Olivenhain MWD

Join OMWD General Manager Kimberly Thorner at @solanablibrary on 5/19 to discuss pressing issues facing water agencies. The “Think Global, Act Local” session will begin at 5:30 p.m. at 157 Stevens Avenue. More at friendsofsolanabeachlibrary.org/event.php?id=38.

#WhatIsThatThing? This is a flow-control valve typically found at water storage tanks. Large valves control the flow of water that fills the reservoir for later use by nearby customers. Operators access vaults to verify data & inspect equipment to ensure proper working order.

Public works is all around you! From your water meter to the pipes under your street to the water tanks on neighborhood hills, to the treatment plants providing high-quality H2O! This week, we salute the dedicated water and wastewater pros who keep your water flowing.

May is Water Awareness Month. It offers us a chance to celebrate the importance of water in our lives and consider how to reduce our overall water use. Schedule a free water use evaluation at your home or business to find ways to save. Info at olivenhain.com/evaluation.

To ensure OMWD employees can locate and access your water meter during an emergency, please keep the area around your meter box clear. This includes six feet above it and six inches of landscape clearance around it. This is also a good time to test your meter’s shut-off valve.

Water is required for almost every step in producing the products we use and the food we eat. Although it cannot be seen, we rely on this “hidden” water for our quality of life. How do you use water each day? Learn about your water footprint at watercalculator.org.

Seven states & Mexico share the Colorado River system. Dry conditions continue in California, and the upper Colorado River basin states are experiencing extreme drought conditions. We need to continue to find new ways to conserve this resource. More at olivenhain.com/drought.

Happy Star Wars Day! As moisture farmers on the desert planet of Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s family knew the value of water. While we have an ample water supply compared to the barren Tatooine, we still need to use it wisely. Find water-saving tips at olivenhain.com/save.

Raise a glass with us to celebrate National Drinking Water Week! This week, and every week of the year, OMWD is proud to serve high-quality water to the taps at your homes and businesses. Our reliable water supply still costs about a penny a gallon.

Enter the 2026 WaterSmart Landscape Contest by May 8 for a chance to win $250! Inspire others to make the switch to a water-efficient landscape by showcasing your attractive, California-friendly yard. View contest details and enter at landscapecontest.com.

At a recent gardening OMWD workshop, customers inquired about the availability of a turf replacement program rebate. They learned how to reduce water use by approximately 60% by replacing turf with a waterwise landscape. For more details, visit socalwatersmart.com.

Celebrate Earth Day by practicing smart water use! Your yard is a perfect place to start. Before summer arrives, check your irrigation system for leaks and upgrade to water-efficient systems using rebates available at olivenhain.com/rebates.

This Earth Day, come explore waterwise landscaping! Drop by OMWD’s demonstration garden, just like the people in this photo. With signs identifying each plant, we’ve removed the guesswork and made it easy to select plants with confidence. Learn more at olivenhain.com/garden

The WIPPES Act was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate & is heading to Congress! It requires labelling wet wipes as non-flushable to help consumers dispose of them properly. Wipes in pipes trap grease, clog pumps, jam motors, & sewage backups. Info at tinyurl.com/bdhuv98m

Special District Leadership Foundation has honored OMWD with its highest accreditation. Its “Platinum” award recognizes OMWD’s commitment to ethical leadership, responsible financial management, and open communication with the public. olivenhain.com/news/omwd-earn…

Just as you maintain your home appliances, OMWD services equipment that recycles wastewater! Our crew at 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility disassembled this motor pump & pulls it from a well for maintenance. This heavy lifting is important to keep the treatment process flowing.

OMWD, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, & Leucadia Wastewater District won the @CWEA award for California’s Community Engagement & Outreach Program of the Year. The award recognizes Water Career Day, where students & veterans learned about water & wastewater careers. pic.twitter.com/cp6GAss22M

The Colorado River supplies a large part of the water for OMWD customers. Usually, snowmelt refills reservoirs in spring & summer. However, this winter's snowpack was among the worst in 40 years due to warm, dry weather. Visit olivenhain.com/drought for water-saving programs.

Spring is a great time for a free water use evaluation. Get personalized tips, an irrigation check, and money-saving advice. For more information, visit olivenhain.com/free-water-use….

View the April issue of our Watching Water for info on pressure regulators, rebates for water-saving devices, landscape and high school video contests, and more. olivenhain.com/wp-content/upl…