News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was recognized today by California Water Environment Association as its 2019 Plant of the Year (Small). The award was presented during CWEA’s Annual Conference in Palm Springs and acknowledges OMWD’s efforts to increase water supply reliability by reducing imported water demand.

“OMWD is gratified to have CWEA confirm what we’ve known for years, our 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is second to none,” said Christy Guerin, OMWD Director. “The facility produces over a million gallons of recycled water each day through advance treatment processes.  Almost every drop of wastewater is reclaimed and converted into a drought-resilient, sustainable water supply.”

CWEA’s award program serves to recognize professional achievements within the wastewater industry and stimulate public awareness of the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. In addition to the honors as California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level earlier this year from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

OMWD’s 4S WRF can produce up to two million gallons of high-quality recycled water each day. This alternative water supply is used for irrigation purposes at schools, parks, golf courses, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas in the southeastern portion of OMWD’s service area.

OMWD serves approximately 14 percent of its overall demand from recycled water treated through its 4S facility and agreements with neighboring recycled water providers. Because Southern California is never more than one dry year from the next drought, OMWD continues outreach efforts to large irrigators on the benefits of retrofitting their systems to recycled water. Also, it is coordinating with adjacent districts to replace potable water used for sewer line cleaning and street sweeping with recycled water.

Founded in 1927, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of our water environment.

CWEA Presented Award to Water Reclamation Operator Jason Emerick and Water Reclamation Facilities Supervisor John Onkka