early February.

Opinion: California Officials Plan for a Dry 2025 With Grim Water Supply Guesswork

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Dan Walters

Each December there’s a new version of an old guessing game about how much water will be provided to agricultural and municipal users in the year ahead.

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The Water Bubble is About to Burst

/in , /by /Fast Companyby Mark Hans Richer

The United States has faced various economic bubbles, but one lesser-known phenomenon is taking its toll nationwide: the “water bubble.” Earth has a finite amount of water; only 0.5% is accessible, fresh, and usable. It’s our most precious resource, and it’s under incredible stress. Water scarcity is increasing, water quality is deteriorating, and cities and states are scrambling to address these challenges.

Water faces challenges in three key areas: climate change, infrastructure, and water waste. These issues are raising awareness and concern about the future of our water resources.

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Public Acceptance Lags As CA Facilities Turn Sewage Into Tap Water

/in , /by /Public News Serviceby Kathleen Shannon

After an Orange County resident flushes her toilet, the water flows through the Southern California community’s sewer system, meanders its way to the sanitation plant, has its solids removed, is piped to a wastewater recycling facility next door and undergoes three different purification processes until it is clean enough to drink.

“It tastes like water,” said Mehul Patel, executive director of operations for the Orange County Water District’s project, after taking a gulp from a clear plastic cup at the sampling station, as he stood outside the final purification process facility on a warm afternoon earlier this month.

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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