News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District received the 2024 Project of the Year Honor Award from the American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter today for its Manchester Avenue Recycled Water Pipeline Project.

“Using recycled water to irrigate landscapes allows potable water to be saved for other uses, such as drinking, bathing, and cooking. Our Manchester pipeline will reduce drinking water demand by about 27 million gallons a year,” said OMWD Board Secretary Larry Watt. “Additionally, OMWD reduced project costs for its ratepayers by achieving over $2 million in state and federal grant funding.”

The project involved the installation of 7,000 linear feet of recycled water pipeline. The recycled water will serve MiraCosta College, homeowner associations, religious centers, and other customers in Encinitas. OMWD worked with San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health to convert potable water users to recycled water, assisting customers with on-site planning.

OMWD also worked with City of Encinitas and Caltrans to reduce impacts to motorists. OMWD completed segments of the project at night to reduce traffic congestion.

APWA is a professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting awareness of the benefits of “public works” through education and the exchange of knowledge. APWA’s local chapter recognizes the best public works projects and professionals in San Diego and Imperial Counties to highlight large construction projects used by the public that increase a community’s quality of life.