Tours & Events
Learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, water-saving landscape at this informative and interactive workshop on March 8, fr
om 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Topics to be covered include design techniques, identifying and amending soil, removing turf, and methods to reduce outdoor water use and increase irrigation efficiencies. Gain the knowledge to convert turf areas to California-friendly landscapes, including the selection of plants that will thrive in our Mediterranean climate.Since landscape irrigation accounts for over half of a typical household’s water consumption, landscape transformations can also reduce monthly water bills. Registration is required.
Attendees will also learn about our My Water Use alert system that allows you to monitor your water use and set thresholds to be alerted to abnormal usage that can indicate a leak.
Free Waterwise Firescaping and Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on April 26
Join us for a complimentary workshop to learn about waterwise firescaping techniques and wildfire preparedness on April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held at Olivenhain Municipal Water District, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas. Topics to be covered include home hardening which involves retrofitting your home or property with fire-resistant materials, and firescaping landscape design that reduces wildfire vulnerability.
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will provide a presentation and discuss wildfire preparedness. Steve Sherman of California Landscape Technologies will discuss water-efficient landscape design and firescaping techniques. Registration is required.
Already Have a Water-Efficient Landscape?
Enter our 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest for a chance to win a $250 prize!
Consider sharing your story with us if you’ve transformed your yard into a California-friendly design through water-wise changes. This regional contest was designed to highlight the efforts of residents who enjoy landscapes that do not require as much water and maintenance as a traditional lawn. You can help us inspire others to make similar changes at their homes.
OMWD features winning landscapes on social media and our website. Additionally, our board will recognize our 2024 winner at its June 18 meeting, which we will share with local news outlets.
Visit www.landscapecontest.com for details and an application. Call 760-632-4213 if you have any questions. The deadline to enter is May 9.
Regional Events
Free virtual workshops for customer participation and on-demand videos are available online. Please note that live virtual workshops require advance registration. For more information visit WaterSmart Classes–San Diego County Water Authority.
Speaking Engagements & Public Appearances
OMWD employees provide outreach services throughout the year delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and providing general information about water issues for groups, civic organizations, and associations. For more information contact us at watersmart@olivenhain.com.
Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve
Talks, workshops, and educational hikes for nature lovers of all ages. Visit our Reserve’s events page for more information.
Facility Tours
Several times a year, OMWD offers tours of its facilities, including Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant, and the 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. Please note that Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir are owned by the San Diego County Water Authority; please contact SDCWA for tour opportunities.
Elfin Forest
Recreational Reserve
David C. McCollom
Water Treatment Plant
4S Ranch Water
Reclamation Facility
Tour Schedule
Tours begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately noon. Reservations must be made by noon on the Monday prior to the scheduled tour date and all attendees must complete a tour release form. Tours may be canceled or closed depending on the level of participation. For safety reasons, tours are not held during inclement weather.
Although this is a shuttled tour, some walking and stair climbing is required, so we recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes, and loose clothing. It is also suggested that attendees bring a hat, light jacket, and sunscreen.
Transportation capacity is limited to eight passengers and registration for all attendees and their guests is required.
To register for a tour, please select your desired date below.
All attendees will need to submit a signed tour release form. For more information, please email us or call 760-632-4213.
