News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Unit A Rancho Santa Fe Road Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project was recognized today as a 2026 Project of the Year. American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter announced the honor at its awards event in Kearny Mesa.

OMWD examines its pipelines using a video surveillance tool called a “See Snake.” This technology helped OMWD determine that the Unit A pipeline had reached the end of its useful life. The project replaced approximately 1,600 feet of the 12-inch pipeline under Rancho Santa Fe Road, at the border between Encinitas and Carlsbad.

OMWD worked with the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas to minimize traffic impacts and ensure community safety during the project’s construction. OMWD completed the project on time and within the approved budget.

“This project was in a highly trafficked corridor that connects two cities and includes two schools, and staff worked diligently to minimize traffic and community impacts,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “We are proud to have APWA recognize the incredible effort involved in completing this vital project that increases drinking water reliability for our customers.”

APWA is a professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals. APWA raises awareness of the benefits of “public works” through education and the sharing of knowledge. APWA’s local chapter awards spotlight public works projects that improve a community’s quality of life.