News

Today, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was awarded California Water Environment Association’s statewide 2024 Plant of the Year (Small) award at CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego. The award acknowledges the facility’s innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operation.

In addition to being named California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level in February from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

“There are over a thousand wastewater treatment plants in California, and our district is honored to have 4S WRF named as CWEA’s Plant of the Year at the state level for the second time in three years,” said OMWD President Matthew R. Hahn.

Innovative practices at 4S WRF over the past several years include the installation of monitoring equipment that makes immediate adjustments in the treatment process, which stood out to the CWEA judges. The equipment not only keeps the facility in regulatory compliance, but also reduces treatment costs for ratepayers. In addition, to obtain higher water quality and reduce energy costs, OMWD installed a more efficient ultraviolet disinfection system.

OMWD meets up to 15 percent of its overall demand with recycled water. 4S WRF can transform up to two million gallons of wastewater to recycled water each day. This alternative water supply reduces the use of drinking water for the irrigation of golf courses, parks, schools, streetscapes, and homeowner association common areas.

Founded in 1928, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus wastewater industry professionals. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes safe and effective work practices.

4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is California’s 2024 Plant of the Year (Small)