News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District are proud to announce that they have won the 2026 Community Engagement and Outreach Program of the Year award. This award was presented by the San Diego Section of California Water Environment Association at the January 31 CWEA Annual Awards Banquet in San Diego. The honor recognizes the three agencies’ 2025 Water Career Day, which successfully educated students and veterans about careers in water, wastewater, and recycled water.

The event brought together high school students, community college attendees, and military veterans interested in water industry careers. Each agency hosted interactive stations, demonstrated real-world infrastructure, and provided insights into the diverse career opportunities within the industry.

“We’re proud to receive this recognition for Water Career Day and to help shine a light on the rewarding careers available in the wastewater and water industry. Inspiring students today is key to building the skilled workforce needed to maintain our critical infrastructure that our communities will rely on well into the future,” noted Leucadia Wastewater District President Matthew Brown.

“This recognition for Water Career Day 2025 reflects our commitment to the community and our staff, the unsung heroes that work at the San Elijo Water Campus making clean water a way of life,” said Luke Shaffer Board President of the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority. “By welcoming students and veterans, we’re encouraging the next generation to explore careers that protect public health and the environment.”

“OMWD is proud to be recognized alongside our partner agencies for engaging with the communities we serve through collaborative outreach programs,” said OMWD Board Vice President Neal Meyers. “Water Career Day not only increased the next generation’s appreciation for careers in the water industry, but also demonstrated how teamwork among agencies can turn ideas into reality.”

The three agencies will now compete for Community Engagement and Outreach Program of the Year honors in CWEA’s statewide competition.

Founded in 1928, the California Water Environment Association is a not-for-profit association of 10,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes safe and effective work practices.