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Olivenhain Municipal Water District accepted California Water Environment Association San Diego Section’s 2025 Collection System of the Year Award for its 4S Ranch and Rancho Cielo collection system at CWEA’s awards event on January 31, 2026. The award acknowledges excellence in sewer system management.

This recognition is awarded to agencies that demonstrate high performance in system reliability, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. CWEA judging criteria include administrative and operating procedures, safety and training programs, and emergency response.

OMWD Board President Matthew Hahn said, “Winning this award is a great honor. Our wastewater team strives to provide customers with best-in-class service at the lowest sustainable cost. They are on call 365 days a year, 24/7, to protect public health and the environment.”

OMWD maintains approximately 70 miles of sewer lines and 14 pumping stations that collect, pump and transport up to two million gallons of wastewater per day to its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility for treatment. Operators routinely monitor and inspect infrastructure to identify needed repairs or rehabilitation before a break occurs. OMWD staff regularly inspects sewer lines for buildup of grease, debris, and tree roots, which can cause blockages and leaks.

CWEA is a non-profit association dedicated to educating and certifying over 10,000 wastewater professionals and promoting policies that protect water quality in California.

Back row, from left to right: CWEA Board President Kathryn Gies, OMWD Water Reclamation Facilities Supervisor John Onkka, Collection System Operator Jason Emerick, and CWEA San Diego Section President Ryan Williams. Front row, from left to right: OMWD Water Reclamation Operators Raymond Motas and Ivan Murguia.