News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Indian Head Canyon Pipeline Restoration Project and El Camino Real Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project were both recognized today as 2022 Projects of the Year by American Public Works Association’s San Diego and Imperial County Chapter at its awards event in Mission Valley.

“OMWD takes great pride in providing uninterrupted water service to our customers,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt. “Replacing and repairing infrastructure before it fails helps to avoid emergency repairs, which is a more cost-effective and less impactful approach.”

Severe rainstorms had accelerated erosion along an Indian Head Canyon Preserve trail in Encinitas, washing away soil around a 12-inch pipeline. Without supportive soil, the 38-year-old pipeline was highly susceptible to failure. The emergency Indian Head Canyon Pipeline Restoration Project prevented negative environmental impacts while maintaining potable water and fire protection service to customers. Additionally, creative construction methods reduced the budget by 35 percent and decreased the project timeline from two weeks to two days.

The El Camino Real Potable Water Pipeline Replacement Project replaced approximately 4,700 linear feet of existing 12-inch diameter potable pipeline from Encinitas Boulevard to Garden View Road and 650 linear feet of 12-inch diameter pipeline between Via Molena and Mountain Vista Drive. Water service lines and fire hydrant laterals served by the existing pipelines were also replaced. OMWD worked closely with the City of Encinitas to ensure the least possible impact to the public and traffic for this critical pipeline replacement.

APWA is a professional association of public works agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA’s local chapter annually recognizes the best public works projects and professionals in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The 2022 awards recognize projects completed in 2021 and raise awareness of the necessary cooperation between public agencies, contractors, and consultants, such as architects and environmental engineers, to complete public works projects.