Reusing Resources

Olivenhain Municipal Water District serves nearly two million gallons of recycled water every day, continuing a tradition that began in California in 1929. The recycled water is used for irrigation throughout OMWD as well as in the City of Carlsbad [please see OMWD's recycled water system map].

OMWD’s 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Project consists of the two million gallons per day 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility, the 410 acre feet 4S Ranch Recycled Water Storage Pond, the Thelma Miller Recycled Water Reservoir and more than 50,000 feet of pipeline.

OMWD provides approximately one million gallons of recycled water per day to irrigation customers in the 4S Ranch community. This water is used on HOA common areas, schools, parks and streetscapes. As development continues in this area, OMWD expects recycled water demands to top 1.5 million gallons per day during the warm weather season.

OMWD also delivers recycled water to the Crosby Golf Course and the Del Mar and Morgan Run Country Clubs. OMWD hopes to begin delivery of recycled water to the Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Club in the near future.

Through an agreement with the Vallecitos Water District, OMWD has converted approximately 110 irrigation services in its northwest quadrant, which includes portions of Encinitas and Carlsbad, from potable water to recycled water, conserving approximately 600,000 gallons per day of potable water. Ultimately, OMWD anticipates serving up to one million gallons per day of recycled water in this area

OMWD’s recycled water is highly treated and used for non-domestic purposes. OMWD has adopted "Best Management Practices" to ensure that this water is used in a safe and responsible manner. First, irrigating with recycled water must take place during the late evening and early morning hours, when public contact is at a minimum. Second, OMWD staff actively oversees the use of the recycled water. 

Continuing a California Tradition

Recycled water is not a new idea — it has been in use in California since 1929.  The City of Pomona first provided treated wastewater from its municipal sewage treatment facility for landscape irrigation. By 1932, San Francisco had constructed a treatment plant built solely for recycling and reuse. 

Today, recycled water is being used for landscape and commercial purposes, agriculture irrigation, industrial use, and even in office high rises for flushing.  With recycled water becoming the only growing water supply in the state, it is no wonder that there are approximately 250 water recycling systems currently operating in the state of California, with an additional 165 new projects in the works.

In August 2003, OMWD received approval from the County Department of Environmental Health, the State Department of Health Services and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to begin selling recycled water to irrigation customers.

Conserving Water

Using recycled water for irrigation conserves millions of gallons of fresh drinking water every day! If you have any questions or concerns about the OMWD’s recycled water efforts, please contact Tom Kennedy at 760-753-6466.

Additional Information

• Recycled Water FAQs
• Recycled Water Brochure
• Rules and Regulations for Using Recycled Water
• Best Management Practices
• Inspection and Monitoring Program
• Mandatory Recycled Water Use Ordinance
• Recycled Water Forms