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Water Agencies in North County Further Partnership to Minimize Costs to Ratepayers
At their March 19 board meetings, both Olivenhain Municipal Water District and Vallecitos Water District approved entering into a partnership agreement allowing VWD to install communication equipment at OMWD’s Denk Reservoir site in Carlsbad.
OMWD’s Denk Reservoir overlooks the southern portion of VWD’s service area and provides a clear line of sight between VWD’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation and San Elijo Hills Pump Station facilities. By partnering with OMWD to use the Denk Reservoir site to host the ethernet radio equipment, VWD will connect their two facilities with a reduced amount of equipment. The improved communications will ensure that system operators can monitor flow and pressure levels to make operational changes throughout the distribution system.
“This agreement is a great example of how we can work together with our neighbors to improve the services provided to customers,” said OMWD board treasurer Scott Maloni. “Finding creative ways to share resources allows projects such as this to be completed at reduced costs, which will benefit ratepayers.”
Similar partnership agreements have allowed OMWD to install communication equipment at VWD and Santa Fe Irrigation District facilities to take advantage of strategic locations that improve network connectivity. One such agreement allowed for cooperative use of VWD’s Double Peak Reservoir site in San Marcos, giving permission for OMWD to install a radio antenna to read water meters in its service area, saving ratepayers over $100,000 in additional equipment that would have been otherwise necessary.
“This partnership is a win-win for both districts and the communities we serve,” said VWD board president Jim Pennock. “By leveraging existing infrastructure, we’re enhancing system reliability and communication while keeping costs down for our customers.”
Additionally, both water districts participate in the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, which works to expand the use of recycled water in north San Diego County. Working together across jurisdictional boundaries allows agencies to share resources and make system improvements at reduced costs.
